Lives of Service

Today Malaysia mourned the deaths of two of the nation’s stalwarts in their own field, Tuan Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat and Datuk Haji Hasbullah Awang. The former was a spiritual as well as political leader, while the latter was a sports presenter. They will both be missed throughout the country.

What I can draw from both these great men’s lives is that each of them lived a life of service. Tuan Guru Nik Aziz, true to the title that people have given him, spent the most part of his life as a teacher and leader of the people, gracing people’s lives with his wisdom and knowledge (and he had a LOT of knowledge) while also being an example of moderation in practice. What it means to not let power or wealth get to one’s head and live humbly and sincerely for God and for the people. 

Datuk Haji Hasbullah Awang spent most of his life in the field of sports journalism, and has become to be known as the par excellence in his area of expertise. He lent his knowledge and interest in sports to the people of Malaysia, which is a service to the people as well. A lot of people benefited from his sharing sessions either through the radio or on the television screen, and I’m sure many go into the field holding him as one of their heroes. Much respect to the man.

And the impact that both of them had on the people across the whole country is hard to match. They are icons in their own right, and through their service to the people, have become as influential as they are regarded today. Their lives serve as an example of what one should strive towards: a life of service to the people, sharing your thoughts and your knowledge to improve the quality of the lives of the people around you, influencing them in a positive light.

If one can achieve a life like that, one shall be respected without asking for it. And that is how authentic respect is gained. By living a life doing things that make the world a better place. May we all look back at both these amazing men’s lives and be inspired to work towards positive social change, and be unrelenting while pursuing it.