Jakarta, ThedailyID — An emotional moment unfolded at Harvard University after a student recited verses from the Quran during the university’s 2026 Baccalaureate Service.
A video of the recitation quickly gained attention online after the official YouTube account MemChurchHarvard uploaded footage from the event, which took place on May 27.
According to the event description, the Baccalaureate Service is one of Harvard’s oldest traditions and the university’s second-oldest public ceremony. The annual gathering connects the institution with its religious and historical roots ahead of Commencement celebrations.
The student featured in the video was identified as Suheila Mukhtar. During the ceremony, she recited verses from Quran, specifically Surah Al-‘Alaq.
The chapter carries themes of reading, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge. It also introduces God as the Creator and warns against preventing believers from worshipping.
The recitation received positive reactions online, with many viewers praising both Mukhtar’s delivery and Harvard’s commitment to religious inclusion.
The moment also reflected a longstanding tradition at Harvard. According to information published by the university, the Baccalaureate Service regularly features readings from sacred texts representing different faiths within the student community.
Moreover, Harvard invites chaplains from various religious backgrounds to lead prayers and offer reflections during the ceremony.
As a result, the event serves as both a celebration of graduating students and a reflection of the university’s diverse religious traditions.
The 2026 ceremony once again highlighted that commitment, as students from different backgrounds gathered to mark the end of their academic journey before graduation festivities began.
