USM PENANG, 10 April 2026 – 56 staff members of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) who have been selected to go for hajj this year, were invited for a reception in the ’Majlis Keraian Dhuyufurrahman Pusat Islam USM 1447H/2026M’, held recently at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid, USM.

The reception symbolises the support from the university top management, and to congratulate those who are embarking on the pilgrimage to fulfil the 5th pillar of Islam.

From the total number of 56, 26 come from the Health Campus, 12 from the Main Campus, 10 from the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus, and 8 coming from the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Centre for Cancer (PKTAAB).

In his speech addressing those who are going for the pilgrimage, USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed said that the selection is not solely based on numbers, but it serves more as a blessing from Allah S.W.T., one that comes with a major responsibility in fulfilling the act of worship with utmost honesty and patience.

“USM Islamic Centre (Pusat Islam USM) is significant in becoming the pulse of spiritual growth for the campus community through various initiatives such as Islamic knowledge sessions, ‘ibadah’ classes as well as providing emotional and spiritual support, which form an essential base in ensuring balance between academic success and character,” he said.

Abdul Rahman also reminded those going on the pilgrimage to fully prepare themselves physically, well-equipped with knowledge, and to be strong spiritually, including having a strong grasp on the knowledge of doing hajj, while increasing their observance of additional practices that would be beneficial for them there.

Organising this reception for the third time highlights the university’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual well-being of its community, while also serving as a platform for the entire campus to extend well-wishes and prayers to those embarking on the pilgrimage,” he added.

Also present were USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran; Director of USM Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Centre for Cancer, Associate Professor Dr. Bakiah Shaharuddin; Director of Pusat Islam USM, Ustaz Zayd Zhari; and key university officials.

Original Text & Photo: Islamic Centre, USM/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin