PENANG, November 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman urged the campus community to continue strengthen its fraternity regardless of creed for the benefit of the whole world and the eternity.

At the Santapan Rohani held in conjunction with the 1435H Maal Hijrah celebration at the Islamic Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), he expressed hope that all Muslims would not use difference beliefs and opinions as an excuse to be divided among themselves.

“One of the weaknesses of Muslims now is that we choose the path to be divided because of trivial things and not wanting to uphold and spread Islam”.

Omar expressed hope that the new year of 1435H Maal Hijrah would see that Muslims avoid any conflict simply because of differences but strive to bridge the fraternity affiliation to religion, race and country.

Moreover, he also urged the USM community to work hard to earn their livelihood which is a blessing in itself, including the blessings of knowledge in order to develop the beloved university.

“In celebrating the beginning of the Islam year, let us pray together for the university and our beloved country that has managed to avoid disaster and pray for the well being of our brothers and sisters from other countries that are now facing many challenges and threats.”

Santapan Rohani was held in conjunction with the 1435H Maal Hijrah at the Islamic Centre and USM Masjid Al-Malik Khalid which was also attended by Prof. Dr. Muhamad Jantan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, USM Research and Innovation Division, and Assoc. Prof. Nasirun Hj. Mohd Saleh, Director of the Islamic Centre, USM.

The reception began with the recitation of the tahlil prayers and End of Year prayer for 1434H, followed by Prayer and Supplication for the beginning of 1435H after Maghrib.

Ustaz Taha Mohd Omar, a Al-Hijrah TV celebrity who is also ISDEV-USM Masters candidate was also present, and he delivered a lecture entitled “Ada Apa Pada Hijrah?” - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa