ISDEV MEMBERS TREATED TO HOME-COOKED FOOD

The recent trip of the ISDEV fraternity to Medan, Indonesia was truly amazing. ISDEV members had the chance to taste Medan home-cooked food almost every dinner time whilst they were there from 1 August 2010 until 7 August 2010. Each of ISDEV PhD candidates who hailed from Medan took turn to host the ISDEV delegates who were there for the 7 day 6 night trip.

Brother Dato’ Khairil Anwar was the first to host the dinner at his lovely abode in a place called Gelugor. He had also surprised ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh, with a birthday cake. The next in line was dinner at Brother Farid Wajdi’s abode for dinner. He surprised ISDEV members with delectable home-cooked eel which was, to some, simply too irresistible.

For the fourth night, Brother Heri Kusmonto honoured ISDEV members with dinner at his exquisite residence which was quite a distance from the hurried and bustling life of the third busiest city in Indonesia. Some members who looked forward to be served with the mouth-watering cucumber juice were definitely contented with the luxurious delightful spread.

ISDEV members were brought to Prapart on the fifth night. Dinner was at the great outdoor with the beautiful and scenic Lake Toba in the backdrop. There ISDEV members were treated with “Ikan Bakar” and the delicious king of the fruits durians of North Sumatera.

Back form Prapart, Dr Sukiman, an ISDEV alumni gave a dinner treat at his beautiful house. Besides presenting the appetizing fair with a mixture of Medan and Aceh home-cooked food, there was a presentation by a Marhaban Group and another birthday cake for Prof Syukri (as he is affectionately known) to commemorate his 56th Birthday.

Just before flying back to Penang, ISDEV members were then hosted for lunch at Brother Suhrawardi Lubis’ private residence. His family members especially his wife, Sister Latifah, was all smiles as she saw ISDEV members tasting her home cooked dishes with such enthusiasm. In enjoying the food that had been prepared the ISDEV fraternity was at all times mindful of the adab (the manner and decorum) of being a guest and of eating as exemplified by Rasulullah s.a.w.

ISDEV DELEGATES IN MEDAN FOR A WEEK

ISDEV delegates to Medan, Indonesia

Listening to tazkirah after fajr prayer

ISDEV Delegates at Polonia Airport in Medan

Following the call for the need for Muslims to travel and thereupon see and ponder upon Allah’s creation, ISDEV Director Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salled led the 48 strong ISDEV delegations to Medan, Indonesia. The week long trip which started on 1 August 2010 had been meticulously planned to ensure that ISDEV members were not only physically fed but were also in receipt of intellectual and spiritual inputs.

In terms of the intellectual input for the first three days members attended the following programme which were all held at the main campus of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) in Medan :

2 August, 2010 - 3rd Workshop Antarbangsa Pembangunan Islam (WAPI-3)

3 August, 2010 - PhD Proposal Presentation (ISDEV PhD Candidates)
(Sister Marlina Ekanawaty and Brother Dato’ Khairil Anwar)

4 August, 2010 - Seminar Antarbangsa on the theme “Peran Dakwah Perguruan Tinggi Islam:Model Aplikasi dan Propsek”.

Some of the ISDEV delegates presenting papers at the Workshop

Outing in Prapat [Danau Toba]

In addition to the intellectual input, the members’ spiritual well-being was also taken care of. The mandatory prayers were performed congregationally. Members were also treated with at least two tazkirah (reminder) sessions a day throughout the trip. The tazkirah was delivered by ISDEV PhD candidates from Medan who took turn after every subh prayer and maghrib prayer times.

As for the delegates’ physical necessities in terms of meals provided and prepared for ISDEV members it was nothing less than superb! Every night ISDEV students from Medan play host to these musafirun (travelers) therefore allowing them to taste Medan own home-cooked savoury fair.

Lunch at Pak Suhrawardi's House

ISDEV IFTAR 2010: AN EMOTIONAL GOODBYE TO DR MIFTAH

The Iftar

ISDEV organized its annual Iftar (Break of Fast) programme this year on Friday 20 August, 2010. It was held at the Banquet Hall of USM. It was well attended by ISDEV members and guests who included staff from the School of Social Sciences and the spouses and children of ISDEV lecturers and students. The close knit ties were really felt alive that night as ISDEV members mingled and sealed the bond of brotherhood with one another.

This feeling of Islamic ukhuwwah was fortified with the congregational prayers of the compulsory prayers of Maghrib and Isya’ and followed by the nawafil (recommended) Tarawikh prayers performed at the Banquet Hall. There were three imam (head) for that night, Dr Miftahurrohim, Ustaz Shahir and Ustaz Taha who took turns to lead the congregational prayers. In between the two compulsory prayers, ISDEV members and guests while enjoying the food that had been prepared for this special occasion, the interview made with Professor Syukri and Dr Fadzila Azni on TV3’s Malaysia Hari Ini programme earlier in the day was played on the screen, to the delight of those who missed it.

This was followed with a short ceremony where all the guests who attended the Iftar programme were introduced to the ISDEV fraternity. ISDEV members who had just been blessed with a child for at least the past twelve months were each given a gift by ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

However the highlight of the night was the “Majlis Perpisahan” that had been planned for Dr Miftahurrohim, ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow. Before bidding the last farewell to this much revered intellectual who is also a huffaz (memorized the text of the Quran), in quite an emotional speech, Dr Miftah (as he is affectionately known) talked about love and why ISDEV has a special place in him. True to tradition and as a gesture of gratitude, ISDEV presented Dr Miftah with a token of appreciation as well as a farewell cake.

Token of appreciation from ISDEV Director (right) to Dr Miftah

The farewell cake

INDUSTRIOUS ISDEV THIS FASTING SEASON:BROTHER EKARAT SITISAN VIVA VOCE IS CONFIRMED

Brother Ekarat Sitisan, ISDEV’s Master by Research Candidate has had his viva voce at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS). His viva to defend his Master Thesis entitled “Potentials of Establishment of Zakat Fund in the Muslim Community of Bangkok, Thailand” was held within IPS building on Wednesday, 25 August, 2010 at 10:30am. He was the sole candidate for Master level under the supervision of ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

After the viva voce, the Board of Examiners has decided to pass him with minor correction. Congratulation, Brother Fahd Ekarat!

Prior to the real viva voce, being true to tradition and with the aim to equip and prepare Brother Ekarat with his defence, ISDEV held a mock viva on Monday, 23 August, 2010 at the Meeting Room of C05 at 3:00pm.

INDUSTRIOUS ISDEV LAST FASTING SEASON: ISDEV POST-DOCTORAL SEMINAR

Dr Miftah delivering his lecture

On Friday 13 August, 2010 at 9:00 am the Meeting Room of C05 was brimming with ISDEV members. They were there to listen to yet another talk by ISDEV Post Doctoral Fellow, Dr Miftahurrohim on “Pengaruh Konflik Pemikiran Imam Abu Hanifah Dan Imam Syafi'i”. He gave a general overview of the succession in intellectual legacy of the four great imams with emphasis and details on the differences held by Imam Abu Hanifah’s concept of “istihsan” and Imam Syafi’i’s negation of the said concept. This is because Imam Syafi’i had devoted one Chapter in his great kitab “Al-Umm” pertaining to the need for the abandonment of “istihsan”.

This ISDEV Post Doctoral Seminar represented the last talk in his series on these two great Imams as his contract as ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow ended on 21st August, 2010.

Concentrating on the lecture

INDUSTRIOUS ISDEV LAST FASTING SEASON : 4 PhD PROPOSAL PRESENTATIONS AND 1 PhD THESIS PRESENTATION FOR ISDEV GRADUATES DISCOURSES IN AUGUST

Muhammad Yassir (left) presenting his proposal

When others might be engaging in the low gear during last fasting period, ISDEV on the contrary was seen to be engaged in the fifth gear. It was full steam ahead at ISDEV last August.

Just in the first week, on Tuesday 3 August, 2010 whilst ISDEV fraternity was in Medan, Indonesia, Sister Marlina Ekawaty and Brother Datuk Chairil Anwar had successfully presented and defended their PhD proposals which were held at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. Marlina’s presented her proposal on “Pengurusan Zakat di Kota Malang Dari Perspektif Institusi Zakat dan Muzakki” whilst Datuk Chairil’s proposal was pertaining to “Takaful in the Northern Sumatera Region”. Marlina and Datuk Chairil were each given the signal to proceed by their appraisers, Dr Zakaria Bahari and Dr Zaini Abu Bakar respectively.

Immediately back from Medan, on Friday 13 August, 2010, Brother Muhammad Yassir Yusuf presented and defended his PhD proposal regarding “Tanggungjawab Sosial Korporat Bank Islam: Analisis Terhadap Persepsi Pemegang Berkepentingan Bank Islam Di Aceh” to an almost full house attendance at the Meeting Room of C05 at the School of Social Sciences. He received the affirmation from his eleventh hour evaluator, Dr Zaini Abu Bakar, to advance to the next level.

The next in line to present his PhD thesis was Brother Muhammad Tahir with his PhD Thesis entitled “Kaedah Dan Aplikasi Tazkiyah Al-Nafs Dalam Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam: Kajian Kes Koperasi Pondok Pesantren (Kopentren) Daarut Tauhiid, Bandung, Indonesia”. The presentation and defence of his thesis was done on Thursday, 19 August, 2010 at 9:00am in the Social Sciences Conference Room at C23. His PhD thesis was reviewed by Dr Zahri Hamat and given a nod to proceed for a submission.

After that, Brother Sunaryo presented and defended his PhD proposal regarding “Pengaruh Kepatuhan Beragama, Kualiti Perkhidmatan, Kepercayaan Dan Kepuasan Terhadap Kesetiaan Pelanggan Muslim Di Bank Syariah Malang, Indonesia”. His presentation was slotted at 10:30am at the same venue on Thursday, 19 August, 2010. His PhD proposal was assessed by Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Fatah Che Hamat and also given a green light to proceed.

Some of the participants during the presentation

A NAS A WEEK - 18 SHAWWAL 1431H

Abu Huraira reported, the Holy Prophet salallahu 'alaihi wassalam has instructed me to do three things: three fasts during every month, two rak'ahs of the forenoon prayer (Dhuha prayer), and observing Witr prayer before going to bed [Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book 004: The Book Of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat), Hadith Number 1558].

A NAS A WEEK - 11 SHAWWAL 1431H

Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do [al-Saf, 61:3].

A NAS A WEEK - 4 SHAWWAL 1431H

Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. It would be as if he fasted perpetually [Hadith from Translation of Sahih Muslim, Book 6: The Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Sawm), Chapter 36: Excellence Of Observing Fast For Six Days In The Month Of Shawwal After Ramadan, Hadith Number 2614].

HAPPY EID MUBARAK

ISDEV wishing all a happy Eid Mubarak

We pray that all have fulfilled the real need for ibadah of Ramadhan and deserve to celebrate it during the Eid, InshaAllah. For those who do not feel so, with much regret, may we ask Allah s.w.t. for forgiveness.

A NAS A WEEK - 27 RAMADHAN 1431

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted [al-Hujuraat, 49:13].

CALL FOR PAPERS

4TH ISDEV INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT(IDMAC10)
ZAKAT TRANSFORMATION: FROM SUBSISTENCE TO PRODUCTIVE ZAKAT

21-22 December 2010 at University Conference Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
Organizer: Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia

Who Should Participate

Those who have or are interested in innovative new ideas to transform the implementation of zakat from the existing subsistence level to a more productive level. It intends to blend the innovative ideas to move the distribution and usage of zakat beyond merely the present cul-de-sac state, to a dynamic state that entails with reproductive effects among the asnaf. The scope of the ideas may include fiqh consideration, procedures, practices, administration, management, calculation, system, politics, and other relevant issues.

Important Dates

Submission of Abstract : 15 October 2010
Notification of Abstract Acceptance : 21 October 2010
Submission of Full Paper : 21 November 2010
Registration : 21 December 2010

Language

English or Arabic or Malay

Further Details

http://isdev.usm.my
http://isdevidmac10.wordpress.com

Contacts

Dr Zakaria Bahari (bzak@usm.my) Tel: +(6) 04 653 2664 Mobile; +6 013 4281960
Dr Zahri Hamat (zahri@usm.my) - Tel: +(6) 04 653 2800 Mobile: +6 019 4727353

RECTOR OF IAIN AR-RANIRI ACEH VISITS ISDEV

ISDEV is always receiving international guests of late. The latest is on the 26 of July, 2010. The Rector of the Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Ar-Raniri Aceh accompanied by 8 delegates such as the Deputy Rector of Academics and Deans of a few faculties had paid a visit to ISDEV with a mission to strengthen the Islamic ukhuwwah between these institutions.


Although the discussion that ensued was not based on any power point presentation (it was instead based on the notes prepared by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh) the discussion on ISDEV activities was nonetheless freely yet lively held. Besides giving detailed overview on ISDEV, guests were also informed that ISDEV staff travels to Aceh quite frequently for conferences and research and that ISDEV is currently the intellectual home of 4 students from Aceh.

Delegates from IAIN Ar-Raniry Aceh with ISDEV Director (in black shirt)

ISDEV Director Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh presenting ISDEV publications to IAIN Ar-Raniry Rector Prof Wajdi

ISDEV THREE DR Zs IN PEKAN BARU

From 7 June, 2010 until 9 June, 2010 Dr Zakaria Bahari, Dr Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar and Dr Zahri Hamat were away from ISDEV. They were in Pekan Baru, Indonesia. They were at the Universitas Islam Riau to attend a three-day international seminar organized by the Universiti Utara Malaysia on “Pembangunan Wilayah Ekonomi, Perundangan dan Pentadbiran, Malaysia dan Indonesia”.

On the second day of the seminar, Dr Mohamad Zaini presented his paper on “Pengurusan Konflik Berteraskan Islam: Satu Penerokaan Awal” whilst the last day of the seminar saw all three academicians presented their working papers:-

Dr Zahri Hamat on “Kelestarian Pengagihan Dana Zakat di Baitul Mal Aceh”;
Dr Zakaria Bahari on “Faktor-faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Permintaan Terhadap Produk Perbankan Islam di Kalangan Pengguna Muslim BIMB di Pulau Pinang”; and
Dr Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar on “Pengurusan Konflik Berteraskan Islam: Satu Penerokaan Awal”.

A NAS A WEEK - 20 RAMADHAN 1431H

Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit: The Prophet came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, "I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan) [Hadith from Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 32: Praying at Night in Ramadaan, Number 240].

ISDEV DIRECTOR ON AIR

On air

The host, Fitri

Prof Syukri, the Chairman of the Award

Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad, the winner of 2009 Award

Puan Nor Zanah Jamari, the Director of Yayasan Nurul Yaqeen (the sponsor of the Award)

On Friday 20 August, 2010 ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Islamic Development Management Section (PPI) Chairperson, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad were seen live on TV3. They were seen on the channel’s prominent morning show, Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI) at about 7:30 in the morning. The pair, together with the Director of Yayasan Nurul Yaqeen, Puan Nur Zanah was there to be interviewed by MHI celebrated host, Fitri, regarding the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin Best Thesis Award.

The airtime was 12:28 minutes and each of them was asked two questions. Due to Fitri’s expertise and vast experience in broadcasting he had managed to ask questions which required answers that gave almost all basic information about the prestigious Award.

Professor Syukri was there as the Chairman of the Award, Puan Nor Zanah was there as the sponsor of the Award while Dr Fadzila Azni was there as the winner of the Award in 2009.

To view the occasion, visit ISDEV Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001080971390

A NAS A WEEK - 13 RAMADHAN 1431H

We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil) [al-Dukhaan, 44: 3].

A NAS A WEEK - 6 RAMADHAN 1431H

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." [Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31: Fasting, Hadith Number 125].

PROGRAM TERDEKAT ISDEV

Dalam dua minggu terdekat ini, ISDEV akan mengadakan program-program berikut:

JUMAAT, 13 OGOS 2010
9.00 PAGI HINGGA 10.30 PAGI
SEMINAR PASCA-DOKTORAL ISDEV
BILIK MESYUARAT C05

Tajuk: PENGARUH KONFLIK PEMIKIRAN IMAM ABU HANIFAH DAN IMAM SYAFI'I
Pembentang: DR. MIFTAHUR ROHIM

JUMAAT, 13 OGOS 2010
10.30 PAGI HINGGA 12.30 TENGAHARI
WACANA SISWAZAH ISDEV - PEMBENTANGAN PROPOSAL PHD
BILIK MESYUARAT C05

Nama Calon: MUHAMMAD YASIR YUSUF
Tajuk Proposal: TANGGUNGJAWAB SOSIAL KORPORAT BANK ISLAM: ANALISIS TERHADAP PERSEPSI PEMEGANG BERKEPENTINGAN BANK ISLAM DI ACEH

Penyelia: DR. ZAKARIA BAHARI
Penyelia Bersama: DR. ZAHRI HAMAT
Penilai Bahagian: PROF. MADYA DR. ABDUL FATAH CHE HAMAT

KHAMIS, 19 OGOS 2010
9.00 PAGI HINGGA 10.30 PAGI
WACANA SISWAZAH ISDEV - PEMBENTANGAN TESIS PHD
BILIK PERSIDANGAN SAINS KEMASYARAKATAN, BANGUNAN C23

Nama Calon: MUHAMMAD TAHIR
Tajuk Tesis: KAEDAH DAN APLIKASI TAZKIYAH AL-NAFS DALAM PEMBANGUNAN BERTERASKAN ISLAM: KAJIAN KES KOPERASI PONDOK PESANTREN (KOPENTREN) DAARUT TAUHIID, BANDUNG, INDONESIA

Penyelia: PROFESOR MUHAMMAD SYUKRI SALLEH
Penyelia Bersama: DR. MOHAMAD ZAINI ABU BAKAR
Penilai: DR. ZAHRI HAMAT

KHAMIS, 19 OGOS 2010
10.30 PAGI HINGGA 12.00 TENGAHARI
WACANA SISWAZAH ISDEV - PEMBENTANGAN PROPOSAL PHD
BILIK PERSIDANGAN SAINS KEMASYARAKATAN, BANGUNAN C23

Nama Calon: SUNARYO
Tajuk Tesis: PENGARUH KEPATUHAN BERAGAMA, KUALITI PERKHIDMATAN, KEPERCAYAAN DAN KEPUASAN TERHADAP KESETIAAN PELANGGAN MUSLIM DI BANK SYARIAH MALANG, INDONESIA

Penyelia: DR. ZAKARIA BAHARI
Penyelia Bersama: DR. FADZILA AZNI AHMAD
Penilai Bahagian: PROF. MADYA DR. ABDUL FATAH CHE HAMAT

JUMAAT, 20 OGOS 2010
3.00 PETANG HINGGA 5.00 PETANG
PENYELIAAN SISWAZAH BULANAN ISDEV
DEWAN BANQUET USM

Tajuk: PERNYATAAN MASALAH KAJIAN
Pembentang: DR. ZAKARIA BAHARI

JUMAAT, 20 OGOS 2010
7.00 PETANG HINGGA 11.00 MALAM
MAJLIS BERBUKA PUASA, SOLAT TARAWIH BERJEMAAH DAN JAMUAN PERPISAHAN FELO PASCA-DOKTORAL ISDEV - DR. MIFTAHUR ROHIM
DEWAN BANQUET USM

FULL HOUSE FOR THE ISDEV IN-HOUSE SEMINAR SERIES IN JULY

On 30 July, 2010 ISDEV yet again organized the ISDEV In-House Seminar Series. However this time the seminar was so well attended that the Meeting Room of C05 was too small a place to accommodate all those who were present. Everyone was eager to hear from ISDEV Post Doctoral Fellow, Dr Miftahur Rohim as he delivered his lecture on “Analisis Pemikiran Imam Abu Hanifah dan Imam Syafi’i Terhadap Al-Quran” (An Analysis on the Thoughts of Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Syafi’I on Al-Quran).

An interesting discussion ensued thereafter where the experts of Quranic studies and Arabic Language proponents shared the linguistic and technical syntax implications of terms used in the Quran as interpreted by these great imams.

The seminar which started at 9:30am was chaired by Ustaz Shukri Hanapi, ISDEV PhD Candidate.

A NAS A WEEK - 28 SHA'ABAN 1431H

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint [al-Baqarah, 2: 183].

ISDEV DIRECTOR IS BACK

Prof Syukri chairing the first ISDEV Management Committee meeting on Friday 23 July 2010

Alhamdulillah. The moment that awaits the entire ISDEV fraternity has finally come true. ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh is finally back at ISDEV. On 19 July, 2010 Professor Muhammad Syukri came to his office at C05 and was immediately seen immersed into his workload.

With his new zest and inspirations received from his experience abroad, as a Visiting Scholar at the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) in Jeddah and as a Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) in England, United Kingdom, he has already committed his one Tuesday afternoon of a month as a “Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV”. This programme is intended for ISDEV fraternity to hear and have a special session with ISDEV Director at least once a month where Professor Muhammad Syukri plans to share and implement some of these new found ideas whilst he was abroad at ISDEV.

Some of ISDEV fraternity listening to Prof Syukri's first "Tarbiyah Pengarah" on Tuesday 20 July 2010

THE ORIENTATION AND WELCOMING SESSION OF MISDEV’10

Welcoming and Orientation Session

ISDEV welcomed its third batch of Master students recently on 5 July, 2010. 14 students attended the said orientation programme. The welcoming session started at eight in the morning of the Meeting Room of C05 with a Ta’aruf Session and Welcoming Speech by the Chairperson of the Islamic Development Management Section, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad. This was followed by a briefing on the MISDEV programme by Brother Khairul Faizi.

Although ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, was away as a Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, MISDEV ’10 still had a chance to listen to his welcoming remarks and general advice on being a student of Islam to them. The programme ended with the “Sahabat Programme” where each student of MISDEV ’10 was allocated a senior sister/brother from MISDEV ’09.

Some of the students

THE ISDEV IN-HOUSE SEMINARS SERIES IN JUNE

ISDEV recently conducted two in-house seminars in June 2010. The first of the ISDEV In-House Seminar was held on Friday 25 June, 2010 at 9:30am. ISDEV Post Graduate Fellow, Dr. Miftahur Rahim presented his paper entitled “Ahlus Sunnah Dalam Dunia Global” (The Ahlus Sunnah in the Globalised World).

Dr. Miftahur Rahim

The second ISDEV In-House Seminar was delivered by a guest speaker who is the Director of the Palestine Centre of Excellence (PACE), based in Kuala Lumpur. Assoc. Professor Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor presented his talk regarding “Keberkatan Baitul Maqdis” (Baitul Maqdis’ Blessings) on Tuesday 29 June, 2010 at 2:30pm.

Both of these ISDEV In-House Seminar Series were held at the Meeting Room (C05) and were chaired by Ustaz Mohd Shukri Hanapi.

Assoc. Professor Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor

AHMAD AZRIN ADNAN SUBMITTED HIS PhD THESIS

ISDEV PhD Candidate Brother Ahmad Azrin Adnan has submitted his PhD thesis. The title is “Choice Determinants of the Islamic Banking Institutions Among the Muslims in Terengganu” (Penentu Pemilihan Institusi Perbankan Islam Dalam Kalangan Muslim Di Terengganu).

Brother Azrin presenting his thesis at ISDEV before he is allowed to submit it

He has been working with ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Management Committee Member Dr Zakaria Bahari.

Viva voce for the thesis is expected to be held sometime in August 2010. When the exact date is confirmed, a mock viva will be held at ISDEV to train him to face the real viva voce.

Whilst waiting for his viva, Brother Ahmad Azrin has resumed his duties as a lecturer at the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) in Terengganu.

The participants at the presentation

A NAS A WEEK - 14 SHA'BAN 1431H

Narrated 'Aisha, The Prophet never fasted in any month more than in the month of Sha'ban. He used to say, "Do those deeds which you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) till you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds). "The most beloved prayer to the Prophet was the one that was done regularly (throughout the life) even if it were little. And whenever the Prophet offered a prayer he used to offer it regularly [Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31: Fasting, Hadith Number 191].

ISDEV DIRECTOR MOVES TO OXFORD, UK

Professor Syukri working at his Clevedon House in Oxford

After being in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for about three and a half months, ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh has now, since 18 July 2010, moved to Oxford, United Kingdom.

Professor Syukri has been in Jeddah from 1 March to 17 July 2010, attaching to Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) as a Visiting Scholar. Here he undertook a research on "Islamic Management of Poverty".

In Oxford, Professor Syukri is attached to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) as a Visiting Fellow, undertaking a research on the "Conceptualisation of Islamic Project Management". He will be in Oxford until 16 July 2010, afterwhich he will be back in Universiti Sains Malaysia to resume his normal duties.

A NAS A WEEK - 29 RAJAB 1431H

It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not [al-Saff, 61: 3].

ISDEV GRADUATE DISCOURSE IN JUNE: BROTHER AHMAD AZRIN PRESENTS HIS THESIS

True to ISDEV’s culture, Brother Ahmad Azrin Adnan, ISDEV PhD candidate presented his his PhD thesis to ISDEV fraternity at the ISDEV Graduate Discourse recently. The intellectual discourse was held on Monday 21 June, 2010 at 2:30pm and chaired by ISDEV Acting Director, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad. Brother Azrin who presented his PhD thesis entitled “Penentu Pemilihan Institusi Perbankan Islam Dalam Kalangan Muslim Di Terengganu” (Choice Determinants of the Islamic Banking Institutions Among the Muslims in Terengganu) was given the green light by the appointed evaluators, Dr Zaini bin Abu Bakar and Dr Nailul Murad Mohd Nor to proceed with the next stage - the submission of his thesis to the IPS office. The intellectual discourse was held at the Meeting Room of C05.

Congratulations to Brother Ahmad Azrin as he is a step closer towards his PhD conferment.

A NAS A WEEK - 22 RAJAB 1431

Narrated Abbas bin Malik: Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah's Apostle described to them his Night Journey saying, "... Al-Bait-ul-Ma'mur (i.e. the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Gabriel remarked, 'This is the Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.' Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Moses who asked (me), 'What have you been ordered to do?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day.' Moses said, 'Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden.' So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he said, 'What have you been ordered?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day.' He said, 'Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden.' I said, 'I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order.' When I left, I heard a voice saying, 'I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshipers." [Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 58: Merits of the Helpers in Medina (Ansaar), Hadith Number 227].

A NAS A WEEK - 15 RAJAB 1431H

"... and never give up hope of Allah's soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah's soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith." [Yusuf, 12:87].

ISDEV ACTING DIRECTOR IS BACK

ISDEV Acting Director Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad who was away from 1st May, 2010 as a Visiting Researcher at the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is finally back on 16th May 2010.

Upon her return she had briefed ISDEV members of the positive aspects that awed her, during her two weeks’ stay, pertaining to the work ethics and daily lives of the people in the sacred land. She recounted that in IRTI the staff’s time management was most notable as they were very much immersed in their work from 8:00am to 4:00pm - resting only for the daily prayers of Zuhr and Asr and of course lunch. There was no such thing as a morning break or tea break.

As to the obligatory prayers’ time of Zuhr and Asr the whole building becomes a musolla. Once the adhan is heard the staff irregardless of where they were would spread the prayer’s rug and perform the solat almost immediately. Usually the solat is performed congregationally. This sight in fact is not confined to within the building of IDB but also to that throughout the sacred land. Walkways and the car parking area, or any other open area for that matter becomes the make-shift place for congregational prayer.

Another trait that should be emulated by the ISDEV fraternity is the tradition of giving salam to everyone and anyone. They really practised the sunnah of Rasulullah salallahu ‘alaihi wassalam as she recalled having to greet the salaam of almost everyone she met whilst conducting her research there.

Dr Fadzila Azni hoped that these positive traits she had shared with ISDEV members can be emulated and be part and parcel of ISDEV’s working culture.

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Narrated Ibn Mas'ud: A man asked the Prophet "What deeds are the best?" The Prophet said: (1) To perform the (daily compulsory) prayers at their (early) stated fixed times, (2) To be good and dutiful to one's own parents. (3) and to participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." [Hadith from Sahih Bukhari,Volume 9, Book 93: Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed), Hadith No. 625].

PANDANGAN TERHADAP JUDI - MOHD SHUKRI HANAPI

Akhbar : Sinar Harian
Tarikh : 04 Jun 2010
Tajuk : Pandangan Terhadap Judi - Mohd Shukri Hanapi

Felo Rancangan Latihan Kakitangan Akademik ISDEV, Mohd Shukri Hanapi baru-baru ini telah ditemubual oleh Sinar Harian untuk mendapat pandangan beliau tentang isu perjudian. Di bawah adalah keratan akhbar temubual tersebut.

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Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way in ranks as if they were a firm and compact wall [al-Saff, 61:4].

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Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said: If anyone continually asks pardon, Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress, and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide for him from where he did not reckon [Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 8: Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr, Hadith No. 1513].

GISTS OF ISDEV DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE AT MISDEV08 GRADUATION NIGHT

During the MISDEV08 Graduation Night, a brief message from ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, who is currently a Visiting Scholar at Islamic Research and Training Institute, Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was aired via a video recording.

The gists of his message are as follows:

I am confident that everyone is happy tonight because of at least 4 reasons:-

1. MISDEV08 because you have passed and received your Master.
2. Parents because of your children’s success.
3. Lecturers because of your success in teaching till the end.
4. MISDEV09 because of your ability to contribute to celebrate MISDEV08.

Although I am physically distant from you, I too share this happy moment, even though I feel that I am at the losing end because I am unable to be with you. 5 reasons I feel as if I am at the losing end:-

1. Because this is the first MISDEV group – which is historical.
2. Because I am unable to celebrate MISDEV08 success together.
3. Because I am unable to witness how MISDEV09 celebrate MISDEV08 as a token of friendship.
4. Because I am unable to see the first product of 30 years of striving.
5. Because I am unable to meet the parents to congratulate and seek forgiveness, if what is hoped for we are unable to fully deliver, for example not only the Master degree but also the improvement in Iman and Akhlak – becoming better of becoming even worse.

We, the lecturers had tried our best, but because we too are not perfect, thus our teachings are also not perfect. We sincerely apologise.

If I am able to follow my heart, definitely I do not want to be away from ISDEV. But for the sake of Islam and ISDEV, I have to travel to at least do the following 4 things:-

1. Muhasabah (Retrospect) and see ISDEV from outside to arrange the next strategy.
2. Search for new friends and to build a broader network.
3. Explore new experience to strengthen ISDEV.
4. To be closer to Allah in this sacred land that is full of history.

Thank you for giving me the chance.