How a student’s gesture sparked teacher’s Raya card collection

2026-03-24 - 23:31

Hafizul with his Raya card collection, which includes those sent by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and members of the Pahang and Terengganu royal families. (Bernama pic) MUAR: For teacher Hafizul Syarafi Mohd Noor, a simple Hari Raya card from a student became the start of something deeply meaningful. The 36-year-old, who teaches visual arts and Malay at Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Suria here, still remembers the first card he received in 2020, which had been handmade by a student with disabilities. What touched him most was not just the gesture but the effort behind it. The student continued sending a card every year, turning a small act into a lasting tradition. “These cards are special because they are not bought, they are made with care,” he said. “They are unique, and I keep every one of them.” That first card has since grown into a collection of around 400 Raya cards, sent by individuals, organisations and even dignitaries. Among them are cards from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the King of Malaysia; the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; and members of the Pahang and Terengganu royal families. He has also received greetings from politicians abroad, including from Indonesia. Yet, for Hafizul, the true value of the collection lies beyond the names attached to it: it is about preserving a gesture that carries thought, effort and sincerity. “We need to value what others give us. These cards carry memories and meaning,” he said, adding that he shares his collection with his students so they, too, can appreciate what they represent. “These cards also teach children to express themselves, to write with kindness and respect,” he added. Hafizul’s collection began with this handmade Raya card by a student with disabilities. (Bernama pic) Furthermore, collecting cards has become a form of therapy for Hafizul. “It calms me and at the same time helps me connect with more people,” he said. Hafizul hopes to keep growing his collection for as long as he can, which can be challenging in an age where digital greetings have become more common. But to him, handwritten cards hold a warmth that cannot be replaced. That appreciation may already be finding its way to the next generation: his eight-year-old son has begun showing interest and eagerly helps him open each Raya card envelope when it arrives. In those small moments, Hafizul sees more than just a shared hobby – he sees a tradition quietly being passed on.