18 hours Ago By RIDZUAN ABDUL RAHMAN
KUALA LUMPUR: Legendary singer Datuk Jamal Abdillah is grateful to experience the joyous and festive Aidilfitri celebration with his large family.The popular 66-year-old artiste, and his wife, Datin Zai Izzati Khiruddin, 29, celebrated Aidilfitri with their six children: Osama Yamani, 24; Nur Azura Yamani, 6; EI Isaac Yamani, 5; Iskandar Rayyan Yamani, 3; Rahil Laura Salsabila Yamani, 2; and three-month-old Magdalena Yamani.Notably, his second son, Ahmad Zaki Yamani, 19, celebrated with his mother, Fatimatuzahra Samat, and was unable to join the family gathering.
In the lead-up to Aidilfitri, Jamal and his family returned to Ipoh, where he sold fresh meat from his cattle farm at affordable prices."I set up a stall near the Ipoh City Council Square, opposite Ipoh Parade, to offer beef below market prices to the public," Jamal told Harian Metro."My aim is to assist those struggling with the high cost of living.
This is the second time I've done this, and it has been very well-received. I also have a home in Meru, Ipoh."Jamal expressed his happiness at being able to spend quality time with his children and contribute to charity through the meat sale, all while tending to his farm.
"I usually receive singing offers during the second day of Raya, and sometimes even perform at the Prime Minister's and other celebrities' open houses on the first day," he said."I'm grateful for the blessings of Syawal and have tried to balance my commitments with celebrating Raya with my young children. However, traveling with five small children can be challenging.
"He acknowledged that this is his usual routine, and he appreciates the support of his wife, housekeeper, and Osama."Their help makes everything smoother. While there are moments of both joy and exhaustion, dealing with their needs, it's all manageable," he said, noting his close bond with EI Isaac and Laura.
Zai Izzati, juggling her role as the wife of a famous singer and mother to a large family, emphasised the need for patience."Life with my children is full of joy, but it requires a lot of patience. They have a healthy respect for their father.
"They do have normal kid moments of being upset, but it passes quickly," she said.Zai Izatti added: "During Raya, we typically visit other people's homes, so I don't cook much.""I only cook when my mother is around.
Also, if Jamal has a performance, we avoid going to Raya visits to avoid disturbing his work, unless suitable accommodation is provided for us to rest and care for the children."Osama, Jamal's eldest son, usually celebrates Aidilfitri with his mother, Noraina Mohd Yusof, at Kampung Pintu Gerbang in Beruas, Perak, before joining his father and siblings."It was fun spending time with my younger siblings; they're so adorable.
They call me 'brader'," he said. Osama added: "We're all close, especially Rayyan. Zaki and I are also very close.
I'm grateful for my family, and that's my guiding principle as the eldest child."© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
