'There must be a reason Allah arranged it this way' - Lisa Surihani

Fans of Datin Lisa Surihani would know that her involvement as an actress was not as how it used to be. Now, she focuses on being a brand ambassador.

"Alhamdulillah I am thankful for the offers I received (as product ambassador) were more in line with families or modern 'moms' such as Daia, it fits my image and my status as a mother.

"Even so, I'm not reckless in accepting all offers that come. The offers would be viewed from various angles and it must bring benefits on both sides," she said.

The conversation dived into her latest developments in the acting scene which had brought a strong name for her and she stated she has yet to completely set a stop for her career.

"I have never stated I wanted to retire. The issue of waiting for my children to grow up before going back never came up. Currently, I haven't returned to the set. Insya-Allah soon I will partner with a host for an innovative show.

"The question of whether or not I miss acting, I think if it's written there must be a reason why Allah arranged it this way. I'm now at a level of good faith with what's written. I believe in Allah's qada' and qadar," she said.

She spoke about her role as a mother of three children Yahaira Leanne, 8; Yusof Leonne, 6, and Yunos Laith, 3.

"I'm now more focused on the children especially Yunos who's still young, but it does not mean that I have to be at home all the time. I am still busy with other work matters including my role as an ambassador which requires my commitment," she said.

Lisa expressed how she spends more of her time attending religious classes and focusing on her well-being.

In the past, it was more about pursuing life, but now it is on maintaining life and that has made me grateful," she said in an article by Sinar Plus.

Malaysians realised that Lisa's life transition started in 2019 after returning from performing her Umrah pilgrimage.

"Istiqamah is not something simple as all of it comes from the permission from our Creator. As humans having different understandings and capacities including the influence of the closest people can help us continue to istiqamah (consistency).

"Everything comes from Allah SWT. That's why we have to pray besides following it up with good and sincere intentions," she said.

She admitted she was not perfect and was not worthy of being an example for other women who are committed to change for the better.

"We have to remember what our original intent was. My advice to you is to take Rasulullah SAW as an idol. Learn about him and his companions. Read the stories of his wives and make them the best lessons and examples.

Lisa was asked about her perspectives about celebrities in the art field diverged despite initially proclaiming their determination to wear a hijab.

"We pray for them. I myself am not perfect. We don't know what's in their hearts and what they were going through. We don't even know what they're doing in the middle of the night and what they pray for.

"We don't need to think about their issues. Pray for the best for them and always think positively," she said.

"A message to everyone and myself as well, who associate ourselves with, especially friends are the ones who mirror ourselves. They will also help us to get to heaven," she said.

The interview then talked about the topic of her three children and who have grown up and her face lit up when talking about Yahaira, Yusof, and Yunos with how busy it is at home she is glad that there were other family members at home to help her.

"When it comes to sharing time with the children I'm grateful because my mother is helpful in all situations. Other than my mother, my brother, and my husband have made matters easier.

"Despite how busy it is at home, I am still a mother and mothers are the earliest up and the last to sleep," she said.

Would her children be given a chance to step into the art industry?

"If given a choice I wouldn't encourage it and I would like them to choose another field. As a mother I want my children to be good and religious. I want them to choose something that would bring benefits and would bring them closer to Allah SWT," she said.

Lisa's stance remained strong and she said in the question of raising her children she has to be firm.

"The question of who was more fierce (in educating our children), we as a husband and wife are a team, sometimes it (the strictness) comes from my husband and sometimes I take the reigns," she said while letting out a chuckle.