Grave of UPSI student Nurly cordoned off amid superstition concerns
The overwhelming influx of visitors has led to troubling incidents.
SHAH ALAM – The family of the late hafizah, Nurly Sahirah Azman, has erected a barrier around her grave to curb inappropriate behaviour by visitors, prompting religious authorities to issue a public reminder on proper conduct at burial grounds.
Nurly Sahirah, 23, a student at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), died in a tragic bus accident near Tasik Banding, Gerik, on June 9.
Her death moved the nation, especially after it was reported she passed away while holding a Quran and that her body emitted a pleasant fragrance, attributes often associated with piety in Islamic tradition.
Since her burial at the Kampung Gong Pasir Muslim Cemetery in Kerandang, Terengganu, hundreds have visited her grave and family home to pay their respects.
Many came to view her handwritten Quran and honour her commitment as a hafizah who routinely reviewed and transcribed verses to deepen her memorisation.
However, the overwhelming influx of visitors has led to troubling incidents.
Some individuals reportedly collected soil from her grave, storing it in plastic bags or smearing it on children’s faces in the belief that it bore spiritual blessings.
Ahmad Nazrul Muhammad, a community activist with Pertubuhan Amal Komuniti Besut, confirmed that the family decided to cordon off the area with a rope barrier to prevent further desecration.
“We’re not stopping anyone from visiting. People are still welcome to come and offer prayers but please, behave with dignity.
“When we visit a grave, we pray for the deceased. It is not a place to seek favours from the departed,” he said.
The Besut District Religious Office reportedly begun monitoring the site and would take strict action against those found engaging in superstitious or un-Islamic practices.
Night-time patrols are also expected to be carried out periodically.
The situation has drawn national attention, including a strong statement from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Na’im reminded Muslims to observe proper adab when visiting burial sites and warned against turning graves into sources of superstition or self-promotion.
"I have followed news reports about certain individuals allegedly taking soil from the grave of Nurly Shahirah Azman in the belief that it brings blessings. Such action is deplorable and goes against the principles of Islamic faith," he said.
He warned that behaviours such as smearing grave soil on faces or attributing mystical powers to the deceased border on shirk (associating partners with God) and deviate from the tenets of Islam.
"I support the firm yet respectful approach taken by Nurly Shahirah's family in handling this issue, as well as the efforts of the religious authorities in monitoring burial grounds. This is in line with the government's ongoing efforts to combat superstitious practices and strengthen the Islamic faith among Muslims in the country," he said.
Meanwhile, the family has announced a temporary closure of their home to visitors from Wednesday, July 2, to Saturday, July 5, to allow time for rest.
Her brother, Mohd Najmuddin, shared that their parents are emotionally and physically exhausted.
“Please give them space to recover. Your prayers and understanding mean the world to us,” he said.
Her sister, Muni Azman, echoed the request, adding, “Since her passing, our parents have not had a single moment’s rest. There will be time for others to visit later, inshaAllah.”
As the nation continues to mourn and reflect on the noble life and death of Nurly Sahirah, religious leaders urge the public to focus on meaningful remembrance — not ritualised actions that stray from Islamic doctrine.
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