Saturday, July 30, 2016

3 MORE RISDEV STUDENTS MADE THE MARK

Raudhah presenting her PhD proposal at DK A.
Three more RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students have made the mark to proceed with the next stage of their thesis writing. The three RISDEV students are Kasimah Kamaruddin and Raudhah Md Ramli who were allowed to proceed with their research proper while the third is Nor Hatizal Amarul Shah who received the mandate that she could submit her thesis proper to the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) after correcting her written thesis as commented and advised by her evaluator. All three were able to convince their evaluators the merit of their research as well as the validity and reliability of her findings for Nor Hatizal.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria (right) listening intently to Raudhah's response to one of his questions posed to her.
Raudha and Kasimah had both presented their PhD thesis proposal on Friday 22 July, 2016. Raudhah was the first candidate for that day and presented her proposal on “Natural Resources in Islamic-Based Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Brunei Darussalam” stating that Brunei was the choice for her PhD research as there is heavy reliance in Brunei Darussalam's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) on the natural resources - oil and gas. Her PhD proposal was evaluated by Associate Professor Dr Zakaria Bahari while her supervisor is Dr Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan.
An act that is encouraged tobe emulated, Kasimah could present her proposal within 8 short months despite facing challenges time and time again.
The second candidate was Kasimah who presented her proposal on “Aplikasi Kaedah Istinbat Ayat Ahkam dalam Penganalisian Data Kaedah Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam” (The Application of Extracting Rulings from the Verses on Islamic Laws in Analysing Islamic-based Research Data". As an introduction to Istinbat, she had explained to ISDEV members present that day that Istinbat is the process of deriving certain rules or meanings from the revealed text. Kasimah's proposal was evaluated by Dr Shahir Akram Hassan while she is supervised by Dr Mohd Shukri Hanapi.
Presenting her final PhD draft for Nor Hatizal held at C05, PPSK, USM.
Nor Hatizal Amarul Shah's slot to present her final draft PhD thesis was on Tuesday 26 July, 2016 at the Meeting Room of C05, School of Social Sciences (PPSK), USM. With the title "Penentu Pemilihan Pembiayaan Perumahan Musyarakah Mutanaqisah (MM) Dalam Kalangan Pelanggan Perbankan Islam" (Choice Determinant of Musyarakah Mutanaqisah (MM) House Financing among Clients of Islamic Banking). The thesis discussed about people's awareness on home financing and the product offered by Islamic banking institutions. Her supervisor is Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari whle Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad was the lecturer entrusted to evaluate her final draft PhD thesis.

Congratulations and all the best to all three candidates!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

MAN JADDA WA JADA AS PROVEN BY ZAHARAH


Without any worries Zaharah defended her PhD thesis with absolute composure.
On July 20, praise is to Allah SWT for the smooth mock viva voce of RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student, Zaharah Ghazali. She defended her PhD Thesis on “Exporting Activity from Islamic Perspective and its Impact on Export Performance”. It was held at the conference room of C06, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Five ISDEV lecturers and one lecturer from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam, were spontaneously roped in to be the simulated Board of Examiners. They were Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria representing the director, Dr. Fadzila Azni as the chairman, Dr. Wan Norhaniza and Dr. Shereeza as the internal examiners while Dr Siti Sara as the external examiner respectively. The other lecturers who were present that day,  Dr. Mohd Syakir and Dr. Azrin, both from ISDEV and Dr. Hajah Rasinah from UNISSA also chipped-in, to make the viva session more interesting and engaging.
Positive and encouraging comments from pseudo examiners to prepare Zaharah well for her viva.
Her research area is found to be of much interests because the significance of her findings as stated in her PhD thesis provided the way forward which may help to increase KDNK (Gross Income per Capita) of Malaysia. Her findings also suggested the need for companies involved in exporting activities of halal products to be proactive in their quest for information and leveraging their products further. According to her, taking a proactive stance as exemplified by Rasulullah SAW and his companions, should be adopted by Muslim-owned companies in penetrating business opportunities worldwide as part and parcel of their exporting activities.
Prior to Zaharah's viva, ISDEV members including her husband, Mohd Rohaizad Md Rejab (standing - third from left)
performed the nawafil Solat Hajat. 
The next day,  a group of ISDEV lecturers and students volunteered to perform the nawafil Solat Hajat together at Masjid Al Malik Khalid, USM to invoke Allah SWT help in Zaharah's viva later that morning. This is a sacred tradition of ISDEV on the day of a candidate's viva voce to perform Solat Hajat to consciously ask for Allah SWT blessings and ease of affairs for the candidate that day. At the same time, it is intended to encourage and provide a positive aura to ISDEV candidates just moments prior to the commencement of their viva.
A confident and calm Zaharah managed to satisfy her examiners with the answers and responses she gave.
21 July, 2016 marked an important day for Zaharah to remember. She had succeeded in defending  her PhD thesis with excellent result and accordingly awarded with a Scale of 2. Undoubtedly, the Arabic idiom ‘Man Jadda Wa Jada’ (You Reap What You Sow) can be used as a motivation for success. Zaharah had proven that dedication and perseverance were required as she was able to complete her postgraduate studies despite being challenged by her medical conditions.
Thanks to the Board of Examiners, Prof. Ahmad Nurul Azam (Chairman), Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Zakaria Bahari and Prof. Sr. Dr. Mastura (Internal Examiners) and Prof. Joni Tamkin Borhan (External Examiner) for their positive comments and tips for Zaharah to correct her thesis perfectly.
Heartiest Congratulations, Zaharah! 

A NAS A WEEK - 21 SHAWWAL 1437

Ibn Mas’ud reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say, “Wretched is it for a man to say I have forgotten such-and-such chapter or I have forgotten such-and-such verse. Rather, he was made to forget.” [Source: Sahih Muslim 790, Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim].

An-Nawawi said, “It is prohibited to say I have forgotten it because that would suggest carelessness and negligence with the Quran.” [Source: Sharh Sahih Muslim].

Friday, July 22, 2016

ISDEV MONTHLY MEET - ANOTHER PLATFORM TO INTERACT

A picture fit to frame - ISDEV lecturers with UNISSA lecturers and students.
It is part of ISDEV tradition to hold a monthly meet between ISDEV lecturers and all ISDEV students on one Friday every month. Such meet allows ISDEV lecturers to keep abreast of students' progress as well as providing the platform for interactions between lecturers and students as well as among the students themselves, both RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) and MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students. Usually in such a meet, there will be two important programme - Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV and the Monthly Graduate Supervision.
The gatherings of ISDEV members at DK A.
Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV is a special slot for ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh to address ISDEV fraternity, including ISDEV staff. In this slot he shares his thoughts and concerns of the heart with ISDEV members. In the meantime, Monthly Graduate Supervision creates the platform for ISDEV students to learn more about the intricacies of postgraduate studies as a researcher at the postgraduate level. One ISDEV lecturer will be assigned to deliver a lecture on one aspect of conducting research and thesis writing.
Just us men - ISDEV lecturers and students with the six postgraduate students from UNISSA.
This month's meet took place on a blessed Friday 15 July 2016 at Dewan Kuliah A, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). However this month's meet was special because there were the lecturers and postgraduate students from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam who attended this month's meet.
Dr Fadzila Azni touching on Thesis Jargon.
Similar to the setting in June, the programme of the day started with Monthly Graduate Supervision which saw ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad, delivering on "Thesis Jargon" to ISDEV students.Her lecture was focus on specific words that are used and referred to in thesis writing. She encouraged ISDEV students to be critical in using certain terms when writing their theses reminding them of the need for the accuracy and precision of the terms being used.
A RISDEV student sharing her information on an article regarding a term used in thesis writing.
As usual ISDEV students took the opportunity during the question and answer session to ask question for further clarification as well as share with the others their views and understanding on some of the usual terms they had referred to in their theses. Even UNISSA postgraduate students took the opportunity to ask some questions on this topic.
Prof Syukri - his voice faltered once in a while detecting his strong emotional attachment to UNISSA in its strive for excellence for the sake of Islam.
The end of the Monthly Graduate Supervision signified Prof Syukri's slot to begin with the Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV. Prof Syukri deliberately chose on "Why Brunei?" in this month's address to acknowledge the presence of delegates from UNISSA as well as to reinforce the strong ukhuwwah that has been built between these two institutions. In the Tarbiyyah, he provided a historical journey of how ISDEV was introduced to Brunei Darussalam which later led to the forging of ties with UNISSA. The common denominator that is shared by both ISDEV and UNISSA, that is, the love of and for Islam and to see to its glory at all times. This coupled with the willingness of both institutions to work hard to bring to reality the aspirations of bringing Islam to its rightful place has provided the catalyst in cementing the ties between these two institutions.
Dr Hajah Rasinah answering the question posed by Prof Syukri - Why ISDEV?
Prof Syukri then took the opportunity to invite Dr Siti Sara and Dr Hajah Rasinah, both are lecturers from UNISSA, to share with all those present that day the reasons for UNISSA to commit with ISDEV. Dr Siti Sara used the opportunity to express her surprise as to the willingness of ISDEV lecturers to share their knowledge and expertise. The seriousness of Prof Syukri mixed with the amiability of Assoc Prof Dr Zakaria whenever they meet to bring forward the agenda of the day to reality has provided the impetus for this mutual bonding. Dr Hajah Rasinah on the other hand, shared a personal emotional aspect of this strong linkage stating that is was in all probability owed to her beloved late father who was an Alumni of USM.
An appetizing lunch is usually provided at the end of the monthly meet. Puan Marzizah (2nd from left) enjoying her food while chatting and being friendly with UNISSA lecturers Dr Hajah Rasinah (left).


As the month of Syawal lingers on during this month's meet, ISDEV seized the moment to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with all those present. Lemang, nasi impit, kuah kacang, serunding and Hari Raya cookies and cakes were offered that day for lunch. After a rigorous morning feeding the intellect, ISDEV members and guests from UNISSA had a great time filling in their gastronomical needs with the delectable spread offered.
Patiently queuing up for the Hari Raya meal  from the banquet table.
ISDEV wishes all 'Kullu 'Aam Wa Antum Bi-Khair' .

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

SUSTAINING THE ISDEV-UNISSA BOND

Some of the organising committee members of MASA ISDEV-UNISSA@USM who were at the airport
to welcome the UNISSA participants from Brunei Darussalam.
On 12 July, 2016 a handful of ISDEV students were seen at the Pulau Pinang International Airport. They were there to eagerly await for the arrival of 10 postgraduate students from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam who were participating in the 2nd ISDEV-UNISSA Socio-Academic Laboratory (MASA ISDEV-UNISSA @USM) programme.
Organising committee with the participants upon arrival at the Pulau Pinang International Airport
This programme is a return visit from UNISSA which signified the ties that bind these two institutions to not only further the bond that has been sealed but to ensure the sustainability of the bond too. 2nd MASA ISDEV-UNISSA@USM (or MASA@USM) acts as the continuation of the 1st MASA ISDEV-UNISSA @UNISSA (or MASA@UNISSA). The programme is designed to provide the platform for the sharing of expertise, knowledge and experiences to the participants of UNISSA at ISDEV. In line with the MASA@UNISSA programme, this years' activities were not only confined to the academically-inclined activities but also included social services as well as getting out and about the beautiful island of Pulau Pinang.
Participants of MASA@USM  diligently listening to the lectures on Data Collection given by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria.
In terms of the academic programme, participants were required to attend classes on Islamic-based Research Methodology which entailed three main components. They are Research Design conducted by Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, Data Collection by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria Bahari and Dr. Shahir Akram Hasan, and finally Data Analysis by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad.
MASA@USM Participant, Abu Hasan from Thailand presenting part of his Master's research during the Data Analysis class conducted by Dr Fadzila Azni.
The Islamic-based Research Methodology classes received an overwhelming response from the participants. From these classes, ISDEV lecturers took the opportunity to help the participants in their postgraduate research as well as in writing their theses.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

A NAS A WEEK - 14 SHAWWAL 1437

And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness [Muhammad, 47:17].

Friday, July 15, 2016

3 PHD THESES RESEARCH ACCEPTED

On 12 July 2016, two RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Reserach) students were given the opportunity to present their PhD research proposals while another RISDEV student had the chance to present her final PhD draft thesis. They presented their proposals and final draft at Dewan Kuliah A (DKA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). 
Dr Fadzila Azni giving her comments while Nurul Suhada looks on.
The proposal and thesis draft were presented in front of more than 30 attendees consisting of ISDEV lecturers and postgraduate students . For the session, the first candidate was Nurul Suhada Ismail with her PhD proposal entitled "Pengurusan Sekuriti Makanan Dalam Tasawur Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam (Food Security Management in Islamic-based Development Worldview). She is currently a student under the supervision of Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan. Her PhD proposal was evaluated by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad. 
Norhayati all prepared to pen down the suggestions and comments given by ISDEV lecturers to improve her final draft.
The second candidate was Norhayati Abdullah who presented her final PhD thesis draft on "Penilaian Penarafan Sukuk Dalam Pasaran Modal Islam Di Rating Agency Malaysia (RAM)" (Evaluation of Sukuk Ratings in Islamic Capital Market at Rating Agency Malaysia (RAM)). She is currently supervised by Dr. Zakaria while Dr. Wan Norhaniza had taken the responsibility to evaluate her full draft thesis. 
Noazita presenting her PhD proposal.
The final PhD candidate for that day was Norazita Marina Abdul Aziz with her PhD thesis proposal on "Teras Falsafah Dalam Pembangunan Teori Perakaunan Islam" (Philosophical Underpinnings in Islamic Accounting Development Theory). Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad is her supervisor. Her PhD thesis proposal was evaluated by Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi.
One RISDEVstudent taking the opportunity to ask a question to one of the candidates.
As usual a Question & Answer session took place after each presentation. After a detailed evaluation, all candidates finally received the good tidings that their PhD theses were accepted. Two of them had been given the endorsement to proceed with their theses proper while Norhayati received the green light to submit her final draft PhD thesis. All of them were given the mandate to proceed to the next stage after taking into account the comments of the evaluators and other ISDEV lecturers in enhancing their written theses.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

KUIS SEEKS ISDEV EXPERTISE FOR TEXTBOOK PUBLICATION

An academic discourse taking place at C05 during the second morning session with ISDEV Director, Prof Syukri.
On Thursday, 23 June 2016, four lecturers from Kolej Universiti Islam Selangor (KUIS) came to the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for a one day working visit. They were Puan Noor Idayu Abd Wahid, Puan Rahmatunnisah Sailin, Puan Siti Noor Ahmad and Puan Aemy Elyani Mat Zain. They were there with a common intention to seek ISDEV expertise and views for the publication of a textbook that they could use in the elective course offered by KUIS - Development of Human Potential (Pembangunan Potensi Insan). 
All in a day's work - Dr Fadzila Azni (centre) listening to the idea thrown out by one of the lecturers from KUIS.
Their one-day visit was divided into three sessions. During the morning sessions, in the first session, they took the opportunity to solicit the views and points from ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr Fadzila Azni, who is directly involved in this project. She has the expertise and is the current resource person for the cohort on Management of Islamic Development Institutions in ISDEV.

It was followed by the second morning session. In this session ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh, had an academic discourse with the lecturers from KUIS. In the discourse Prof Syukri shared on a range of topics from objectives of teaching and learning to heart to heart methods of writing. 
Other ISDEV lecturers came in later in the afternoon to help in any way they can on the intended textbook.
In the afternoon session, in line with ISDEV work ethos to work in a jema'ah, other ISDEV lecturers were roped-in during the second session to get their opinions and feedback. At the same time the four lecturers from KUIS get the chance to be better acquainted with ISDEV lecturers.
A token of gratitude from KUIS to ISDEV.
The intended textbook is actually a collaboration between KUIS and the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). The textbook is intended to become a module for the elective course in KUIS specifically with the hopes that it could also be used and referred to by other Institutes of Higher Education. 

Monday, July 11, 2016

A NAS A WEEK - 5 SHAWWAL 1437

Ibn Umar reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Never do people withhold alms from their wealth except that a portion from the sky will be withheld, and were it not for the animals it would never rain.[Source: Mu’jam Al-Kabeer 13454].

Saturday, July 9, 2016

ENLIVEN THE GRANDEUR OF ISLAMIC INTELLECTUALISM

For the month of June, the Monthly Graduate Supervision of the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) took place on 17 June, 2016 at Dewan Kuliah A (DKA). However for this month's programme, the Graduate Supervision Lecture preceded the Tarbiyyah Pengarah.
Dr Fadzila Azni addressing ISDEV fraternity during the Monthly Graduate Supervision slot.
This month's Graduate Supervision lecture was presented by ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad who is also ISDEV Academic Programme Coordinator. Dr. Fadzila Azni, or more affectionately known in ISDEV by the name of Dr. Sukainah, conveyed on "Thesis Guidelines" as formatted by USM. Dr. Sukainah stated that knowing how to write a thesis in the correct format was important to students before the start of the study because it would facilitate and help students familiarize with the correct format from the onset. Thus having the right format from the start will also facilitate the lecturers during the review.

The Thesis Guidelines as outlined by  the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), USM was described in detail by Dr. Sukainah. After a long discussion, the students were very actively involved in the questions and answers session to find out more about the format and the correct way of writing according to the USM format.
Prof Syukri introducing the topic of his tarbiyyah for that day  - Enliven the Grandeur of Islamic Intellectualism.
The end of the Graduate Supervision Lecture session marked the start of Tarbiyyah Pengarah. In this month's Tarbiyyah, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, conveyed the upbeat spirit of Ramadhan to ISDEV lecturers, students and supporting staff. His address was on "Mencipta Semula Kegemilangan" (Enliven the Grandeur of Islamic Intellectualism).

In the early part of his Tarbiyyah, Prof Syukri introduced ISDEV fraternity on one of ISDEV main ambitions - to recreate the glory of Islam as discerned from the history of Islamic civilisation such as during the Golden Age in Baghdad. Back then, Baghdad was the seat of knowledge where Islamic intellectuals were very highly sought out and highly regraded in such a manner that Western scientists boldly stated that there was no Golden Age of Islamic Civilisation after that.
A brain teaser intended to bring across an important lesson - the power of communication skills.
Then Prof Syukri went on a positive note expressing his confidence that ISDEV is positioned to bring back the glory of Islamic In his pragmatically optimistic outlook, he voiced rather matter-of-factly that although such a goal might not be achieved in the near future, it is nonetheless not impossible for the next generation of ISDEV. They are the ones who would be interacting more with the society. Even if it takes another 100 years, it is not impossible for ISDEV to recreate and bring back the glory of Islam.

Before elaborating his points further, Professor Syukri gave a mind teaser to ISDEV fraternity who were present. The puzzle was intended to bring across a stark reminder on the importance of communication skills as to the delivery of the correct communication frequency. When it is correct and the approach to communication is accurate and precise (based on one's situation and level of thinking), then a positive outcome can ensue from the person whom we interacted with.
Posing a pertinent question - Do you want to reconstruct the glory of Islamic intellectualism?

Prof. Syukri then provided an in-depth analysis of the teaser. He raised questions among ISDEV members on what was actually needed to move a further step closer towards the point of the reconstruction of the Golden Age in Islam. For this to be a reality, Prof Syukri encouraged all ISDEV members to be prepared to make sacrifices and also to create new research entities. This entails moving away from the norm which is currently embarked upon by ISDEV students. But such move to think out of the box (norm) needs to be done more aggressively for the renaissance of Muslims to occur. ISDEV lecturers and students are therefore encouraged to go far out to spread ISDEV thinking that seeks to glorify Islam. He provided the justification on the dire need to pursue knowledge because the nature of knowledge is as such:- 

Knowledge is to be awaited. 
Knowledge is to be sought. 
Knowledge awaits not. 
Knowledge seeks not.
Making a comparison on seeking knowledge between  back then and now.
If ISDEV wants to build even a speckle of the Golden Age era back, Prof Syukri reiterated the words of Imam Malik which bears the following meaning when translated in the English Language:-

'The later umat would not be decently good except when they are corrected in the manner of the people of the yesteryears'.

Taking the spirit of these wise words from Imam Malik, it is thus in ISDEV to want to follow more of these Islamic intellectualism traditions especially in seeking knowledge such as having those whose words are "bermulut masin", morally good and upright, respectable so that when people come and meet any ISDEV member, they would feel gratified in such a manner that when they returned home, they knew and felt that had gained useful knowledge. Hopefully by then, ISDEV could be a magnet that would be the one to initiate the return of the Golden Age of Islam not just by adhering to the traditions of Islamic intellectualism but also with the use and help of facilities and tools that exist today.
The continuation of points on the comparison on seeking knowledge between back then and now.
He uttered these words after making a comparison between the study of past and present to all who were there. Before ending his tarbiyyah, Prof. Syukri then gave his closing remarks by giving words of encouragement and a fatherly reminder for all to work together to achieve this ambition. He ended off with the reassurance that although ISDEV current members may not be able to achieve such a feat in the near future, have trust in Allah SWT that the efforts towards that goal would still earn every ISDEV member the qualifications for rewards, in shaa Allah. 
The attendance at DKA for this month's programme.
In his closing, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh gave an opportunity for all to ask questions. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of ISDEV support staff. They are Puan Aishah, Cik Adawiyah, Encik Helmi, Encik Ibrahim, Puan Farhana and Puan Aznida) because they are very important personnel in ISDEV. They are always ready and willing to help ISDEV lecturers and students to achieve their goals.

Monday, July 4, 2016

A NAS A WEEK - 29 RAMADHAN 1437

Who spend (in the cause of Allah) during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good [Ali 'Imran, 3:134].

Friday, July 1, 2016

ISDEV & PERSATUAN CINTA GAZA MALAYSIA FOR GAZA


Those who attended the talk were required to register their names.
ISDEV Tuesday Teachings invited the founder of the Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia, Nadir al-Nuri to give a lecture on 'Ramadhan Berperisa GAZA' (Ramadhan with Flavourings of GAZA). The programme, managed by ISDEV Associate Members (ABI) and chaired by Ustaz Taha, saw the participation of many ISDEV fraternity, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) staff and even members of the public. The programme started at 3pm and was held at Dewan Kuliah A, USM.
Nadir al-Nuri (left) addressing the audience as to why Palestine was the country of choice for his studies.
Nadir al- Nuri represented the sole Malaysian who had studied at the Islamic University of Gaza. He was present that day with his wife whom he had recently married on May 27, 2016. His wife is a native Palestinian who is a widow with five children. His mother-in-law as well as his eldest stepson Na'im Ashraf Musytaha were present with throughout the talk.

He started the session with a backdrop as to how he became the sole Malaysian student studying at a university in Gaza. With his parents' blessings, he was able to spend four years of his studies there. Then, he invited his eldest stepson to equally share his experiences and stories of what is life really like for a Palestinian in Gaza.
The stepson - 16 years old Na'im Asyraf Musytaha.
Na'im Asyraf Musytaha shared about the experience of living in Gaza and also about his late father whom he admired and loved so much that all those who were present could sense the emotional bond he had with his martyred father. His father was one of the members of Brigades Izzuddin al-Qassam. The main reason for their roadshow was to instill the feeling of love among Malaysians towards Gaza simultaneously seeking for doa and help of fellow Muslims in Malaysia to aid those who are oppressed by the invaders in Gaza.
A very attentive audience at DKA.
In his speech he mentioned that the people of Palestine who were there at the moment were sacrificing everything they had to defend and liberate Palestine from the hands of the invaders. He asked the audience a few frank but pertinent questions. He asked about how much and how far were they willing to defend Palestine and free her from the crutches of the invaders? How much and how far were they willing to sacrifice for the sake of Palestine and Masjid al-Aqsa? Would they continue to pray or would they continue to brag? Would they continue to be with us - the Palestinians?
ISDEV students eager to know how and in what way they can help further the cause of Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia.
After setting up the Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia, they are on a roadshow to inform and share with Malaysians especially the inside story of how life is like as a Palestinian in Gaza. Besides this their roadshow is intended to collect aid and funds specifically for the Muslims in Gaza who need financial help and prayers as they strongly aspire to liberate Al-Aqsa from the hands of the invaders.
Receiving a token for sharing from ISDEV Senior Lecturer - Dr Mohd Syakir.
Nadir al-Nuri and Na'im Ashraf Musytaha expressed their gratitude to ISDEV and Amal Foundation of Malaysia (Yayasan Amal Malaysia) for giving them the opportunity to come forward and give a lecture as well as turn raise funds for Gaza. Alhamdulillah, with the presence of ISDEV fraternity, USM staff and members of the public, funds for Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia collected almost RM5,000 in less than two hours.
Nadir al-Nuri and his family taking a photo with ISDEV Director, Prof Syukri Salleh (2nd from right),
ISDEV lecturers and staff. 
After the question and answer session and a photo taking session with ISDEV lecturers and staff, the programme came to a close at about 5 pm. ISDEV was very grateful to the presence of its lecturers, students, staff as well USM staff and members of the public in donating funds for Gaza. For those who want to continue to contribute to Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia, you can bank into their MAYBANK Account 5648 1050 7826.