Blind For 38 Years, Retired Teacher Fulfils Dream Of Performing Haj Pilgrimage

From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan

MAKKAH, May 30 (Bernama) -- Amidst the sea of ​​millions of pilgrims gathered in the Holy Land, a woman’s heart overflowed with gratitude as she fulfilled a lifelong dream, despite having lost her sight for the past 38 years.

Zawiah Mohamad, 62, a former mathematics teacher, has been blind since the age of 24 after battling glaucoma that began affecting her vision at 16. Yet, standing in the sacred precincts of Masjidil Haram, she considers herself immensely blessed.

“Words cannot describe how much Allah loves me. Even though I was tested with the loss of my sight, which was never mine, but loaned by Him, I remain content. As long as I have this breath, and granted the chance to set foot in the Grand Mosque as a Duyufurrahman, I am thankful. Insya Allah, I will proceed with the Masyair in a few days,” she shared with reporters here.

Zawiah reflected on a difficult chapter of her life when doctors urged her to terminate her pregnancy and undergo immediate eye surgery to save her vision. But driven by faith and maternal instinct, she refused.

“I got married in December 1986 and found out I was expecting in August 1987. Towards the end of September that year, I developed a high fever, severe headaches, and it felt as if needles were piercing my eyes. I couldn’t open them at all.

“Then, on the morning of September 26, the pain subsided. I tried to open my eyes, but everything was dark,” she recounted with a trembling voice.

Despite the hardship, Zawiah safely gave birth to her first son on May 6, 1988, a moment she considers one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Accompanied by her husband Mohd Isa Yakob, 62, and their two daughters, Nor Salehah Mohd Isa, 36, and Faizah Suaida Mohd Isa, 25, Zawiah also holds on to hope for a miracle — the restoration of her sight.

“Actually, I always hope to be able to see again because to me, nothing is impossible for Allah. If Allah wills for my sight to return, then let it be. But if this condition (being blind) is what’s best for me, then I am at peace with it,” she said.

Nor Salehah, the second of four siblings and a nursing student, even postponed her studies to accompany and care for her mother during the pilgrimage.

Throughout their time in Makkah, Nor Salehah took on not just the role of a dutiful escort but also ensured every aspect of her mother’s worship was carried out smoothly and with dignity.

“Mum has never seen the four children she gave birth to, so I pray that Allah accepts her worship and grants me the strength to support her in this pilgrimage,” said Nor Salehah, her words full of heartfelt devotion.

-- BERNAMA