JOHOR BARU: Faith and race were never barriers for Muhammad Darshanan Sabapathy and Syafina Shamsuddin, whose friendship blossomed into love and eventually marriage.
The couple from Kulai were among 15 newlywed couples who tied the knot in a mass nikah (solemnisation) ceremony held at Masjid Sultan Iskandar in Bandar Dato Onn here yesterday.
They first met while working at a factory in Kulai three years ago, where they became friends before their relationship gradually deepened.
“Syafina is a kind-hearted and loving person,” said Muhammad Darshanan, who now works as a lorry driver delivering vegetables to Singapore daily.
“She’s also a great cook. She will pack food for me to bring along on my trips to Singapore.”
Having embraced Islam in May this year, Muhammad Darshanan said his family fully accepted his decision to marry Syafina.
The 22-year-old said they plan to hold a wedding reception for family and friends in January next year.
Syafina, 25, said her husband’s sincerity and sense of responsibility impressed her parents.
“He personally met my parents to ask for their permission to marry me, and they agreed,” she said.
Syafina said her husband’s favourite dish is ayam masak kicap, which she often prepares for him before he leaves for work.
“Because of his busy schedule, we usually meet for a date about twice a week,” she said.
The couple are now looking forward to moving into their new home in Kulai, which Muhammad Darshanan bought in preparation for their life together.
“We are excited to start our new life as husband and wife,” said Syafina.
The ceremony, officially known as the Nikah Jama’i ceremony under the Mahabbah Carnival of the An-Nur Mosque Network 2025, was organised by Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Bhd (Waqaf An-Nur).
Waqaf An-Nur governance division head Mohd Aris Amin said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the spirit of Islamic family life while helping underprivileged couples celebrate their union in a meaningful and blessed setting.
“Each couple only paid RM500 to participate in the ceremony and were allowed to bring 18 close family members to witness their special day.
“They were also provided with a wedding dais, refreshments and wedding gifts,” he added.
Mohd Aris said the event was also held in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Waqaf An-Nur, as part of efforts to reinforce the mosque’s role as a community hub for the Muslim community.
