IGNITE THE PRE-RAMADAN AMBIENCE
NIBONG TEBAL, 28 April 2016 – The approaching month of ramadan al-mubarak is long awaited by muslims all over the world for Allah SWT’s blessings in seizing special rewards as promised in the Quran.
In light of the approaching month of blessings, the Islamic Center and Women’s Affairs Society, Engineering Campus (HELWA), Engineering Campus, University Sains Malaysia (USM) are organising a carnival or “Mahrajan Ahlan Ya Ramadan” with a variety of intellectual programmes and interesting activities including sports’ competititons.
The three day programme which commenced last Tuesday, came to its end today with “Post Wedding Seminar Series 2” attended by great missionaries like the Head of Special Unit, Penang Zakat (ZPP), Ustaz Mohd Fawwaz Mat Jan, Syar’ei Attorney, Tuan Ahmad Munawir Abdul Aziz and Lecturer, Darul Aman Teachers’ Training Institute (IPDA), Ustazah Che Nazrah Yusof.
The Director of the Islamic Center, University Sains Malaysia, Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhammad Idiris Saleh said the programme held is focused towards the approaching ramadan with a variety of line-ups in embellishing Islamic Center as a focal point and chosen destination during the month of Ramadan in exercising ibadah.
“The programme with the theme of health and kinship is hoped to ignite the ambiance of the month of blessings and strengthens our faith with the approaching ramadan,” said Muhammad Idiris in his speech during the Ahlan Ya Ramadan (Welcome Ramadan) Launching Ceremony here this afternoon.
According to him, the intifakh spirit should not only be during the month of ramadan but has to be nurtured and done continously.
“The Islamic Center requires commitment and support from all specifically from the Engineering Campus populace in implementing programmes together throughout the month of ramadan”, he added.
The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, stressed, “the value of togetherness and the kinship ambience in performing ibadah (worship) ensures the appeasement as well as making this ramadan better than the one before it”.
Meanwhile, Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Engineering Campus, Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said the programme was successful in garnering a variety of activities within a short time but was holistic and touched on various aspects of life.
“I perceive the programme organized by the Islamic Center with the cooperation of HELWA and the Sports Center as well as other departments involved, as incorporating the spiritual touch, physical and sports activities”, he added.
“This shows that Islam is a way of life”, he stressed in his officiating speech.
Ahmad Farhan explained, the programme is successful in attracting and capable of being the nucleus in leading the campus populace in forging together towards the University’s excellence.
Among the intellectual programmes held was a health lecture “With the Heart Specialist, Towards Spiritual Health” entitled Love Your Heart for Ramadan delivered by a USM alumni, Dr. Safari Elis from KPJ Hospital, Perda Branch, Penang and Prevent Cancer Through Ramadan by Dr. Azman Seeni from the Advanced Dental and Medical Institute (IPPT), Bertam.
Also making waves were KAFA talent show, archery, ping pong fiesta, cupping and blood donation drive.
The festivities in welcoming the head of all months did not just end there but visitors were also entertained with the spiritual poetry night with the presence of nasyid bands Devootes, Zulfan, Farhan and a “munajat perdana” programme.
During the main event “Lantunan Mahabbah Pusat Islam Berselawat”, anticipated to be flooded by the campus populace that has been waiting for the evening which will be led by the Qasidah group, Ibnu Sina.
Prior to that, the launch gimic was officiated by two guests of honour by cutting the ribbon for the “Welcome Ramadan” launching poster.
Also present at the ceremony were Director, River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) who is also the Chairman, Staff’s Welfare and Sports Club (KKSSK), Professor Dr. Nor Azazi Zakaria, Dean, School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Dr. Azlina Harun @ Kamaruddin dan Deputy Director Islamic Center, USM, Haji Md Yusof Abdul Rahim.
Translation: Siti Sara Zainal Abidin
Text: Mohd Kamil Ashar / Photos: Bani Faidzzainami Baniyamin