SERDANG, 23 April – The initiative to develop a Waqf Surau at the Sultan Abdul Samad Library (PSAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia, is seen as a strategic step to strengthen the role of waqf in supporting campus well-being and the sustainability of knowledge-based institutions.
The surau was officially inaugurated by UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah FASc, who emphasised that the waqf approach is not merely a form of physical contribution, but an important instrument in building a continuous and impactful knowledge ecosystem.
“UPM’s motto ‘With Knowledge, We Serve’ reflects the university’s responsibility to internalise and utilise knowledge for the well-being of society,” he said during a short religious talk after leading the Zohor prayer with library staff.
He added that the role of libraries now extends beyond traditional functions, serving as a bridge between information and knowledge that is ultimately translated into service to the community.
Meanwhile, UPM Chief Librarian, Haslina Abu Seman, said that the development of the Waqf Surau reflects efforts to strengthen the university’s alternative funding model through sustainable waqf.
“Waqf is one of the key strategies in supporting current needs while building the university’s future capacity, including enhancing facilities and access to both printed and digital collections,” she said.
The event also witnessed the presentation of various waqf contributions, including a Braille Mushaf Al-Quran from King Abdulaziz University, a collection of books by renowned Islamic scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi through an initiative by Mohd Sukki Othman, as well as a RM153,420.70 allocation for the PSAS Digital Book Waqf from the UPM Knowledge Waqf Fund.
Also present were WAZAN UPM Director, Tn. Haji Haris Dahlan, officers from the University Islamic Centre, representatives from the Student Representative Council, and members of the PSAS community.
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