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By Mihar Dias ©️ Copyright 2023
Recently, three friends, decided to attend Friday prayers at the newly built Masjid AlBukhary.
It was a beautiful mosque donated by the philanthropist Syed Mokhtar Albukhary next door to the renowned Victoria Institute in Kuala Lumpur.
The friends were excited to experience the spiritual tranquillity of the place and to reconnect with their faith on this unusually hot afternoon.
As they entered the mosque, they were greeted with a sense of serenity. The golden rays of the sun filtered through the intricate stained glass windows, casting a colourful glow over the prayer hall. The atmosphere was filled with a peaceful ambience that instantly put their minds at ease. Age compelled them to sit on chairs made available for seniors who have difficulty praying on the floor.
The prayer hall of the mosque was quickly filled up mostly by foreign workers employed around Pudu and the Bukit Bintang area.
After prayers, the friends were approached by the imam, Ali Al Hafiz hails from Myanmar, a warm and welcoming man who extended an invitation for them to join him for lunch, which he had personally prepared for them and his colleagues Imam Refaii and Imam Syed Lufty that day. The friends felt honoured and eagerly accepted the invitation, curious to taste the imam's special cooking.
They followed the imam to a small, beautifully adorned dining room adjacent to the imam's office.
The aroma of spices wafted through the air, enticing their taste buds and making their stomachs rumble with anticipation. The imam had prepared a simple yet mouthwatering meal of curried red snapper, accompanied by a variety of vegetables and sambal, Myanmar-Rohingga style—a delectable dish known for its unique blend of flavors.
The friends sat down at a table adorned with a vibrant tablecloth and some traditional cuttletry. The imam himself served them with utmost care, making sure they had generous portions of the fragrant curried red snapper and an array of colourful vegetables cooked to perfection. The sambal which is a blend of salted fish with green chilies fried with shallots giving it a hint of tanginess and spiciness, added a delightful kick to the entire meal, positively enhancing the taste of the curried red snapper.
As they savoured each bite, the friends couldn't help but express their admiration for the imam's culinary skills. They marvelled at the tender and flavorful red snapper, the richness of the curry, and the harmony of the spices. They couldn't resist complimenting the imam on his culinary prowess, thanking him profusely for inviting them to share such a delicious meal.
During their lunch, they engaged in heartfelt conversations with the imam. They discussed their shared love for their community and the importance of unity among its members. The imam shared stories of the mosque's construction from a simple wooden structure and how it had become a centre for the local community to come together, fostering a sense of belonging and brotherhood.
As the meal came to an end, the friends expressed their gratitude once again, acknowledging the imam's kindness and generosity. They left the mosque with their hearts full, not only from the scrumptious meal but also from the connections they had forged and the spiritual nourishment they had received.
From that day forward, thd three friends held a special place in their hearts for Masjid AlBukhary and its most hospitable imam. They often visited the mosque, not only for prayers but also to engage with the community and contribute to its growth. The memory of that simple yet delightful lunch remained etched in their minds, reminding them of the power of friendship, faith, and the joy of sharing a meal together.
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