A Malaysian centenarian, who had been caring for her 63-year-old disabled son, passed away on Friday, August 7.

Md Diah, 101, who had no prior record of chronic illness, died at her niece’s home in Kampung Bukit Nambua with her son, Abdul Rahman Saud, by her side.

Relative Siti Jaleha Yunus told The Star that Md Diah had been Saud’s primary caretaker since the passing of her husband 20-years ago.

“We told Rahman that his mother has passed on. Although he is mentally and physically challenged, he seems to understand and has remained silent and withdrawn,” she said.

Saud is Md Diah’s youngest son, two of her other children died during infancy and a third passed at the age of 23.

In a report for Asia One just last year Md Diah said about her son, “He loves to eat fried chicken rice.

“We only have each other. I hope I don’t die before him because there would be nobody to take care of him.”

The remarkable spirit of sacrifice shown by Md Diah was recognized on Mother’s Day last May, and she was decorated with the 2015 Excellent Mother Award.

“My son has never been a burden. Since he was a baby, I bathed, fed and put on his clothes for him,” Md Diah was quoted as stating in an OnIslam.net report.

“I will take care of him forever. I love him,” she said.

After receiving the award, the photo of Md Diah hugging and kissing her disabled son went viral on social media with over a million likes.

Malaysia has a population of nearly 26 million; approximately 60 percent of which are Muslim.

In Islam, people with special needs should be given due respect and attention. They should be cared for.

All their needs should be fulfilled and they should not be isolated as they are an integral part of society.

Both Muslim individuals and communities must try their best to help those with special needs and disabilities with whatever means they have. ONISLAM