Sometimes the bravest people are the ones who know their time is short, yet choose to smile anyway.
For 15-year-old Muhammad Zafran Hadi, every laugh, hug and moment with his siblings became precious because he knew he might not have many left.
Behind his bright smile and unbreakable spirit, Zafran was fighting a battle no child deserved.
After battling bone cancer for more than a year, the teen who once loved football, games and late-night chats with his younger brother has now left this world but not without touching the hearts of thousands.
Zafran’s story went viral on TikTok, where Malaysians followed his journey of pain, resilience and unconditional love for his siblings. In every video, he hid his suffering behind jokes and laughter, never wanting his younger brothers to see him weak.
His courage even drew attention from well-known figures including Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shahand national footballer Faisal Halim, who visited him to show support.
Passed away on his brother’s birthday
At 1.45am last Tuesday (Oct 21), Zafran took his final breath on the birthday of the sibling he was closest to, Aidil Haziq.
He once said:
After mama and abah, Aidil was the one who always kept me company. My sleep buddy, football buddy, gaming buddy, everything. I love Aidil and all my siblings.”
Zafran was diagnosed wit bone cancer on March 18, 2023 and underwent two major surgeries; a leg amputation on May 15, followed by lung surgery on August 13 when the cancer began to spread.
Still, he never gave up hope and never stopped smiling for the people he loved.
His final wish was for his brother
Even as time slipped away, Zafran’s thoughts were always on Aidil. His final wish was simple but deeply meaningful: to buy his little brother a new phone, as a last gift and a symbol of their bond.
On TikTok, a message dedicated to Aidil read: “Happy birthday, Aidil Haziq. Thank you for always being a strong, loving and loyal brother. Abang loves you so, so much.”
Laid to rest in Seri Kundang
Zafran was laid to rest at the Kampung Melayu Seri Kundang Muslim Cemetery after the Zuhur prayers on Tuesday.
His family, in a statement, said:
With deep sadness but full acceptance of Allah’s will, we share that Zafran has returned to the mercy of Allah. May his soul be placed among the righteous and faithful.”
Watch the clip here:
