Zakat and Waqf Literacy Programme Cultivates Giving Culture Among University Students

By: Aimi Mohamad Farid

SERDANG, 22 May – The Centre for Waqf, Zakat and Endowment Management (WAZAN), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) and Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor (PWS), organised the Zakat and Waqf Literacy Programme 2026 to provide university students with early exposure to the importance of zakat and waqf practices.

Held in conjunction with the UPM Career & Futurpreneur Fair (CFF) 2026 at the Sultan Abdul Samad Library, UPM, the programme aimed to raise awareness and nurture a culture of giving among students from a young age.

WAZAN UPM Director, Tn Haji Haris Dahlan, said the programme served as a platform for students to better understand and personally experience the practice of zakat and waqf.

“This programme is designed to expose students to the obligation of paying zakat and the highly encouraged practice of waqf in Islam.

“Previously, students were more often recipients of zakat and waqf assistance. Through this programme, they are now given the opportunity to experience contributing and fulfilling these acts of worship themselves,” he said.

Through the programme, students were also introduced to the Start With Sepuluh (SWS+) initiative, which encourages zakat contributions starting from as low as RM10, while also providing information on the 100 per cent tax rebate available for individual zakat payments.

Students were also exposed to the concept of knowledge waqf through contributions as low as RM1 to support educational development and to encourage a culture of philanthropy within the UPM community.

Earlier, briefing sessions on zakat and waqf were delivered by Senior Executive of the Zakat Advisory Department, LZS Collection Division, Mohamad Shakor Sulaiman, and Corporate Division Manager of PWS, Muhammad Hafiz Bahari.

The sessions provided students with insights into the importance of zakat and waqf, as well as the role of both institutions in supporting communities and strengthening the development of the ummah.

According to WAZAN UPM, the Zakat and Waqf Literacy Programme will be expanded through a campus-wide roadshow series to provide greater exposure and hands-on experience rin zakat and waqf among UPM students.

The organisation of the Zakat and Waqf Literacy Programme 2026 is expected to help nurture a generation of students who are more compassionate, responsible, and committed to making charitable giving part of their daily lives.