By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 29: Meet 42-year-old Aidil Fitri Zainal Abidin—yes, you read that right—whose name is a source of identity, pride, and joy.
According to Bernama, he said his late mother, Mazni Abdul Hamid, named him ‘Aidil Fitri’ as he was born on 1 Syawal 1983 at Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban.
“My name is more than just a name—it represents something that brings joy to people. Whenever someone hears my name, they immediately think of celebration, happiness, and togetherness, so I should be proud of it.
“Of course, when I was in school, I used to feel shy because my name was associated with the festive season, but over time, I got used to it. Even now, my friends still tease me, saying I celebrate Aidilfitri every day,” said the self-employed Paroi native.
Aidil Fitri told reporters this during a breaking of fast event at Seremban recently.
Blessed with three children of his own, he said they now face a similar situation, as his name often invokes playful teasing among their friends.
However, Aidil Fitri does not view it negatively and takes it as an opportunity to teach his children to embrace their unique name.
“I always remind my children that this name carries great meaning. Not everyone has a name that makes people smile when they hear it,” he said.
Recalling the story of his birth, Aidil Fitri said his late mother told him she felt labour pains after performing the Aidilfitri prayers on 1 Syawal. Aidil Fitri, the third of seven siblings, was born at 5pm that day.
“At the time, my late father, Zainal Abidin Abdullah Zaid, wanted to add ‘Mohd’ at the beginning of my name, while my late grandmother suggested ‘Syawal’. After some discussion, they finally decided on ‘Aidil Fitri’,” he said. — DayakDaily
