Norlidah (fourth left) presents the award to Nooraidah.
KOTA KINABALU: A 49-year-old mother of five children was awarded Anugerah Sayidatina Aisyah by Wanita USIA in conjunction with this year’s Maal Hijrah 1438H celebration.
Nooraidah Hidayah Dakun, who hails from Tambunan, felt surprised and happy after being given the award as she did not expect it.
She shared with the media the challenges she faced before embracing Islam as she came from a non-Muslim family.
Appearing in a custom-made traditional Dusun costume, she said that it showed an Islamic image using the traditional costume.
Nooraidah said she came from a Dusun family, which has traditions and customs that are not in line with Islamic way of life, especially in terms of alcoholic drinks and food that are prohibited in Islam.
However, she has an eager heart to know about Islam in order to know about being safe in life as well as the afterlife.
“I believe every religion teaches good and positive things and I respect all religions that we have in Sabah. However, my heart is at ease and firm with Islam. So, I embraced Islam but at the same time I also respect my previous religion as well as my parents and other family members,” she said.
Nooraidah, who is also Penggerak Dakwah USIA, also said that she did not stop learning about Islam and was currently continuing her Master’s studies in Islamic subject at Open University here, which is expected to be completed in December.
Currently Nooraidah is residing in Keningau with her husband, who is a lecturer at Maktab Perguruan Keningau.
Meanwhile, Anugerah Bahagian Wanita USIA Cemerlang was also awarded to Aishah OKK Zainal, 60, who hails from Tawau.
She acted as chief of Wanita USIA for Tawau Division and also works as part-time tutor at Open University.
The awards were presented by the wife of the Head of State Toh Puan Hajah Norlidah Tan Sri Datuk RM Jasni.
Earlier, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun in her speech said that the awards were given as a recognisation and appreciation of the efforts and struggle of Wanita USIA.
She said that Anugerah Sayidatina Aisyah was chosen because of the Prophet Muhammad’s SAW wife, Sayidatina Aisyah Abu Bakar
As-Sidiq’s contributions to Islam.
Azizah also said that the awards could be a catalyst to produce more preachers who are wise, a good role model and using the methods and techniques that are effective in attracting the public, especially the younger generation in the delivery of the teachings of Islam.
A talk was also delivered by Sabah Mukti Datuk Bungsu Aziz Jaafar while Ikhlas Group performed a nasyid performance during the event, held at USIA Tower, 1Borneo Hypermall here yesterday.
Also present was Tun Sakaran Dandai.