DUNGUN: The imam of the religious centre at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) struggled to hold back his tears while reciting prayers after the funeral service for the three university students who died in an accident outside the university in Kampung Sura Hujung last night.
Muhammad Adam Ali found it difficult to continue and paused several times during the prayer.
He shared that he envisioned the circumstances of the victims, who he said were of the same age as his own children, and the faces of the victims' family members.
"Throughout my 10 years as an imam, including two years here, this is the first time I have led a funeral for so many individuals, and under such tragic circumstances.
"It involves three students who were in the pursuit of knowledge, so during the funeral prayer, I felt a deep sadness thinking about their condition last night.
"I also felt emotional thinking about those whom I regard as my own children," he said.
"This is what brought forth my emotions while leading the funeral prayer for the three deceased.
"As an imam, I urge everyone to join me in praying for their ease as they face Allah SWT and for strength for the families in facing this trial," he stated.
It is estimated that over 1,000 people attended the funeral prayers for the three students.
In the incident yesterday, the four students on two motorcycles were rammed into by a SUV driven by a woman.
The victims were identified as Ku Adib Aizad Ku Azmi, 20, and Khairil Anuar Jamaluddin, 20, who are accounting students and Mohd Akhmal Tukirin, 20, who is a hospitality major.