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34yo M’sian Man Works As Gravedigger, Says It Has Made Him A More Responsible Person

Salute.
Upon finishing high school or university, most graduates would hunt for jobs that best fits their skill sets and qualifications. Most of all, they would also look for jobs that provides an adequate source of income.

For this young man, he undertook a rather unusual route in his career path, where he opted to earn a living by dabbling in an industry most would shudder at the thought of it – digging graves.

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Grave with purple flowers
For illustration purposes only. Photo via Pexels

34yo M’sian man works as gravedigger for 15 years

Speaking to Harian Metro about his unorthodox line of work, 24-year-old Muhammad Jailani Ahmad Zawawi said it all began with assisting his father at his work.

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“In the beginning, I only helped out my father, who was heavily involved in volunteer work around Batang Benar in Negeri Sembilan, including funeral management.

“After completing my SPM, I worked in the wholesale market and at an oil rig. I was also rather unruly during my teenage years, where I often hung out with my friends until the next morning and rarely paid attention during prayers,” he said.

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Group of young people hanging out
For illustration purposes only. Photo via Freepik

‘It has made me become a responsible person’

When Muhammad Jailani turned 18, his father ‘forced’ him to help out the Batang Benar Mosque by being a gravedigger.

“After a few years, I learnt the art of gravedigging and ventured out on my own in 2014.”

Despite having to toil under the scorching sun preparing graves for the deceased, Muhammad Jailani said it has greatly benefitted him and turned him into a different person.

34yo m'sian man works as gravedigger, says it has made him a more responsible person
Photo via Harian Metro

After becoming a gravedigger, I have changed a lot. I’ve become more responsible, better prepared, and most importantly, constantly reminded of death.

‘Now, I also observe the five daily prayers and am content to help although I don’t have a fixed salary and rely on the mosque’s generosity,” he said, adding that he springs into action whenever he gets called by the imam to dig a grave even while he’s asleep.

Muhammad Jailani also said that when there were no funerals to attend to, he would cut trees and trim grass to earn extra income and fill his time.

Read about this woman who left her office job to become a butcher here:

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