Beyond Four Walls: Building a Home at Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah

By Anis Shahira

For university students living away from home, the residential college gradually becomes more than just a place to stay. It becomes a second home: a space where friendships are formed, memories are made, and everyday university life unfolds. 

At IIUM Pagoh, this sense of home can be found within Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah. It is where students spend much of their university life, sharing spaces, forming friendships, and creating memories along the way. At the heart of this community is the Mahallah Representative Committee (MRC) 2025/2026 session, led by the President, Aiman Adam bin Muhammad Awaluddin, which serves as a bridge between students and the Mahallah management. 

“Lead with Integrity, Rise with Sincerity” is more than just the committee’s tagline; it reflects the values they hope to nurture throughout their tenure. Through their programmes and engagement with students, the MRC members seek to create a Mahallah community where leadership is guided by integrity, while personal growth is grounded in sincerity. 

This commitment is reflected in a range of programmes designed to cater to the diverse needs of the Mahallah community, from academic development to personal well-being and social engagement. 

HarithahFest 1.0: Unity in Diversity

A home is often defined by the people who make it meaningful. For the residents of Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah, creating that sense of belonging begins with getting to know one another and embracing the diversity within their community.

This was the spirit behind HarithahFest 1.0: Unity in Diversity, which brought together 2181 students residing at Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah.

Led by Programme Manager Aiman Adam, the programme served as a platform to introduce various clubs and societies under the Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages (KSTCL), particularly to students from the new cohort. Beyond introducing the opportunities available on campus, HarithahFest also familiarised residents with the roles and responsibilities of the MRC, offering them a glimpse into the community they would be part of throughout their university journey.

Held from 24 to 26 October 2025, the three-day programme featured a variety of activities, including club and society exhibitions, Forum Lestari and Zumbaneka. Each activity offered residents an opportunity to explore new interests, gain knowledge and interact with fellow students.

More importantly, the festival created opportunities for students from different backgrounds to come together. Through these shared experiences, the programme strengthened the spirit of ukhuwah and reminded residents that a vibrant mahallah community is built not merely through shared living spaces, but also through meaningful connections.

Tarhib Ramadan: Together in Faith, United in Ukhwah

While building a sense of belonging through social engagement, the MRC also recognises that a meaningful university experience goes beyond academic and social development. Spiritual growth remains an equally important part of shaping a well-rounded student community.

This commitment was reflected in Tarhib Ramadan: Together in Faith, United in Ukhwah, a two-week initiative organised from 2 to 15 March 2026 in collaboration with CASTELLAN 2025/2026. The programme served as a spiritual preparation for residents to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, placing emphasis on strengthening religious values, nurturing ukhuwah and fostering closer relationships among members of the campus community.

One of the highlights was Majlis Iftar Perdana (Grand Iftar Gathering), which brought students together to break their fast in a warm and harmonious setting. The event also began with Majlis Khatam al-Quran, a ceremony marking the completion of Quran recitation.

For students living far from their families, Ramadan can sometimes feel different from the celebrations they are accustomed to at home. Yet, gatherings such as these offer an opportunity to recreate that familiar sense of togetherness. Sharing meals, participating in religious activities and spending time with fellow residents allow students to find comfort in one another while strengthening the bonds that make the mahallah feel like home.

Ultimately, Tarhib Ramadan was not only about preparing for the arrival of Ramadan, but also about reminding students of the importance of faith, compassion and togetherness in their daily lives.

EmpowerHealth Week: Ignite Your Wellness Journey

A fulfilling university experience also requires students to take care of themselves. Between attending classes, completing assignments and fulfilling various responsibilities, students may sometimes overlook their own physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Recognising this, the MRC organised EmpowerHealth Week: Ignite Your Wellness Journey, held from 4 to 12 April 2026. The initiative encouraged students to take a more active role in understanding and prioritising their overall health.

Through collaborations with several health organisations, including the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation, the Mental Health Inclusion, Awareness, Support and Advocacy Association (MIASA), Befrienders and Decathlon, the programme offered a range of activities that addressed different aspects of wellness.

Among the activities were mental health forums, health agency exhibitions, a blood donation campaign, a women’s fiqh session, ruqyah sessions and forums focusing on inclusivity. These activities provided students with opportunities to gain practical health knowledge, explore available support services and develop a greater awareness of the importance of self-care.

One of the highlights was Ruqyah: Al-Quran Menjadi Penawar, which highlighted the role of the Quran in spiritual healing and well-being. By incorporating Islamic teachings into conversations about health, the session emphasised the importance of nurturing wellness beyond physical and mental aspects alone.

Through EmpowerHealth Week, the MRC highlighted that student well-being requires a holistic approach. After all, taking care of oneself is just as important as pursuing academic achievements and fulfilling responsibilities.

A Community Built on More Than Shared Spaces

From celebrating diversity and strengthening spiritual connections to encouraging healthier lifestyles, the initiatives organised by the MRC 2025/2026 reflect a broader commitment to making Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah more than just a residential facility.

Each programme represents a different aspect of student life, yet they all share a common purpose: to create a community where residents feel connected, supported and valued.

Ultimately, the meaning of a second home is not found solely in the place where students return after a long day of classes. It is found in the friendships they build, the experiences they share and the people who make their university journey memorable.

As the MRC 2025/2026 continues its journey, the hope is that the values, efforts and initiatives established throughout this tenure will not end with the closing of their term. Instead, may this legacy continue to flourish and inspire the incoming MRC 2026/2027 to carry the same spirit forward, while creating new opportunities and meaningful experiences for the residents of Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah.

After all, building a home is never the responsibility of one committee alone, but a continuous effort passed from one generation of student leaders to the next.***