Some people chase promotions and pay rises, while others chase for a peace of mind.
For 63-year-old Nor Azmi Daudchoosing, faith over fortune meant walking away from a high-paying job nearly four decades ago – a decision that eventually led him to a humble yet fulfilling life selling fruit rojak.
Left lucrative career
Azmi, a father of 11, once worked in the conventional insurance industry. Despite the financial stability it offered, he chose to leave the field as it conflicted with his religious principles.
Holding tightly to the belief that “we do not live for status, and we do not die from poverty,” Azmi quit his job and embraced the uncertainty that came with it.
As reported by Buletin TV3, the early days were not easy. Azmi and his family faced immense financial pressure, forcing him to take up multiple odd jobs just to survive.
He drove a school van, repaired vehicles and furniture, and even collected scrap metal, all in his efforts to support his wife and children.
A new chapter begins with rojak
The couple’s life took a positive turn when Azmi and his wife, Roslina Kassim, 57, decided to sell fruit rojak in front of their house.
Our first step was selling from home. When we saw how well the villagers responded, we tried selling by the roadside instead,” Azmi shared.
Even so, the road to success was filled with challenges. Their stall was once toppled by strong winds and heavy rain, but they soldiered on.
In the midst of their struggles, the couple faced one of their most painful experiences — the loss of their second child to a fever.
Roslina recalled: “I was too busy preparing for work. He asked me to feed him porridge, but I turned him down because I was in a rush. That’s something I regret deeply until today.”
With time, their perseverance and unwavering faith bore fruit. Thanks to financial assistance from Lembaga Zakat Selangor and their own hard work, they now run their business in a much more stable and comfortable environment.
This sustenance is already written by God. Even if our effort is small, if He wills it, it will grow. That’s why we kept going,” Azmi reflected.
Hope to pass down the legacy
Today, their humble rojak stall has stood the test of time, running strong for 36 years.
The couple now hopes that their children will continue the business and uphold the same values that shaped their journey.
Azmi and Roslina’s journey is a quiet reminder that staying true to what matters most, even through life’s challenges, can lead to something meaningful in the long run.
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