MAKKAH: Popular actress Lisdawati, who is currently in the Holy Land to perform the haj, shared her spiritual journey after being selected as one of Malaysia's 31,600 pilgrims this year.
When met by reporters here, 45-year-old Lisdawati, whose real name Nisdawati Nazaruddin, shed tears of happiness and gratitude as she did not expect to be chosen as a dhuyufurrahman (guest of Allah) with her mother, Risda Chalidi, 67, for this year's haj season.
Realising her lack of religious knowledge, Lisdawati said she sought the help of a religious teacher to educate her on the matter in order to obtain a mabrur (accepted by Allah) haj before departing for the Holy Land on May 22.
"I understand that as a servant of Allah, we need to return to Him. I have committed sins. I am seeking forgiveness from Allah and hope to obtain a Mabrur haj," she said in tears, adding that she also asked several acquaintances who had performed the haj to get an overview and advice on performing the pilgrimage.
Asked if she will continue her career as an actress after this pilgrimage, she said she would continue to earn a living in that field because it is her main source of income to support her family.
However, Lisdawati said she would set conditions such as covering her modesty and maintaining boundaries as a Muslim in selecting a role to play.-- Bernama