Sabahan Muslim Responds to Criticism for Visiting Christian Grandma’s Grave on All Souls Day 

Source: World Of Buzz

A woman in Sabah is facing backlash online after visiting her Christian grandmother’s grave in Lahad Datu for All Souls Day (November 2). The criticism intensified after the woman, a Muslim, was seen lighting candles at the Christian cemetery, with some calling her actions “stupid for content” on the MALAYSIA MOST VIRAL X page.

While many criticized her for participating in All Souls Day, others defended her, noting that in Sabah and Sarawak, it’s common for people to have multiracial family members, making such acts more culturally accepted. The woman, identified as Si Miss Nena, responded to the hate on her TikTok, explaining that she had traveled to Lahad Datu for other reasons when her mother asked her to visit her late grandmother’s grave.

Her mother, who had recently dreamt of her late mother, asked her to light candles and leave flowers as a token of respect. Si Miss Nena clarified that while she was at the cemetery, she noticed other Muslim women also visiting their family members’ graves, and she only followed her mother’s wishes.

“I didn’t do any rituals or have any intentions to,” she said. “I just did as I was instructed and took pictures.” She also addressed the criticism coming from Peninsular Malaysia, explaining that in Sabah and Sarawak, such practices are viewed as signs of respect rather than religious participation. Si Miss Nena acknowledged that she didn’t fully understand the implications at the time but now realizes that lighting candles could be seen as conflicting with Muslim practices. However, she urged people to approach such issues with respect and understanding. “If you want to say something, say it politely,” she said, encouraging fellow Muslims to offer constructive feedback, instead of harsh comments. “You can say, ‘Actually you cannot do this, but it’s okay, maybe it was done without intentions.’” Si Miss Nena’s message calls for greater tolerance and a more thoughtful approach to interfaith understanding.