IN A time of new beginnings during the new year, 258 members comprising four generations of a family came together during a reunion in Serdang, Selangor.

The meeting of the family of the late Syed Mohammed Idid and Sharifah Khamseah Al Idrus took place on the second day of the Islamic new year.

Organising chairman for the reunion, Datuk Seri Prof Dr Syed Arabi Syed Abdullah Idid, 80, said the gathering of four generations was a great blessing.

The reunion was intended to create a lasting bond and good memories for future generations, said Prof Syed Arabi, one of the couple’s grandsons.

“Our gatherings are close-knit and this was a momentous milestone in the family’s long-standing tradition of coming together just after Maal Hijrah that marks new beginnings for all to cherish,” he said.

Prof Syed Arabi, currently serving at International Islamic University Malaysia’s Communications Department, said Syed Mohammed Idid was one of the country’s first Malay judges at Alor Setar High Court.

He said his grandfather was a man of high discipline and focus, and much respected in the community.

Prof Syed Arabi says his grandfather Syed Mohammed Idid was one of the country’s first Malay judges serving at Alor Setar High Court.

On the reunion at Garden Hall, Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang, he said: “It gathered everyone from the oldest family member Sharifah Salha Syed Abdullah Idid, 89, a former teacher from Alor Setar, Kedah, to the youngest Yasmin Al-Mashoor, who is only four months old,” he said.

Another grandson, Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid Syed Abdullah Idid, 87, said the gathering was wonderful as it brought most of the family members together and they used the time to foster a shared sense of purpose and bridge generational gaps.

It also offered the opportunity for those of the older generation to share stories with the younger generation, he said.

“It is a tribute to the family’s rich legacy,” said Syed Ahmad, adding that this was the eighth reunion since 1991.

Syed Mohammed Idid Syed Ahmad Idid, 57, named after his great grandfather, said everyone should reconnect with their roots, share their family stories and continue building on the rich legacy left by their ancestors.

Family members looking at old photos of Syed Mohammed Idid and Sharifah Khamseah collected throughout the generations.

“We must strive to get old copies of photos and add it to the genealogical chart.

“In doing so, we will contribute to the living history of the late Syed Mohammed Idid and Sharifah Khamseah.”

Retired mechanical engineer Syed Jaafar Idid Syed Abdyllah Idid, 65, said he had drawn up a genealogical chart for future generations to better understand family connections.

“Our gathering offers all of us a space where descendants can reconnect with extended family and reflect on the resilience of family members,” he said.

Syed Razif Al Idid Syed Sidi Al Idid, 55, who travelled to the reunion from Singapore, said, “It is wonderful to meet up with my family members.”