MECCA – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s daughter, Datuk Nurulhidayah, has wed the love of her life, Datuk Saiful Nizam Mohd Yusoff, in Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque of Mecca) in a private ceremony today (June 20), at 10am, Saudi Arabia time.
The mother-of-three looked demure dressed in an off-white jubbah by local designer Sara Jamaludin, while her husband, clad in matching off-white traditional Baju Melayu was calm as he recited his vows in just one attempt when her father, who acted as her wali (legal guardian) performed the akad nikah (solemnisation).
The solemnisation was also witnessed by Malaysian Consulate General to Jeddah Datuk Mohammad Ali Selamat, and the pair smiled broadly when they were pronounced as husband and wife.
Saiful presented Nurulhidayah with a ring and Saudi Riyal 3,800 (RM4,340), while her parents reciprocated by presenting a watch to the groom.
Present were between 20-30 guests, which include family members, among other high-profile guests, that were seen at the grand venue.
Photos show crowds of people were gathered near the mosque in Mecca’s busiest time of the year, while some famous faces like Datuk Siti Nurhaliza with her husband Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, were also spotted at the couple’s ceremony.
Saiful, 47, had met Nurulhidayah earlier in February this year for work, when the pair were involved in a business dealing together, after the passing of the 38-year-old’s late husband (Datuk Syed Alman Zain Syed Alwi) in June last year.
The businessman had asked for her hand in marriage four months ago, after getting consent from Nurulhidayah’s parents.
“I’m grateful this marriage is blessed by my parents and I’m happy to find love once again.
“Alhamdulillah, everything went smooth sailing since we met each other. It’s too good to be true,” Nurulhidayah exclusively told Malaysian Digest.
Nurulhidayah, who dubs Saiful her soulmate says, they both specifically chose the sacred land as they believe it is a special place to mark their significant moment.
“We are truly blessed to wed in Mecca, as it is both Saiful and my dream wedding venue.
“We chose this date as it is one of the last 10 days in Ramadan (the 25th Ramadan), and not only does it fall in the holy month, but it is the most blessed time in the Islamic calendar,” she expressed.
Recalling the time she let her parents in on her intention to remarry, Nurulhidayah shared her relief when her mother, Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis, whom she says is usually very stern, happily agreed.
“My mother had a heart-to-heart talk with Saiful for hours prior to giving me the green light,” she recounted.
“I couldn’t be happier to have him as the father to my children, and I know he will be a good father figure for them.
“What attracted me most about him is his dedication towards his Creator. Seeing him being the responsible man that he is to his Creator, makes me believe he is the man that can be responsible in guiding me to become a better person in this life and the hereafter,” she said.
Ahead of the ceremony, Nurulhidayah had posted teasers of the one she calls her ‘imam’ on her Instagram account leaving many followers guessing who will be the man of her choice. However after their matrimony, the answer is finally revealed.
When asked what he liked most about his wife, Saiful responded: “I like her infectious laughter, the way we communicate; I like that we can be open and honest with one another, because in a relationship, it’s most important that we have trust in each other.”
“Initially, when I asked for her hand in marriage, she was reluctant and told me if I was serious I would meet with her parents first, and so I did. Now, I’m glad to have their blessing and I’m happy that we are finally together,” he recounted to Malaysian Digest.
The newlyweds will return from Mecca this Friday (June 23) and will have a private wedding ceremony in two months’ time which will be held in a location to be confirmed.
-mD
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