RAMADAN AT USM: A PLATFORM FOR SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION AND COMMUNITY BUILDING

USM PENANG, 11 March 2026 - The arrival of Ramadan carries a profound meaning for Muslim communities around the world.

At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the sacred month is not merely observed as a period of fasting, but is embraced as a significant opportunity to cultivate spiritual growth, strengthen communal bonds, and expand charitable engagement among members of the university community.

In an interview held at his office recently, the Director of the USM Islamic Centre, Ustaz Zayd Zhari, shared insights on the preparations and initiatives planned for Ramadan this year.

He explained that Ramadan holds a distinctive position in the Islamic calendar as it arrives only once a year, bringing with it a unique atmosphere that differs from any other month.

According to him, Ramadan serves as a meaningful period of personal transformation.

Throughout the month, individuals are encouraged to reassess their way of life, refine their outlook, and increase acts of goodness and compassion in their daily conduct.

"Each time we enter the month of Ramadan, our hope is that by the time it concludes, we emerge as better individuals than we were before," he remarked.

This spirit of renewal resonates across the campus environment, reflected through the rise of religious activities, communal initiatives, and various humanitarian programmes organised throughout the month.

Preparations for Ramadan at USM commence well before the beginning of the fasting month.

The Islamic Centre undertakes careful planning, including the coordination of programmes, scheduling of activities, and mobilisation of volunteers to ensure that all initiatives can be carried out effectively.

Throughout Ramadan, activities at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid extend from morning until late evening.

The preparation of meals for the breaking of fast, the organisation of religious programmes, and the management of community-oriented initiatives require continuous commitment from staff and volunteers.

As a result, Ramadan represents one of the most active and demanding periods within the annual calendar of the Islamic Centre.

Among the key programmes organised each year is the communal cooking initiative for the preparation of iftar meals.

This activity invites participation from various segments of society, including students, university staff, members of the surrounding community, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and corporate partners.

The collaborative effort involved in preparing meals creates a meaningful platform for interaction and cooperation.

It fosters a sense of shared responsibility while reinforcing social connections between the campus community and the wider public.

According to Ustaz Zayd, such initiatives help nurture a culture of mutual support and solidarity, reflecting the true spirit of Ramadan.

Student participation in Ramadan programmes at the mosque has been encouraging. Many students volunteer their time and energy to assist in the organisation and implementation of various initiatives.

Their involvement includes participation in congregational iftar gatherings, Qur'an recitation sessions, and qiyamullail (late-night prayers).

Students also contribute to several community-oriented campaigns, including blood donation drives and awareness efforts aimed at reducing food wastage.

Ustaz Zayd observed that students demonstrate a strong willingness to contribute to social initiatives when provided with appropriate opportunities to do so.

Beyond the performance of religious obligations, Ramadan also functions as a meaningful platform for character development.

The experience of fasting encourages individuals to reflect upon their lives, nurture empathy, and develop a deeper sense of gratitude for the blessings they enjoy.

The physical and spiritual discipline associated with fasting also reminds individuals of the challenges faced by communities who struggle to secure basic necessities such as food.

This awareness is expected to cultivate compassion and strengthen social responsibility among members of the university community.

Ustaz Zayd also emphasised the important role universities can play in connecting corporate organisations with social institutions such as mosques in the pursuit of charitable initiatives.

In contemporary society, mosques increasingly function as community hubs that offer various facilities and services to the public.

Strategic collaboration between universities, corporate organisations, and social institutions can therefore create broader opportunities for humanitarian programmes and educational outreach.

He further noted that the involvement of university alumni - many of whom have established successful careers, holds considerable potential in supporting community development initiatives organised by the Islamic Centre.

Looking ahead, the Islamic Centre aims to enhance the Ramadan experience for students and staff so that it becomes a memorable and meaningful part of campus life.

According to Ustaz Zayd, many of the individuals who support mosque programmes today are former students who retain vivid memories of their own Ramadan experiences during their university years.

These memories often include communal cooking activities, shared meals, and active involvement in mosque programmes.

Such experiences foster a sense of belonging that continues long after graduation and often inspire alumni to return as contributors to the university community.

To encourage greater student engagement, the Islamic Centre is also planning to introduce a new initiative known as "Rakan Ramadan USM".

Through this initiative, student associations will be invited to propose and organise programmes throughout Ramadan.

The approach is designed to encourage creativity among students while aligning their activities with the broader agenda of the university.

Among the themes expected to be incorporated into these initiatives are sustainability efforts and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly initiatives related to the Zero Hunger agenda.

Reflecting on his experiences managing Ramadan programmes at the mosque, Ustaz Zayd shared that one of the most meaningful moments occurs when students and members of the community gather patiently in line to receive their meals before breaking their fast together.

Witnessing the community share the iftar meal brings a deep sense of fulfilment to those involved in preparing and organising the programme, especially knowing that the food has been made possible through the generosity of various contributors.

For him, these moments embody the values of unity, generosity, and collective care that define the spirit of Ramadan.

Concluding the interview, Ustaz Zayd encouraged members of the USM community to fully embrace the spiritual opportunities offered by Ramadan.

He explained that the ultimate purpose of fasting is to attain taqwa, (a state of consciousness and devotion towards God).

This concept encompasses two essential dimensions: the relationship between human beings and the Creator, as well as the relationship among fellow human beings.

Therefore, strengthening acts of worship should be accompanied by efforts to nurture compassion, generosity, and social responsibility through charitable contributions, acts of kindness, and the preservation of harmonious relationships within society.

He expressed hope that each passing Ramadan would inspire continuous personal growth, guiding individuals towards becoming better members of both the university community and the broader society.

Text: Privinkumar Jayavanan/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe