By Zakiah Senin
One of the programmes that has always drawn volunteers is reaching out to the homeless in the heart of bustling Kuala Lumpur. Usually, we distribute free food and drinks to them.
During those moments, we are reminded to communicate with gentleness and respect. We are also told that sometimes they refuse to talk, some quickly walk away, while others are lighthearted enough to share pieces of their life stories.
Close to 11 p.m., we met an elderly man on the sidewalk, seemingly preparing to sleep. He looked neat and dignified, dressed in a collared shirt and slacks.
As we approached, he smiled warmly, almost inviting us to sit with him. We handed him some food and stayed for a while to keep him company.
“Thank you…” he said, smiling broadly.
As the “handsome uncle” was finishing his meal, he spoke: “In this world, there are all kinds of people. Sometimes we think we already know them, but in truth, we don’t.
“Instead, they may know us completely. Be careful, especially if you are kind-hearted. It’s good to do good, but be wise. In joy, don’t let emotions carry you away.
“Don’t rush into decisions that may lead to endless regret. Never seek enemies, for it is our own hearts that will be troubled.”
We sat in silence, as if nailed to the spot, waiting for his next words.
“This is my story. Take it as a lesson.” His voice was soft, almost breaking.
He admitted that it was hard to accept the reality he was facing, but he knew this was a path he had to walk with resilience.
He confessed it was his own fault. Just three days earlier, he had been thrown out of his own home by the wife he married only a year ago. Left with nothing. Cast aside like a stray dog.
It wasn’t that he had no children from his first marriage to turn to. But he was too ashamed. When he had expressed his wish to remarry, his children had strongly opposed it. They gave him an ultimatum: choose between them or his beloved.
“I chose her over my children.”
In his eagerness to prove his love for the woman admired by many men, he transferred all his property to her without a second thought. Now, regret is beyond words.
Even if he cried tears of blood, it would be of no use. To him, though the suffering is bitter and painful, he knows… Allah is teaching him to return in humility.
We remained quiet — out of sympathy, out of understanding.
Before we rose to leave and give him space to rest, he said: “My children, strive to speak kindly when you are with your parents. Understand their feelings and honour them.
“If you disagree, take time to talk again. Don’t give up too easily in expressing what you believe is right. Don’t let pride consume you, even when you feel challenged.
“Children, no matter how angry you may be, remember this: the blood flowing in your veins comes from your mother and father. Give them a chance, for they too are just human — like you — fallible and imperfect.”
We stayed silent still, not only in understanding but because, at that moment, we began to reflect upon ourselves.
(My thoughts on volunteerism — something deeply personal and principled to me — are also contained in my book, Suka Rela Sukar Lawan, published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in 2024. For any inquiries, please contact zakiahsenin@gmail.com.)
Zakiah Seninis is a lead volunteer with Yayasan SALAM Malaysia, an NGO dedicated to volunteerism in Malaysia for the past 30 years.