Despite having an age gap that’s over three decades, it didn’t deter this couple in Sabah from deciding to spend their lives together.
Meet the couple Norain Azlyin Abd Rasad, 28, and her husband Awang Zainal Abidin Awang Damit Yahya, 61, who recently tied the knot on Oct 20 — slightly over six weeks when they first met.
Got divorced months ago
Speaking to Harian Metro, Norain said she first crossed paths with Awang Zainal when she was introduced to him at a restaurant on Sept 2.
She added that marriage wasn’t on the top of her list as she had just ended a marriage which spanned for 10 years.
I didn’t think I would get married this year, especially since I just got divorced seven months ago. But two months ago, my uncle introduced me to my husband, who is also his friend.
“At first, I wondered why I was introduced to someone much older, but after talking to him, I realised he wasn’t like other men because he didn’t take advantage of me,” she shared.
M’sian couple with 33-year age gap marry
Norain said she became more convinced of Awang Zainal’s sincerity as the days went by, most notably when he approached her parents to seek permission to marry her.
Her parents gave their blessing for their marriage and didn’t mind the fact that he was 33 years older than she was as they wanted the relationship to become legitimate.
“Besides, I’m a single mother who just finished my ‘iddah’ (waiting period a woman in Islam must observe after divorce) so it would be bad optics.
“Aside from my parents, my three children from my previous marriage also supported the marriage. Although my husband’s youngest child is the same age as me, it’s not an issue to me,” she said.
Norain said she’s never been happier, adding that she loves the way Awang Zainal raised his kids, especially when he leads them in congregational prayers.
As for Awang Zainal, who became a widower in 2022, the significant age gap and family responsibilities wasn’t a dealbreaker for him.
“From the beginning, we’ve been compatible, and I love children, so I treat her kids as my own. My children also accept her and they were present during the wedding ceremony.
“I just hope for a happy marriage and a lasting relationship,” he said.
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