Elly Mazlein Embraces Change, Trusts Allah’s Plan

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- After nearly two years of going through a hijrah phase with her decision to wear the hijab, singer Elly Mazlein is now calmer as she embraces the changes in her life—viewing them as a process of maturity that has reshaped her principles and personal approach in the entertainment industry.

Although she previously faced the loss of job offers and the cancellation of projects following her decision, Elly Mazlein, 45, who is also an actress, admitted that the early stage of adjustment was not easy.

However, the Slim River, Perak-born artiste is grateful that her sustenance has now returned—strengthening her confidence to continue moving forward with that conviction.

Describing her earlier career journey as a test that taught her to remain positive and to trust in God’s plans, the entertainer, whose real name is Sharifah Aida Mazlina Syed Hanafi, admitted she once went through a period of confusion.

Choosing to “stay quiet for a while” to find balance between her personal identity and work demands, the Kampung People comedy-drama actress said the process helped her understand the boundaries she must observe without sacrificing her own personality.

“If it’s only for payment that I have to remove my hijab, then where is our dignity as Muslim women? Allah’s sustenance is vast and can come from anywhere. As a Muslim woman, Kak Lina does not have to stop working.

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“We can go out and earn a living as usual, we just need to know our limits. I believe Allah tested me for a while, and after that, the sustenance comes one after another. Allah is the best planner,” she told reporters after being appointed as ambassador for Jakel’s 2026 Hari Raya clothing line here.

Emphasising that the change has not diminished her cheerful nature, but instead shaped a more balanced version of herself who is more aware of responsibilities, the Gerak Khas actress said job offers have begun coming in again, including contract extensions and several new collaborations.

Hoping to remain steadfast in her decision for the rest of her life, Elly Mazlein, who is also a television host, expressed appreciation for the professionalism of TV stations and production teams who respect her appearance by offering roles aligned with the boundaries she has set.

In line with her hijrah journey, the singer—best known for the song Janji Kekasih—said she is now more careful in her principles and speech, while still wanting to remain active in the arts industry, which has been her source of livelihood for nearly three decades.

To her, her appearance today is no longer merely about outward change, but part of a process of personal maturity that has taught her about boundaries, empathy, and responsibility as a Muslim woman working in the entertainment industry.

“Kak Lina tries to be careful in choosing words because everyone has their own background and life journey. What matters is that we are aware of our responsibilities and continue striving to become better.

“Kak Lina herself is still learning and adjusting. What I’m doing today is an effort to improve myself—not to show off or to teach others,” she said, adding that the changes she has gone through did not happen overnight, but came through awareness and continuous effort to better herself.

-- BERNAMA