Mass wedding unique experience for couple

KUCHING: Some dream of grand and elaborate wedding ceremonies while others aspire for a simple yet meaningful one.

But for Ali Padel and Suriyani Suib, their solemnisation was unique — it was attended by a minister and other prominent figures at the ‘Akad Semarak Ummah 2023’ event.

Participating in the programme, the couple excitedly shared their experience despite it being their second marriage.

Ali, 52, shared how they participated in the event organised by the Kuching Islamic Religious Office, Islamic Religious Department Sarawak (JAIS), and Darul Hana Kuching Mosque.
 
“I had no idea about this programme. It’s a blessing for both of us.
 
“Initially, we just wanted to register for marriage next year. But when I learned about this programme at the JAIS office, I asked my partner. She agreed, and we decided to join,” he said.

Suriyani, who is 45, said they planned to marry in February next year, during the school holidays, considering Ali’s role as a senior assistant for student affairs at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Beladin.

She was grateful that their marriage process was completed a week before the ceremony.

“We didn’t plan to join this programme. But perhaps Allah had destined us to marry earlier than planned, so we just joined, even though we knew we were older than most couples. Thankfully, today the programme went smoothly,” she said.

Ali said that they had known each other for a short time of only 8 months having met at the Aminuddin Baki Institute (IAB) Sarawak branch, where Suriyani worked as an administrative assistant.

“We’re just excited to experience this mass wedding. That’s the experience I want to have.

“Moreover, this event is attended by VVIPs. If we organise our own ceremony, it’s difficult to invite VVIPs,” said Ali.

In the course of their previous marriages, Ali and Suriyani each had three children.

In the ‘Akad Semarak Ummah 2023’ programme, there were 29 other newlyweds besides Ali and Suriyani.

The festive event took place at Darul Hana Kuching Mosque and was attended by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor Hilmy Othman, and State Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) Director Hamdan Jar’ee.

Also present were the Islamic Religious Officer of JAIS Kuching Division Ustaz Helmi Nahrawi, Kuching Navy representative Lieutenant Commander Mohamad Thomas Anggom Abdullah, Deputy Chairman of Darul Hana Mosque Trust Board Nor-E-Fadzwie Salleh, and Deputy Grand Imam of the State Mosque of Sarawak Muhammad Ihsan Haidzir.