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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright November 2023
Commuting is a ubiquitous part of daily life in Japan, the United States, and across most of Europe, often consuming hours of our precious time.
Personally, I've spent hours commuting on the Long Island Rail Road between Port Jefferson and New York City in the 1960s, as well as between Brussels and Paris or Manchester-London on British Rail for work.
However, amid the hustle and bustle of daily travel, a post on an Arau-Butterworth ETS train in Malaysia (2019) adds a unique dimension to the commuting experience.
A captivating photo shared by Siakap Keli on Facebook captures a group of men in work attire, prayer mats laid out on the floor of an ETS train coach hurtling from Arau to Butterworth The caption beneath the photo narrates a poignant moment: “At precisely 5.49 am, the men suddenly stood up to perform their subuh prayers on the moving express train.”
For Azila's friend, who photographed the scene, it was a first-time witness to such a remarkable event.
Overwhelmed, she shared, “Oh, my God, I am crying inside to see Malaysians who struggle to make a living and are yet still true to their faith, not forgetting their duty.”
In a world where most are still nestled in the warmth of their beds at that early hour, these commuters have woven a routine into their daily grind.
Travelling back and forth between Arau and Butterworth in pursuit of their livelihoods, they demonstrate a profound commitment to both their work and their faith.
It's a powerful reminder that amidst the monotony of daily commutes, there are individuals who, against the backdrop of moving landscapes, find solace in connecting with their spirituality.
As the wheels of the train turn, so do their prayers, highlighting the resilience and unwavering dedication of those who navigate life's journey, both physically and spiritually, with grace.
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