National track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom’s long-held dream of taking his parents on an Umrah pilgrimage became a reality today thanks to a generous sponsorship from Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com). The exciting news was revealed on Hot FM radio this morning, bringing joy to Shah Firdaus and his family.
The surprise announcement was made by Ikhlas Kamarudin, CEO of ikhlas.com, during the station’s morning segment. He was joined by his younger brother, Ridwan Sahrom, who is also a national track cyclist. Ikhlas explained his motivation, stating, “When watching Shah’s interview after the collision, he really seemed devastated, and it was obvious that his dream to bring his parents for Umrah is real. He really wanted to bring them. So, I was moved to share ‘rezeki’ (blessings) with Shah and his parents.” He added, “We are very proud of Shah. What happened happened, it was all Allah’s destiny. Hopefully what happened is not the end, but the beginning of something much better, inshaAllah. Congratulations to the entire family of Shah Firdaus.”
Ridwan expressed gratitude on behalf of the family, saying, “Encik Ikhlas, on behalf of Shah and also his family, I would like to thank you very much for the help that Mr. Ikhlas has given to sponsor my mother and father and also Shah (to perform) umrah.”
Shah Firdaus, who had shown immense determination in the keirin final at the 2024 Olympics, ultimately finished in sixth place. This heartbreaking result dashed his hopes of bringing home a medal and fulfilling his promise to take his mother on an Umrah pilgrimage if he won. However, upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 later that afternoon, he was overwhelmed with joy when Fara Hasan, Chief Marketing Officer of ikhlas.com, surprised him with the sponsorship news.
Shah Firdaus expressed immense gratitude to ikhlas.com for making it possible for him to fulfill his long-cherished wish of taking his parents to perform Umrah in the Holy Land.
Launched in October 2020 during the pandemic, ikhlas.com is a Muslim-focused travel and lifestyle platform designed to make it easier for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations. In addition to Umrah and halal tourism packages offered in partnership with AirAsia X, ikhlas.com also facilitates the performance of Zakat, Sadaqah, Aqiqah, Fidyah, and Qurban. This sponsorship exemplifies the company’s commitment to supporting the Muslim community and its members’ spiritual journeys.
