USM PENANG, 6 February 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Islamic Centre (Pusat Islam), continues the tradition of welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadan with the launch of the ‘Tabung Aktiviti Ramadan USM 1447 Hijrah’ (USM Ramadan Activities Fund).

The initiative was officiated by USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, during the Hilal Ramadan 1447H/2026M ceremony held at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid here, today.

The launch of the ‘Tabung Aktiviti Ramadan’ marks the beginning of USM’s commitment to embracing the ideals of the Ramadan agenda at its Main Campus.

In his officiating speech, Abdul Rahman expressed his gratitude as the campus community could get together to welcome ‘Ramadan’, a month regarded as a ‘time for spiritual guidance’ in order to strengthen the faith and further embrace values of humanity.

“Ramadan is not only a month for Muslims to refrain from thirst and hunger, but also to spiritually nurture the soul, upholding the values of humanity and to be more mindful to those in need,” he said.

He added that, the university has planned a variety of programmes throughout the months of ‘Ramadan’ and the following ‘Syawal’, including the preparation of daily ‘iftar’ meals (meals taken by Muslims at sundown to break the daily fast during Ramadan) for close to 1,500 members of the congregation, involving 100 to 120 volunteers on a rotation basis.

“This effort requires continued support from all parties. Every contribution would not only lighten the burden of those in need, but it would be means to gain ‘spiritual returns’ many times over,” said Abdul Rahman.

Overall, a total of 15 programmes have been lined up, with an estimated cost of RM315,000 in order to ensure that the various charitable Ramadan activities could be accomplished.

“I am urging the campus community members and those within the vicinity to contribute their share to the ‘Tabung Aktiviti Ramadan’ to bring about a greater sense of togetherness at the campus.

“We hope to turn this campus into a ‘Caring Campus’ (Kampus Rahmah) that not only excels in academics and research, but is also the ‘fertile ground’ to sow values such as love and care, having social mindfulness, and a spirit of giving,” he said further.

In addition to preparing the ‘iftar’ meals, Pusat Islam USM also plans to hold various spiritual-based activities such as al-Quran recitations, ‘qiamullail’ (voluntary late night prayers and other devotional practices), religious talks as well as ‘ziarah’ (visits to campus community members who are sickly or requiring assistance).

All these efforts are in line with the theme ‘Ramadan Kampus Rahmah’ (Ramadan Caring Campus) that emphasises values such as care, social awareness, and sustainability in all programmes implemented.

The programme also featured a religious talk prior to Friday prayers, fostering a sense of spiritual togetherness among the campus community as they prepare to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan.

Among those present were USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran; USM Bursar, Dr. Rafizal Abd Rahim; and Director of Pusat Islam USM, Ustaz Zayd Zahri.

Campus community members, along with anyone wishing to contribute infaq during Ramadan, may do so via the prepared QR code for the ‘Tabung Infaq Ramadan Pusat Islam USM’. This initiative supports charitable efforts while offering the opportunity to gain spiritual rewards throughout the holy month.

Original Text: Mohd Azrul Mohd Azhar/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Pusat Islam USM