GEORGE TOWN: Mohammad Amzar Wajdi Mahamad Isa has not let his immobility get in the way of his passion for teaching the Quran and tajwid (the Rules of Quran recitation) to young children and adults.

       The 27-year-old religious teacher was involved in a car accident last year that left him wheelchair-bound due to a damaged nerve in his right leg.

       Despite being hospitalised for almost a month and undergoing several major operations, Mohammad Amzar is determined to get better and even began teaching religious studies through online classes.

       “I met with an accident on July 12 last year on my way to work after dropping off my wife.

       “I was unconscious for almost a week in the hospital and was in the intensive care unit for a week before the doctors transferred me to a normal ward.

       “The right side of my body, from head to toe, was badly injured and I could not move at all.

       “I had three major operations on my waist, leg and arm and two other minor operations due to infections in my injuries.

       “After I was discharged, I had to go to a health clinic near my house to change my dressing daily and see my orthopaedic surgeon every two weeks.

       “I am progressing well, so my orthopaedic surgeon only sees me once a month now,” he said at his home in Ayer Itam.

       Prior to the accident, Mohammad Amzar taught religious studies at two schools in Kedah and returned to Penang to see his wife on weekends.

       “After my accident, I was devastated at first.

       “I was active and took part in many sports activities but now, my movement is restricted,” he said.

       Doctors had told him to prepare for never being able to walk again and even to expect the amputation of his right leg.

       At best, they said it would take him two years to fully recover and over a year to walk again.

       But he proved the prognosis wrong.

       “Miraculously, I started walking slowly and with assistance within half a year,” he said with a smile.

       He said he owes thanks to his wife Nurul Izzati Azman, 26, and supportive family members.

       They had been married for only seven months when the accident happened, and Nurul Izzati took on three jobs to earn enough for their household.

       “She is my strength to overcome all challenges and obstacles.

       “I know times are hard and many people are suffering now. But don’t give up easily. There is always hope at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

       Mohammad Amzar has adapted to teaching religious studies online.

       “I made a poster offering classes and posted it on Facebook and shared my accident experience.

       “I have been giving one-to-one classes for the past month.

       “So far, the responses have been positive and I have at least one class every day.

       “Although it is easier to teach face-to-face especially for young kids, I have learned to adjust to the new norm.

       “I am honoured to have students from as far as Kuala Lumpur,” he said.