TWO VIVA VOCE TOWARDS THE END OF RAMADHAN

Conducting a viva voce in the blessed month of Ramadhan has not marred ISDEV spirit to strive for excellence. Two viva voce were slotted in the last few days of Ramadhan. It is a testimony of ISDEV commitment to excellence regardless of the period and time. The first was held on Monday, 13 July 2015 while the second viva voce was held on Wednesday, 15 July 2015, just two days away from 'Eid al-Fitri.

A rather calm and serene viva voce taking place for Nur Hanani (second from left).

The first viva voce was for RISDEV (ISDEV Posgraduate by Research) student, Nur Hanani Ismail. Alhamdulillah and praise is only to Allah SWT. As ISDEV members and the rest of the Muslim ummah wade through the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan to seek Allah SWT rahmat (love and blessings) Nur Hanani has added the tally to ISDEV records of “Excellent PhD Thesis”. She had successfully defended her PhD thesis on "Kaedah Naqad Al-Hadith Sebagai Kaedah Penentu Kesahan Data bagi Penyelidikan Berkaitan Islam” (The Naqd al-Hadith Method as the Method to Validate Data for Research Related to Islam). Her viva was held on Monday morning at Mc.Clintock Viva Room, Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), USM.

Hanani (centre) listening attentively to the question posed to her by one of the examiners.

Her viva was smooth flowing throughout. She showed her mastery of the subject and research as she was able to answer the questions posed to her rather matter-of-factly yet in the most relaxed mannerism possible exuding her strong grasp of her research throughout the viva. This had surely impressed her examiners. They had unanimously agreed to award her with Grade "1" as well as announced that her PhD thesis deserved a nomination for an "Excellent PhD Thesis" at least at the university's level.

Hanani's Board of  Examiners for her viva voce.

The chairperson for the Board of Examiners was Prof. Dr. Nor Hashimah Hashim from the School of Education, USM. In the meantime, Associate Professor Dr. Engku Ahmad Zaki bin Engku Alwi, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) was the external examiner. Two internal examiners consisted of, Dr. Zakaria Bahri and Dr. Zahri Hamat while Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi represented ISDEV Director. The examiners were satisfied with both her written thesis and viva voce and had unanimously agreed to award her with Grade 1. It is truly and ardently believed that apart from the efforts of the candidate and all parties involved, the do'a (supplication) from all ISDEV members especially in this blessed month of Ramadhan has added to the blessings of such blissful news.

At the start of Teuku Meldi's viva - providing a 10 minute introduction to what his PhD thesis is all about.

Two days later, ISDEV received another resounding news of a passing Grade 1 for Teuku Meldi's viva voce. Teuku Meldi who presented his final draft PhD Thesis in February 2015, was finally able to sigh a sigh of jubilant gratitude to Allah SWT on 15 July, 2015 after he had successfully and excellently defended his PhD Thesis. While most students were busy with their balik kampung fervour to celebrate the 'Eid festivities, Teuku Meldi's viva voce which was also held at Mc.Clintock Viva Room, IPS, USM it was nonetheless held in the afternoon session. It was just a few hours before the last day of the nawafil tarawikh prayers in the month of Ramadhan for 1436H.

Humbly and patiently Teuku Meldi explains the finer points of his PhD Thesis during his viva voce.

Defending his PhD Thesis on "Kriteria-kriteria Periklanan Dari Perspektif Islam: Analisis Persepsi Pengguna Institusi Perbankan Syariah di Banda Aceh" (Advertising Criteria from the Islamic Perspective: Analysis of Islamic Banking Consumer's Perception in Banda Aceh) he was not slightly perturbed with the frenzy of the last minutes preparations for the upcoming 'Eid. In fact the reverse was true. The fervour and will to excellently defend his PhD thesis was clearly displayed by his mannerism and determination during the viva, coupled with the do'a and backing of friends who stayed behind to support and cheer him on.

Professor Dr. Zulkiple Abd. Ghani

Associate Professor Mohamad Md. Yusoff

Bombarded with questions from his External Examiner, Professor Dr. Zulkiple Abd Ghani, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) who is also attached to the Faculty of Leadership and Management, USIM and two Internal Examiners, Associate Professor Mohamad Md. Yusoff from the School of Communications, USM and Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh from ISDEV, USM did not break his spirit in any way. He remained undaunted and was even able to answer all questions calmly. Finally within less than an hour, his viva voce had come to an end. The examiners unanimously agreed to award him with Grade "1" as well as announced that his PhD thesis deserved a nomination for an "Excellent PhD Thesis" at least at the university's level. 

A thumbs up from one of his internal examiners, Teuku Meldi (seated left) was indeed pleased and much humbled
by the excellent results he received.

The Board of Examiners consisted of the chairperson, Professor Dr. Merza Abbas from the Centre for Instructional and Multimedia (PTPM) USM, Encik Kamarudin Ismail Merican as Secretary and Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi served as representative of ISDEV Director. Also in attendance was Dr. Zakaria Bahari, Teuku Meldi’s main supervisor as well as other ISDEV members who never failed to give moral and spiritual support of any viva candidate from ISDEV. Teuku Meldi immediately performed the nawafil sujud syukur (prostration of gratitude) upon hearing his viva results. To him this was indeed the most meaningful 'Eid present for himself, ISDEV lecturers, family and friends at ISDEV.

Congratulations Nur Hanani and Teuku Meldi!

A NAS A WEEK - 4 SHAWWAL 1436H

They said, "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said "I am Joseph, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly favored us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good." [Yusuf, 12:90].

GREETINGS FROM THE HEART...SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI!

A NAS A WEEK - 28 RAMADHAN 1436

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would not proceed on the day of Eid until he had eaten some dates [Source: Sahih Bukhari 910; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari].

THE FINAL BATCH OF ISDEV-DBP BOOKS

Alhamdulillah...thank you Allah. Finally almost all 15 books written mostly by ISDEV members and published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) are nearing completion. These 15 books are in the list of ISDEV-DBP books publication for the year 2015. Only one more book is left in the pipeline and scheduled to be published very soon.

The attractive book covers for the books written by Razali, Surita Hartini and Abdul Aziz.

This final batch of books include "Wakaf Tunai: Sejarah, Amalan dan Cabaran Masa Kini" (Cash Waqf: History, Practice and Current Challenges) is written by ISDEV Alumni, Dr. Razali Othman while Surita Hartini Mat Hassan, who is also an ISDEV Alumni member has written on "Potensi Dinar Emas dalam Wakaf Tunai" (The Potentials of Gold Dinar in Cash Waqf). In the meantime Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Hussin (from the School of Housing, Building and Planning, USM) has written on "Pelancong dan Pelancongan Islam" (Islamic Tourists and Tourism) .

The other three books -  all by RISDEV students.

RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students including Noor Aini Mohd Salleh has written on "Citra Institusi Islam di Malaysia: Tanggapan dan Kefahaman" (The Image of Islamic Institutions in Malaysia: Impression and Understanding). Mohd Syahmir Alias writes on "Ibn Al-Haytham: Pelopor Konsep Penyelidikan Saintifik" (Ibn Haytham: Pioneer of the Scientific Research Concept) while the book on "Pembangunan Insan Berteraskan Islam" (Islamic-based Human Development) is the title of the book written by Abang Mohd. Razif Abang Muis.

To those who are keen to get a copy of at least any one of these books or require further details regarding these books, do visit  http://isdev.usm.my/index.php/book-list or kindly contact Ms. Khairun Adawiyah at  (+6  04 - 653 5812) to place your order.

Below, is the full list of ISDEV-DBP books publications in 2015 for your reference:

1. Pengurusan Kualiti Makanan Halal - Norazilawati Md. Dahlal
2. Kepimpinan dan Kepatuhan dalam Pengurusan Insaniah Berdasarkan Sirah Nabawiyyah -Che Nurmahirah Che Ghaffar
3. Wakaf Tunai: Sejarah, Amalan dan Cabaran Masa Kini- Razali Othman
4. Pengurusan Insan Berteraskan Islam- Lenny Luat
5. Institusi Islam di Malaysia: Misi dan Visi - Farah Farhana Johari
6. Pembangunan Insan Berteraskan Islam- Abang Mohd. Razif Abang Muis
7. Ibn. Haytham: Pelopor Konsep Penyelidikan Saintifik - Mohd Syahmir Alias
8. Citra Institusi Islam di Malaysia: Tanggapan dan Kefahaman- Noor Aini Mohd Salleh
9. Potensi Dinar Emas dalam Wakaf Tunai- Surita Hartini Mat Hassan
10. Pengurusan Organisasi dari Perspektif Islam- Ab.Aziz Yusof
11. Pelancong dan Pelancongan Islam - Abdul Aziz Hussin
12. Potensi Wakaf Pendidikan Tinggi di Malaysia - Ahmad Shaifful Anuar Ahmad Shukor
13. Amalan Hisbah di Malaysia - Azrin Ibrahim
14. Penilaian Prestasi dari Perspektif Islam - Ab. Aziz Yusof
15. Pemikiran Politik Islam: Perbandingan antara Pemikiran Burhanuddin al-Helmi dengan Muhammad Natsir - Dr. Mohamad Muzammil Mohamad Noor (in progress)

ALHAMDULILLAH... FIVE MORE BOOKS BY ISDEV

The close knit collaboration between ISDEV and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) is still continuing with the recent publication of five new books written by ISDEV members.

These books are written by 3 RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students, Farah Farhana Johari, Lenny Luat and Ahmad Shaifful Anuar Ahmad Shukor. Meanwhile, another two books are written by ISDEV Alumni member, Associate Professor Dr. Ab Aziz Yusof who graduated last April 2015.

The book covers for books written by Farah Farhana and Ahmad Shaifful Anuar.

Farah Farhana's book is on ‘Institusi Islam di Malaysia Visi dan Misi’ (Islamic Institutions in Malaysia: Vision and Mission) while Lenny Luat’s book is on ‘Pengurusan Insan Berteraskan Islam’ (Islamic-based Human Management). One special feature of this book is that it is written by a Non-Muslim student, who had successfully proven that she managed to learn, understand, and embarked on in-depth research pertaining to human management from the Islamic aspects. The end results of this earnest endeavour is the publication of her maiden book.

This proves that ISDEV has an open policy of providing opportunity and space to whoever is interested in learning about Islam regardless of a person's religious status, race or sociological level as Islamic teachings are characteristically universal.

In the meantime, ‘Potensi Wakaf Pendidikan Tinggi di Malaysia’ (The Potentials of Higher Education Waqf in Malaysia) is the title of the book written by Ahmad Shaifful Anuar Ahmad Shukor.

Lenny Luat's book cover.

Associate Professor Dr. Ab Aziz Yusof authored two books related to organization management. His two books are on ‘Penilaian Prestasi dari Perspektif Islam’ (Performance Evaluation from Islamic Perspective) and 'Pengurusan Organisasi dari Perspektif Islam’ (Organizational Management from Islamic Perspective). 

Two books dedicated to aspects of Management from the Islamic perspective by the same author -
Assoc. Prof. Ab. Aziz Yusof.

With this display of ability, hard work and keeping diligently within the time frame prescribed, ISDEV is confident of producing more scholarly books. In fact, in the pipeline is another set of seven new books by other ISDEV members scheduled to be published in the very near future.

Should you be keen to get a copy of at least any one of these books or require further details regarding these books, do log on to http://isdev.usm.my/index.php/book-list

A NAS A WEEK - 19 RAMADHAN 1436H

Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree [al-Qadr, 97:1].

THE ISDEV - OXFORD CONNECTION

Dato' Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti's talk on "Islam and Philosophical Wisdom"

It truly was a warm get together again for ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Dato' Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti. In addition to Dato' Dr. Afifi's appointment as ISDEV Visiting Fellow since 2013, both Dato' Dr. Afifi and Prof. Syukri Salleh hailed from the same prestigious academic background - Oxford University. Although Prof. Syukri graduated from Oxford with his PhD in 1991, he had the chance to be closely acquainted and sealed a special bond of brotherhood with Dato' Dr. Afifi when Prof. Syukri was back in Oxford as Oxford Visiting Fellow in 2010. Dato' Dr. Afifi was (and still is) a lecturer at the much revered university. It was then that the strong ukhuwwah between Prof. Syukri and Dato' Dr. Afifi was affectionately sealed.

Recently, Prof. Syukri attended the Universiti Islam Malaysia Wisdom Lecture Series (U-WISE) and coincidentally met up with his friend Dato' Dr. Afifi once again. The U-WISE programme was held at Putrajaya Marriot Hotel, IOI Resort City, Sepang Utara on 17 June 2015 .

(L)- Prof. Syukri, UIM President Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Mohd Yusof Noor (white shirt), Dato' Dr. Afifi, UIM Senior Fellow Prof. Dr. Khalid Mohd Nor and UIM officer.

The participants of the programme consisted of academics from all over Malaysia. Being there on behalf of USM Vice Chancellor and as representative of USM, Prof. Syukri did not expect to be able to personally meet up with Dato' Dr. Afifi who was the main speaker for the inaugural U-WISE. Dato' Dr. Afifi delivered a lecture on "Islam and Philosophical Wisdom". However Dato' Dr. Afifi upon realizing that Prof. Syukri was there, took the opportunity to personally meet up and struck a conversation with him. One of the first things that Dato' Dr. Afifi asked from Prof. Syukri was to fill him in with the latest happenings on ISDEV.

Dato' Dr. Afifi takes his appointment as ISDEV Visiting Fellow seriously. He expressed his longing of coming back to ISDEV for a follow-up of the ISDEV Lecture Series that he delivered in 2010 on "Approaching Knowledge Secular and Religious". He is proud of his close association with ISDEV and unabashedly confess how closely attached he feels to ISDEV. Following updates from ISDEV's blog and website helped him to track ISDEV development. He also expressed his keenness and eagerly awaits for the appropriate time to be back at ISDEV in the very near future.

The close rapport and affiliation shared by these Oxford-don, Prof. Syukri with Dato' Dr. Afifi.

In the meantime, the U-WISE programme that Prof. Syukri attended was organized by University Islam Malaysia (UIM), which is the first university in Malaysia set up by the Conference of Rulers. UIM is a university founded through the activation of Kolej Islam Malaya (Malaya Islamic College) that was based on charitable funds and waqf , first introduced in 1955. The establishment of UIM is seen as a continuity to the traditions of charitable funds and waqf. UIM currently is offering short term courses in Islamic Studies and Islamic Banking for its December intake. Once its application to be registered as a public institution of higher learning is approved, UIM is poised to offer postgraduate courses at the Master and PhD levels.

UIM Mosque, Cyberjaya - with a capacity of 8000-strong congregation is designed to cater for the growing population of Cyberjaya. The 100 acre UIM campus is designed to be fully equipped with facilities such as the main Mosque building, Admininistration  office, VIP Lounge, Classrooms, Food preparation & dining area, ablution and toilets, travelator, multipurpose hall, staff quarters, indoor courtyard and an outdoor plaza.

WIDENING THE ISDEV, USM REACH IN SUMATERA UTARA

Prof. Syukri with USM Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato' Dr. Omar Osman in flight.

ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was recently flown to Medan, Indonesia with some of the top management officers of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Among them were USM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Professor Dato' Dr. Adnan Hussein as well as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Professor Dato' Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal. They were there on a three-day working visit to widen the USM academic network coverage in Medan scheduled from 4 June till 6 June 2015.

Upon arrival, the delegates hosted a sumptuous dinner at Restoren Lembur Kuring, Medan specially for invited guests of honours from the Universitas Medan Area (UMA), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Institut Agama Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (IAIN) as well as Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi Medan (UNPAB). Each of these universities sent three representatives for the dinner. ISDEV Alumni members for the Medan Chapter were also among the invited guests for the dinner.

A photo session with the invited guests.

The next day saw the USM delegates attending the MoA Signing Ceremony between the School of Distance Education (PJJ), USM  and UNPAB. Amongst the contents of the sealed MoA would see USM increasing the enrolment of its offshore undergraduate students to 2,000 through collaborations with universities in North Sumatera. This is part of USM efforts to reach a target of 10,000 students registered for distance learning courses by 2020.

Taking a moment off fr a photo sesseion during the "Perjumpaan Kolaborator ISDEV, USM -Medan" 

Meanwhile, for the afternoon session, the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) and ISDEV Director attended the “Perjumpaan Kolaborator ISDEV, USM-Medan" (ISDEV, USM-Medan Collaborators Meeting) at Hotel Madani, Medan. In this meeting, the Rector as well as representatives from six universities collaborating with ISDEV namely UMA, USU, UMSU, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN), Universitas Nahadlatul Ulama Sumatera Utara (UNUSU) and Universitas Pembangunan Masyarakat Indonesia (UPMI) were also present. 

Dinner with USM-Medan Alumni.

The meeting was hosted by ISDEV Director and aided by students and ISDEV Alumni members for the Medan Chapter. The main aim of the meet was to discuss further cooperation between USM and these six universities in Medan. One of the outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the Majlis Kolaborator (Perundingan) Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam (The Islamic-based Development Collaborative (Consultative) Council) which combines all the universities in North Sumatera that are collaborating with ISDEV specifically and USM in general. 

Among the main functions of the Collaborative Council is to arrange for a few programme such as lecturers and students exchange programme between USM and the Universities in Medan and joint publication whether in journal or book form that is related to Islamic-based Development. In addition, offer of academic programmes, research and alumni would also be strengthened through this Collaborative Council as a forum for the ongoing development of Islam. The Council is also willing to accept universities from other countries to collaborate with ISDEV and USM in the near future.

Not a moment to lose. The ever diligent Prof. Syukri took time to supervise his student, Kasyful Mahali.

At the end of the meet, all delegates attended a dinner with the USM Alumni members in Medan. Meanwhile, Prof. Syukri took this opportunity to meet up and had a chance to supervise his student, Kasyful Mahali before all of them were flown home to Pulau Pinang on the next day, 6 June 2015.

Below is a brief footage on the Collaborator Council established.

A NAS A WEEK - 12 RAMADHAN 1436

Aisha reported: I have never known the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, to read the entire Quran in a single night, or to spend the whole night in prayer up until the morning, or to spend a whole month in fasting, except that he did so during the month of Ramadan [Source: Sunan An-Nasa’i 1641; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani].

PROF. SYUKRI DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT NCOZ 2015

Prof. Syukri (R) with Deputy Mufti of Brunei Darussalam, YM Pehin Dato' Suhaili (L) at Kuantan Airport.

Three ISDEV members, ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh with ISDEV lecturers, Dr Zahri Hamat and Dr Mohd Shukri Hanapi participated at the National Conference On Zakat and Economic Development 2015 (NCOZ 2015). With the theme on "Zakat Pemacu Ekonomi Ummah” (Zakat: The Driving Force of the Muslims Economy) the conference organized by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) was held at Hotel MS Garden, Kuantan, Pahang on 1 June 2015. 

Prof Syukri was given the honour to address the participants at the conference. He took the opportunity to address the participants by posing a question which was evident in the title “Krisis Ekonomi Kontemporari: Bolehkah diatasi dengan Zakat?’ (Contemporary Economic Crisis: Can it be Solved with Zakat?) before the concurrent sessions began after the tea break. Meanwhile, Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi was one the first presenters in one of the concurrent sessions with the title “Perakaunan Zakat Hasil Pertanian Di Malaysia” (Zakat Accounting on Agriculture Produce in Malaysia). Dr. Zahri presented on “Agihan Dana Zakat Kepada Usahawan Asnaf Melalui Pembiayaan Kredit di Baitul Mal Acheh” (Distribution of Zakat to the Asnaf Entrepreneur Through Credit Financing in Baitul Mal Acheh). 

Prof Syukri addressing the participants in his Keynote Address.

The participants of this conference included academics and students as well as practitioners of zakat institutions from inside and outside Malaysia in line with the conference background as a discourse platform to dissect the Islamic economic system especially zakat as a solution mechanism on the economic challenges and issues faced by the Muslim society.

A NAS A WEEK - 5 RAMADHAN 1436H

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me [al-Baqarah, 2:152].

TAKING THE ISDEV-UNISSA TIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Arrived at Brunei Darussalam and welcomed by Dr. Hjh Rasinah (right) and Dr. Siti Sara (2nd from right).

ISDEV Drector, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari were at Brunei Darussalam from 19 till 22 May 2015 to further the research agenda through various means of collaborations and academic co-operations between ISDEV and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).

Book editing in process - reciting the do'a before commencing the session.

Among such cooperation is the publishing of a book from the results of ten papers presented in the ISDEV- 5th Research University Team (ISDEV-RUT) Workshop that was held last March under the 'Negara Zikir' cluster. The editing process was jointly led by ISDEV Director, Prof. Syukri. The group agreed to have the book published with the title ‘Dasar dan Strategi Negara Zikir’, scheduled to be published this coming October in conjunction with UNISSA’s Convocation Ceremony.

Full of concentration as a focus mind and hard work are needed to discuss future ISDEV-UNISSA collobaration. On the right with balck 'songkok' is the Rector of UNISSA, Dr Norarfan Zainal

There were also discussions on the future collaborations with UNISSA. One such result is the publication of a forthcoming book entitled ‘Visualisasi Pembangunan Negara Zikir Brunei Darussalam’. In addition, the application of new projects and grants were discussed. Two new projects have been identified - the 'Brunei Vision 2035 Revisited' and 'Debt Culture in Brunei Darussalam’.

In the meantime, Dr. Zakaria Bahari had the opportunity to meet up and collect further data for his ‘Istibdal Waqf Project’ with team members from UNISSA,  Dr. Kamaru Salam Yusof, Dr. Fadzliwati Mohiddin and Dr. Hjh Rose Abdullah. A book with the proposed  title on 'Istibdal Wakaf di Brunei dan Malaysia’ is in the pipeline once the research is completed.

Discussing on the possibility of getting research grants from Brunei Research Council with Tuan Haji Amin, Deputy Director of Brunei's Department of Economic Development (JKPE)  who is in-charge of the grants.

Meanwhile, the Rector of UNISSA, Dr. Hj Norarfan Hj Zainal had also agreed and approved the First ISDEV-UNISSA Socio-Academic Laboratory (MASA) to be held for a month at UNISSA, from 27th July to 28th August 2015. During the duration, ISDEV students are scheduled to stay in Brunei Darussalam led by ISDEV lecturer Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan. The program will be filled with activities such as learning Arabic, recreational activities involving friendly matches between ISDEV and UNISSA, study visits to learn and know more about the culture in Brunei including the way of life and customs of the local people, community service, and academic colloqium.

Apart from the above, ISDEV Deputy Director Dr. Zakaria Bahari will also be in Brunei Darussalam from November 2015 to January 2016 for his proposed sabbatical.

A NAS A WEEK - 28 SHA'BAAN 1436

Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said to me, “Fear Allah wherever you are, follow a bad deed with a good deed and it will erase it, and behave with good character toward the people.” [Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi; No. 1987; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to At-Tirmidhi].

LET ALLAH SWT WATCH OVER

One of the verses from the Qur'an that was referred to in the Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV.

ISDEV Monthly Supervision for the month of May, was held at the University Conference Hall (DPU), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on Friday, 29 May 2015. Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad served as the Chairperson throughout the session.

Listening attentively with utmost concentration.

As usual, the programme started with the Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV delivered by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. He addressed ISDEV members on how important it was to feel that at every single moment, every second, everywhere, no matter what we do, we are always being watched by Allah SWT. 

Evident in his humble and pious demeanour - the much respected and much loved Prof Syukri.

The title Prof. Syukri had chosen to specifically address ISDEV members that month was “Biar Allah yang Pantau” (Let Allah SWT Watch Over). According to him, ISDEV was formed in the name of Allah SWT by striving and proving to the world that Muslims are honest, trustworthy, of good heart and only do things for the sake of seeking Allah SWT countenance. As such, it is only befitting that ISDEV submits to Allah SWT in choosing the rightful candidates to strive in Allah SWT cause simultaneously declaring that ISDEV belongs to Allah SWT.

Ustaz Taha (left) posing a question on whether there is any specific deed, dzikir or supplication that needs
to be carried out to ensure this Rasa Bertuhan has taken root within our inner self.

But, to make all the above truly a reality, there are always challenges and afflictions that can make one feel betrayed, resisted, at wits' end, sad, vilified, maligned and others. However in each and every tribulations and problems there will surely be a way out. The most effective way is the strong innate feeling of godliness which he termed as "Rasa Bertuhan". One way of cultivating this Rasa Bertuhan is to be guided and be inspired by the history and of the Prophets as narrated by the Qur'an. As an example, when feeling betrayed, there is the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) who was betrayed by his own elder brothers and the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) when he was betrayed by his followers who deviated from worshipping Allah SWT choosing to worship the dead cow instead. These true-to-account narrations could be used as a motivating factor to just keep striving in Allah SWT cause and to never give up. 

Not wanting to miss a single point - some students diligently jotted down the points from the Tarbiyyah.

In concluding the Tarbiyyah, Prof Syukri stressed the importance of each and every member of ISDEV in particular and the Muslim ummat in general to have imbued within them at all times this feeling of Rasa Bertuhan and realise that Allah SWT is ever watchful. He ardently believes that when this Rasa Bertuhan is fully embedded within man, all human beings will not commit any evil or crime as every deed and maliciousness perpetrated will surely and definitely receive the appropriate retribution from Allah SWT, if not in this tangible world then in the perpetual Hereafter.

Encik Ahmad Sofwan sharing his expertise on Critical Academic Writing.

The programme then continued with the Monthly Graduate Supervision on "Critical Academic Writing " by  Encik Ahmad Sofwan Nathan Abdullah, who is a Language Teacher at the School of Languages, Literacies and Translations, USM. He led this session by providing a detailed explanation on the technical aspects and terms that are required and should be borne in mind at all times for those who were keen to write academically in the English Language. To gauge the understanding of his lecture, he gave some on-the-spot exercises for ISDEV members to practice. ISDEV members showed great keenness and enthusiasm to ensure they grasp the concept and terms explained that day so that they could get a clearer picture. This was evident from the lively questions and answer sessions that transpired throughout his lecture.

ISDEV MEMBERS DEPART FOR 8th WAPI

ISDEV members at the airport just moments before boarding their flight to Kuala Namu, Medan.

As scheduled today, on 10 June 2015, a total of 84 strong ISDEV members consisting of ISDEV lecturers and students with some family members are flying to Medan in Sumatera Indonesia. The entourage is led by the Lecturer-in-Charge cum ISDEV-Medan Liason Officer, Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi while the Programme Director is a MISDEV'14 (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) student, Mohd Hafifi Hafidz Abu Bakar.

The 8th WAPI Brochure detailing the necessary information.

The academic trip included a 2-day academic gatherings jointly organized by ISDEV and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU). The first is Workshop Antarabangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam Ke-8 (8th WAPI) which will be held on 11 June followed by the 7th International Conference on Islamic Development (7th ICID) with the focus on ASEAN Economic Community scheduled for the next day. The 8th WAPI would see ISDEV students and lecturers presenting their respective working papers.

Final briefing by Programme Director at University Conference Hall,USM on Tuesday 9 June, 2015.

ISDEV Director Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh is given the honour to deliver the Keynote Address for both academic gatherings. For the 8th WAPI, he will address on "Kesilapan Non-teknikal Dalam Penulisan Tesis (Non-TAchnical Mistakes in Thesis Writing) while for the 7th ICID, Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh will address all participants in his Keynote Address on 'Ekonomi Politik Komuniti Ekonomi ASEAN' (Political Economy of the ASEAN Economic Community: An Islamic Perspective).

In the meantime, all the necessary planning and preparation for the trip is smoothly being handled by the committee members of the programme as well as some helping hands from a few RISDEV students.

Part of the preparations - getting the Luggage Tags ready for all ISDEV members leaving for Medan.

The final briefing before the trip was made on the eve of the trip by the Lecturer-in Charge, Dr. Mohd Syakir at the University Conference Hall (DPU), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Besides informing members of their respective groups and their room mates, all were given the big picture of the five-day trip which ISDEV members are also expected to visit 'Pasar Ikan' or 'Pajak Ikan' as well as book stores on the remaining days. They are also reminded on the importance of performing the obligatory solat Subh and the solat jama' of Maghrib cum Isya' congregationally as a tazkirah session will ensure immediately each time after the performance of the solat.

ISDEV delegates are scheduled to return on Sunday, 14 April and is expected to touch down at Pulau Pinang International Airport around 8.30 p.m.

A NAS A WEEK - 20 SHA'BAAN 1436

And do not send away those who call upon their Lord morning and afternoon, seeking His countenance. Not upon you is anything of their account and not upon them is anything of your account. So were you to send them away, you would (then) be of the wrongdoers [al-An'aam, 6:52].

A BLISSFUL WEEK: ANOTHER TWO SCORED "1"

The two RISDEV students, Ustaz Fakhruddin (R) and Puan Azrin (L) who aced their viva voce 
with their respective supervisors.

Alhamdulillah, praise is indeed to Allah SWT. ISDEV family would like to congratulate both Ustaz Fakhruddin Abd Rahman and Puan Azrin Ibrahim as they served as the 15th and 16th RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) candidates to have passed their viva-voce with flying colours. Both of them were awarded a Grade “1” as well as received the nominations for the "Best Master Thesis”  and  “Best PhD Thesis”  awards at least at the university’s level for their show of confidence yet cool and very calm disposition in defending their written theses.

Ustaz Fakhruddin defending his Master's Thesis.

Ustaz Fakhruddin 's Master Thesis was on “Pembangunan Wakaf Kapitan Keling, Pulau Pinang: Satu Penilaian” (Wakaf Development of Kapitan Keling, Pulau Pinang: An Assessment" while Puan Azrin's PhD Thesis was on “Asas-asas Hisbat dalam Kitab Al-Hisbat FI Al-Islam: Kajian di Majlis Perbandaran Kota Bahru Bandar Raya Islam (MPKB-BRI), Kelantan” (Elements of Hisbah in Al-Hisbat Fi Al-Islam: A Study at the Islamic City of the Kota Bahru City Council).

Ustaz Fakhruddin (seated second from right) with the board of examiners.

Ustaz Fakhruddin's viva was held at on Tuesday, 26 May 2015 while Puan Azrin's viva was held the very next day, on Wednesday, 27 May 2015. Both of the viva voce were held at 10a.m. at C06 Conference Room of the School of Social Sciences, University Sains Malaysia (USM). In both these viva voce, scores of ISDEV students were also present to give their support to the candidates in their intellectual battles.

Ustaz Fakhruddin viva’s Board of Examiners consisted of the Chairperson, Prof. Madya Dr. Abdul Fatah Che Hamat from the School of Social Sciences, USM, external examiner, Prof. Madya Dr. Siti Mashitoh Mahamood from Universiti Malaya (UM) and an internal examiner, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad while Dr. Zakaria Bahari represented ISDEV Director. In the meantime, his main supervisor, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was also present.

Pn. Azrin (seated second from right) with her board of examiners and well wishers.

Meanwhile Puan Azrin viva’s Board of Examiners consisted of the Chairperson, Prof. Dr. Nor Hashimah Hashim from the School of Education, USM, external examiner, Prof. Madya Dr. Asmadi Mohamed Naim from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and two internal examiners who were Dr. Zakaria Bahari and Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi. Her main supervisor, Dr.Fadzila Azni as well as co-supervisor, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh were also present. The representative for ISDEV Director was Dr. Shahir Akram.

Knowledge can be obtained anywhere. ISDEV students who were present to witness the viva voce took the opportunity to jot down some useful notes and pointers which they gleamed from the sessions.

As usual, true to ISDEV tradition, two strict routines were carried out to prepare the candidates intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Both mock viva and the performance of the nawafil solat hajat congregationally amongst ISDEV members at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid were carried out a day prior to Ustaz Fakhruddin's viva and on the day of Ustaz Fakhruddin viva itself respectively. This is indeed a blessed routine, a reminder to candidates and ISDEV students, to be conscious of Allah SWT at all times and seek for Allah SWT help in facing the potentially gruelling viva voce.

A first in ISDEV viva voce - the recitation of doa to express ISDEV gratitude to Allah SWT
after the results were announced.

Both candidates tried their best to defend the contents of their theses as a number of questions from the examiners were directed to them. Yet they truly deserved the victories as they exhibited excellent composure throughout the viva voce, answering all the questions posed to them collectedly and convincingly. Seeing the two consecutive days outstanding success of ISDEV candidates, spurred ISDEV to begin a new tradition - the recitation of the doa congregationally led by Ustaz Shahir Akram Hassan al-Hafiz before the viva voce came to a close.

Pn. Azrin with her beloved husband cum number one supporter who was there throughout her viva voce.

AKEPT IS NOW KEEN ON QALB-BASED MANAGEMENT

A glimpse of the seminar in progress.

Two ISDEV senior lecturers had been invited as participants of a 2-day seminar organized by the Akademi Kepimpinan Pengajian Tinggi (AKEPT) with the cooperation of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). It was held from 22 until 23 April 2015 at Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan. Both Dr. Mohd. Syakir Mohd. Rosdi and Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan were there not only as participants but they also represented the lecturers of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang (USM).

(R)- Mr. Ahmed Keeler  and  (L) - Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Wan Zahid Mohd Nordin delivering their
keynote addresses to the participants.

The seminar with the title 'Qalb Based Strategic Implementation for Higher Education Leaders' were  attended by representatives from public universities throughout Malaysia. The seminar focused on two main aspects - Qalb and Leadership - addressed by the two keynote speakers. The first keynote address was delivered by  a member of the Board of Directors of Sime Darby Berhad,  Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Wan Zahid Mohd Nordin on 'Islamic Leadership in Malaysia Public and Private Sectors' which stressed on the practical aspects.

In the meantime,  the second keynote address was philosophical in nature addressed by Visiting Fellow, Centre of Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom and Distinguished Fellow Faculty of Leadership and Management USIM, Mr. Ahmed Keeler on 'Mizan Initiative: Qalb and Islamic Leadership'. The seminar was also packed with presentations by USIM researchers who were currently researching on the implementation of qalb based strategies on higher education leaders.

Dr. Syakir (R - holding the microphone) presenting his views to the researchers from USIM. 

According to Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, she felt privileged to be given the opportunity and trust to represent USM and ISDEV as a participant in the seminar. She added that she had barely reached one year's service as a senior lecturer at an academic centre that was applying and putting to practice the principles of qalb-based management. As she considered herself new and less experienced compared to other ISDEV lecturers, this seminar had given her the benefits and exposure through the two-way discussions and interactions made with other participants. This provided her with the opportunity to contribute ideas and gave inputs since ISDEV is an institution that applies this qalb principle.

Meeting up an ISDEV Alumni, who is currently the Director of Pusat Islam Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 
Dr. Razali Othman who was also one of the seminar's participants.

Meanwhile, Dr. Syakir said, this seminar did not only empower the mind and knowledge but it had also enriched the qalb of the participants. Besides that, the chance of being together with colleagues from other universities was also well utilized to broaden the academic network with other participants of the seminar.

Dr. Syakir (third from left) taking a photo with some of the seminar's participants.

A NAS A WEEK - 13 SHA'BAAN 1436

Mu’adh ibn Anas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best of virtues is that you maintain relations with one who cuts you off, that you give to one who deprives you, and that you pardon one who insults you.” [Source: Musnad Ahmad 15191, Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Ibn Al-Wazeer].