By Ummu Fatein Nadjihah
The Mahallah Representative Committee (MRC) 2023/2024, Mahallah Zaid Bin Harithah, successfully organised Ramadan Fi Qalbi: “The Touch of Bless”, a community-based event designed to uplift and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan within the IIUM Pagoh community. Held from 12th March to 6th April 2024, this initiative aimed to enliven the month through spiritually enriching activities that fostered a sense of unity and reflection.
The official launch took place at the Musolla after the first taraweeh prayer, with Dr. Mohamad Suhaizi bin Suhaimi, Principal of Mahallah Zaid Bin Harithah, presiding over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event welcomed over 1,400 participants, including all residents of Mahallah Zaid Bin Harithah (MZH), prominent figures from the Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages, and the surrounding community members near the Pagoh Education Hub.
Throughout Ramadan, Ramadan Fi Qalbi: “The Touch of Bless” offered a series of programs with diverse activities, each curated to deepen spiritual awareness, foster cultural understanding, and enhance community ties. The flagship activities included the Sayembara Ramadan competition, One Ummah Many Traditions Webinar on Ramadan experiences across the world, and Ikatan Budi Nirmala, a traditional cooking event centred on the distribution of bubur lambuk, a cherished Ramadan dish.
A key objective of the program was to help students focus on achieving Allah’s pleasure (Mardhatillah) through engaging in religious and spiritual activities. The Ramadan with Love: Healing with Quran event exemplified this, combining tadarus sessions under the guidance of naqib or naqibah, and a khatam Quran ceremony, where students collectively completed the Quran. Meanwhile, the Sayembara Ramadan offered students a platform to showcase their talents in religious disciplines, including adhan, khat (Islamic calligraphy), tilawah, and hafazan (memorisation) competitions, fostering a stronger connection with their faith.
The One Ummah Many Traditions Webinar – Ramadan Chronicles Worldwide was a unique addition, featuring international students from France, Japan, and the United States. This webinar highlighted Ramadan experiences from different cultures, offering insights into the global Muslim community’s shared devotion despite cultural differences. This subprogram provided an invaluable opportunity for IIUM Pagoh students to connect with Muslims around the world, broadening their perspectives and fostering a sense of international solidarity and empathy.
The Ikatan Budi Nirmala program, which centred on the cooking and distribution of bubur lambuk, was another impactful initiative. By working together to prepare and share this traditional dish, students not only strengthened their friendships within IIUM but also reached out to students from neighbouring campuses, including UTHM and Politeknik Pagoh. This activity was a tangible expression of empathy, as students collaborated to distribute the dish to fellow students, cultivating compassion and community spirit in the process.
Recognising the importance of maintaining both mental and physical well-being, the program also included recreational events such as Ar-Riyadah Fi Ramadan: Santai Pagi, which offered board game tournaments, and Spiritual Canvas: Ramadan Poster Quest, a Ramadan-themed poster-making competition. These activities provided students with a refreshing break from academic stresses while celebrating their talents and interests in a way that complemented the month’s spiritual atmosphere.
The Ramadan Fi Qalbi: “The Touch of Bless” program successfully provided a comprehensive platform for students to immerse themselves in religious learning, community engagement, and cultural exchange throughout Ramadan. By combining faith-based competitions, cross-cultural webinars, and recreational activities, this initiative fostered a deeply fulfilling Ramadan experience for the IIUM Pagoh community. The program’s holistic approach enabled students to grow spiritually, build lasting bonds, and express their creativity, leaving a positive, memorable impact on all participants involved.