University Islamic centers urged to offer creative programs to attract students

University Islamic centers have traditionally focused on spiritual activities such as lectures, evening Quranic readings, and tabligh programs. While these are important for character development, a growing number of students find them unengaging.

The core issue, according to Muhammad Amir Hadi Mahrizal of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), is that current programs often fail to capture student interest. He suggests a shift towards more creative and diverse offerings.

Mahrizal proposes establishing classes in languages, science, and law, alongside practical workshops like cooking demonstrations. He also recommends creating official podcasts for Islamic centers, discussing topics ranging from philosophy to religion, and distributing them on social media.

This approach aims to challenge the misconception that Islamic centers are solely for religious lectures. By offering a wider array of subjects, the goal is to make these centers more appealing and accessible, fostering a greater appreciation for both intellectual (aqli) and religious (naqli) knowledge among students.