Aaron Aziz Opens Up About Sheikh Haikel’s Cancer Battle and Their Emotional Umrah Journey
SINGAPORE — Actor Aaron Aziz has shared an emotional tribute to longtime friend and fellow entertainer Sheikh Haikel, revealing how the rapper’s wish to perform umrah became a deeply meaningful journey for the two families amid his battle with Stage 4 cancer.
Sheikh Haikel, 50, publicly revealed on Sept 4 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and had been undergoing treatment for more than a year. He said he wanted to share his experience with the public after recently feeling unwell.
Aaron recalls Haikel's wish
In a video tribute shared by Aaron's wife, Diyana Halik, Aaron recalled the moment Sheikh told him about his diagnosis.
According to Aaron, his friend had one particular wish — to travel with his wife, Anna Belle Francis, to Mecca and pray in front of the Kaaba.
That wish eventually became a reality, with Aaron and Sheikh travelling together for umrah, the voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year.
Aaron described the trip as one of the most unforgettable experiences of his life and said he would always treasure the time they spent together.
He also expressed hope that the pair would eventually undertake haj together.
Emotional exchange between two friends
The tribute featured an emotional phone conversation between the two men.
Aaron was seen sitting in a car with tears in his eyes as Sheikh reassured him. Aaron, in turn, told his friend that he would not die.
The exchange reflected a friendship that has remained strong through one of the most difficult periods of Sheikh's life.
Diyana said she had witnessed a side of their friendship she had never fully understood before, recalling the day Aaron first learned about Sheikh's diagnosis.
She said Sheikh had actually revealed the diagnosis to Aaron and their family in July 2025, although the news was kept private for more than a year at Sheikh's request.
Sheikh continues treatment and work
Sheikh revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer more than a year ago and had already undergone surgery.
His wife later said the cancer had spread aggressively to his liver. Despite his condition, Sheikh has remained determined to continue working while undergoing treatment.
The rapper, who became known alongside Ashidiq Ghazali as the duo Construction Sight, first gained national attention after the pair won the regional television music competition Asia Bagus in 1991.
Sheikh and Anna Belle, who married in 2000, have three children. The couple also operate the halal-certified Hai Ge Ji food business in Singapore.
'I'm gonna give it my best shot'
Despite revealing the seriousness of his illness, Sheikh has remained determined to face the battle publicly.
He has said he intends to continue working and is planning a podcast titled Final Applause, through which he hopes to share his experiences and treatment journey.
His story has since drawn an outpouring of support from friends, fans and members of the public.
For Aaron Aziz and Sheikh Haikel, the journey to Mecca became more than a pilgrimage — it became a lasting testament to friendship, faith and the determination to hold on to hope through one of life's hardest battles.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D