PEHIN HELPS ISDEV TO ACHIEVE GOAL

Pehin (fourth from right) with ISDEV Director Prof Syukri Salleh (centre),
lecturers and ASTS of ISDEV

ISDEV is truly honoured to receive an official visit by the Executive Director of Abdul Razak Holdings (ARH), Brunei Darussalam, Yang Mulia Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim. Pehin graced a closed meeting with ISDEV academic and administration staff on 26 December, 2013.

All ears while Prof Syukri Salleh (far right) briefed about the layout plans

Brunei’s most prominent economist and leading corporate figure, is here to assist in the realization of ISDEV’s erection of its own study centre based on the endowment program (waqf), approved by the university and the State Islamic Religious Council of Pulau Pinang (MAINPP). In the discussion he stated that he was very pleased to be given the opportunity to cooperate and participate in this noble cause. He expressed his hopes that such effort is set as an example for other institutions to uphold the endowment program both at national and global levels.

Pehin in action -  contributing his ideas to enhance the upcoming ISDEV building

It was sheer exhilaration to witness Pehin contribute his creative ideas towards the enhancement of the existing design of ISDEV new study centre. He added more juice by touching up existing design so that the building will allow ISDEV to be self-sustaining suitable with the desired concept and the aim its establishment which is based on waqf. Pehin’s presence did not only help in the contribution of some ideas but also acts as a catalyst to ISDEV members to continue pursue the goal of becoming a Centre of Excellence.

All is Well ~ A lighter side of Pehin during the closed meeting

 A gift from the heart presented by Prof Syukri Salleh (left) to Pehin (right)

In the meantime, ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh also expressed his gratitude to Allah SWT as ISDEV new study centre had successfully passed a number of strict procedures and regulations. Due to the blessed assistance of professionals such as Pehin, it is now possible that ISDEV’s dream to become a Centre of Excellence can indeed materialize. Prof Syukri urged ISDEV members to cooperate and play their respective roles and render all the help, suggestions and opportunities afforded by Pehin and others to ISDEV seriously and to strive hard to achieve ISDEV's dream.

A NAS A WEEK - 11 RABBI'UL AWWAL 1435

Narrated Ibn Mas`ud: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time, so that we might not get bored. (He abstained from pestering us with sermons and knowledge all the time) [Hadith from the Translation of Sahih al-Bukhari: 68; In-book Reference: Book 3, Hadith 10].

RISDEV Student Awarded the Prestigious Anugerah Buku Negara 2013

Cover page of the award winning book

Congratulations to Ab. Aziz Yusof (or cordially known as ‘Pak Ajis’ among ISDEV members) for his success in winning the prestigious Anugerah Buku Negara 2013. His award winning book entitled ‘Pengurusan Pembangunan Organisasi: Teori dan Amalan’ (Development Management of Organization: Theory and Practice) published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) received the highest accolade for books in the Management Category.

The award was presented by the Yayasan Pembangunan Buku Negara (YPBN) in conjunction with the 1Malaysia Book Expo held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. The expo was held from 11 until 15 December, 2013.

The unassuming author and award winner - Ab. Aziz Yusof

Ab. Aziz, a RISDEV student (postgraduate in research mode at ISDEV) is pursuing his PhD on ‘Penilaian Prestasi Maklumbalas 360 Darjah: Satu Analisis Teoretis Dari Perspektif Islam’ (360 Degrees Performance Appraisal: A Theoretical Analysis from the Islamic Perspective”. He is also currently a member of the academics as a Senior Lecturer at the College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia.

It is hoped that with this success, Ab. Aziz has inspired and motivated other students to embark in writing. Living with a daily hectic schedule is not to be used as an excuse from the pursuit of writing as has been exemplified by Ab. Aziz.

Congratulations Ab. Aziz!

A NAS A WEEK - 4 RABBI'UL AWWAL 1435

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers (al-Hujurat, 49:11).

USAHA PERKASAKAN ISDEV DAN WAKAF

PULAU PINANG, 26 Disember 2013 - Pusat Kajian Pengurusan Pembangunan Islam (ISDEV) di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) akan dipertingkatkan keupayaan dan kolaborasinya pada peringkat dunia serta berusaha membangunkan program wakaf untuk menjadi model dalam usaha yang berkaitan.

Naib Canselor USM, Profesor Dato’ Dr Omar Osman menerima kunjungan rasmi Pengarah Eksekutif Abdul Razak Holdings (ARH), Negara Brunei Darussalam Yang Mulia Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Raja Dato' Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim hari ini untuk membantu merealisasikan hasrat tersebut.

Beliau adalah tokoh ekonomi dan korporat terkemuka negara Brunei.
Dalam kunjungan tersebut USM dan ARH berhasrat untuk bersama-sama memajukan wakaf ISDEV di dalam kampus induk USM. 

 

Hadir dalam perbincangan tersebut ialah ahli-ahli Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Universiti termasuk Timbalan-timbalan Naib Canselor dan Pendaftar serta Pengarah ISDEV Profesor Dr Muhamad Syukri Salleh.

Teks: Nor Rafizah Md Zain
Sumber : www.usm.my

A NAS A WEEK - 27 SAFAR 1435

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Make witr as your last prayer at night." [Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 998; In-book reference: Book 14, Hadith 9; Web (English) Reference: Vol 2, Book 16, Hadith 112].

A NAS A WEEK - 21 SAFAR 1435

And thus have We made for every prophet an enemy from among the criminals. But sufficient is your Lord as a guide and a helper [al-Furqan, 25:31].

YET ANOTHER 2 RISDEV STUDENTS GET TO PROCEED

 Professor Syurki Salleh addressing ISDEV members during the
Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV

28 Nov - Another two ISDEV PhD candidates (or "RISDEV students") get the approval to proceed with their thesis proper. They are Nur Hanani Ismail and Mohd. Rizal Abu Bakar. The PhD proposal presentations were divided into two sessions. It was held on Thursday 28 November, 2013 at C23. The first session was the Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV delivered by Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV Director. The second session continued with PhD Thesis Proposal Presentations. Both sessions were well attended as students who were late for the programme had to search for chairs elsewhere.

 The packed Conference Room of C23

For this month’s Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV, Prof. Syukri addressed ISDEV members on “Merealisasi Agenda Besar’ (Realising the Big Agenda). The focus of his address was on the reality of ISDEV to be a Centre of Excellence. He recalled the background and journey of ISDEV which started with a seed of an idea. He reminded ISDEV members not to give up with the trials and tribulations that came by. Instead to believe that every difficult ordeal faced will be awarded something that is unexpected.

Nur Hanani (left) listening to the comments given by Dr Zahri (right)

In the second session, Nur Hanani was the first to present her PhD proposal on "Kaedah Naqad Al-Hadith Sebagai Kaedah Penentu Kesahan Data bagi Penyelidikan berkaitan Islam” (The Method of Naqad Al-Hadith as a Method to Determine Validity of Data for Research on Islam). Her proposal was evaluated by Dr. Zahri Hamat. 

 Rizal was seriously focus in his PhD proposal presentation

Thereafter Mohd. Rizal Abu Bakar took his turn to present his PhD proposal on ‘Taksiran Zakat Pertanian Dalam Kalangan Usahawan Padi di Kelantan’ (Agriculture Zakat Assessment Among Paddy Entrepreneurs in Kelantan). Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi, evaluated his proposal.

Professor Muhammad Syukri Salled, ISDEV Director, is supervising Nur Hanani Ismail with Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad acting as her co-supervisor. For Mohd.Rizal Abu Bakar, Dr. Zahri Hamat is his main supervisor. Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad was the chairperson throughout the programme.

 Dr Zakaria (right) added some suggestions to improve the students' proposals

After a detailed evaluation, the two candidates received the good news that their PhD research proposals were accepted. They had been given the endorsement to proceed with their thesis proper under the supervision of their respective supervisors.

A NAS A WEEK - 11 SAFAR 1435

It was narrated that Abu Masud said: "The Messenger of Allah(salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said: 'Let the one who has most knowledge of the Book of Allah lead the people in prayer. If they are equal in terms of knowledge of the Qur'an, let the one who emigrated first (lead them). If they are equal in terms of emigration, let the one who has more knowledge of the Sunnah, (lead them). If they are equal in terms of knowledge of the Sunnah, let the one who is oldest (lead them). Do not lead a man in prayer in his place of authority, and do not sit in his place of honor, unless he gives you permission."' [Grade: Sahih, Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i: 780, In-book reference: Book 10, Hadith 4 English translation: Vol. 1, Book 10, Hadith 781].

A NAS A WEEK - 6 SAFAR 1435

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive (to Allah) [al-Baqarah, 2:45].

EMPOWERING GRASS ROOT DEVELOPMENT: THE BAN NUA COMMUNITY

A group photo at the steps of Masjid Ban Nua 

In order to realize the aspirations to learn through experience and travels in the pursuit of knowledge just as was practised by leading Islamic figures of the past, ISDEV fraternity visited Ban Nua in Hatyai, Thailand from 8 to 10 November, 2013.

The Ban Nua Project is part of the fulfillment of the coursework for SIW505-Epistemology and Islamic Tasawwur. In addition the project brings along a great mission of strengthening the relationship between ISDEV members with the Muslim community in the village of Ban Nua.

MISDEV'13 Muslimah busy preparing for the trip to Ban Nua 

The Project carried the theme ‘Empowering Grass Root Development: Case of the Ban Nua Community in Thailand’ received a close knit cooperation with three institutions - ISDEV USM, Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Brunei Darussalam and Walailak University.

An interview session with Prof. Syukri (right) by the crew of TV Al-Hijrah

The Project was organised by MISDEV’13 students. For the first time since the annual visits to Ban Nua, the crew of TV Al-Hijrah was with them throughout the duration of the project. In fact the project was aired for about 15 minutes on 24 November 2013 at about nine in the morning in the segment of ‘Assalamualaikum : Ban Nua’.

Gotong Royong at the Masjid Ban Nua

Rearranging the books at the mini library

Among the activities held was the sharing of languages, culture, management, health to all participants and the locals of Ban Nua. The activities were in the form of gotong-royong (mutual cooperation) in cleaning the masjid’s surrounding compound, class for basic Thai language, sports and recreation, management and improvement of the mini library, nasyid (Islamic religious songs) practice, Islamic personal grooming for the Muslim ladies and personal hygiene.

A session just for the Muslimah : Islamic Personal Grooming

On the way back to USM, there was a short stopover at the Floating Market to provide opportunities of ISDEV members to buy souvenirs and Thai delicacies to bring home to their loved ones as buah tangan.

With the children of Ban Nua at the Floating Market

The experience of organising and going through Ban Nua Project itself has been valuable indeed. The education imparted on the sense of the real Islamic ukhuwwah between ISDEV and the Ban Nua Community is everlasting. 

A feast - eating in Jemaah at the Masjid Ban Nua

2 MORE RISDEV STUDENTS GET TO PROCEED FURTHER

Ustaz Shahir Akram (standing) in action

Two RISDEV students (Postgraduate students in research mode), Shahir Akram Hassan presented his PhD thesis while Khatijah Othman presented her PhD proposal in front of more than 50 attendees consisting of ISDEV Director and Deputy Director, lecturers as well as students at the Dewan Kuliah A, Universiti Sains Malaysia last 25 October 2013.

Ustaz Shahir Akram (left) attentively taking down notes while Dr Zaini (right)
commented on his completed draft PhD thesis

The first candidate Shahir Akram presented his PhD Thesis on 'Aplikasi Kaedah Penaakulan Mantik dalam Penyelidikan Berkaitan Islam' (Application of Logical Reasoning in Research Related to Islam). He is currently a student under the supervision of Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh while Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad is his co-supervisor. Dr. Zaini Abu Bakar evaluated his PhD thesis and gave his views and comments on how it could further be improved.

Khatijah Othman (standing) confidently presents her PhD Proposal

Dr Zakaria Bahari (right) commenting on Khatijah's proposal 

The second candidate was Khatijah Othman with her PhD proposal on 'Islamic Compliance Quality Management System (ICQMS): Its Implementation and Impact on Organizational Performance'. Dr. Zakaria Bahari evaluated her PhD proposal. Khatijah is currently a student under the supervision of Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad while her co-supervisor is Prof.Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

(Front Row - left) Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh
sitting with ISDEV students and guest from Indonesia

Dr. Zahri Hamat as chairman for the sessions announced that Shahir's PhD Thesis and Khatijah PhD Proposal were accepted. Shahir had been given the mandate to submit his PhD thesis while Khatijah received the endorsement to proceed with her PhD research proper.

A NAS A WEEK - 28 MUHARRAM 1435

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah that: the Messenger of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said: "There are three supplications that will undoubtedly be answered: the supplication of one who has been wronged; the supplication of the traveler; and the supplication of a father for his child." [Hasan; From the Translation of Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol 5, Book 34, Number 3862].

A NAS A WEEK - 21 MUHARRAM 1435

And not equal are the blind and the seeing, nor are those who believe and do righteous deeds and the evildoer. Little do you remember [Ghafir, 40:58].

REPOSITIONING MANTIK BACK TO ITS GLORY

Shahir Akram (left) posing with two of the eleven paper presenters

Shahir Akram Hassan, a RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate Student pursuing Research Mode) student who is currently pursuing his PhD on mantik (logic) has participated in 'Seminar Ilmu Mantik 2013' at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) Kuala Terengganu, from 17 till 18 september 2013. The theme of the seminar was 'Literasi Mantik Memantapkan Epistemologi' (Literacy on Logic Strengthens Epistemology), organized by the Faculty of Contemporary Islamic Studies, UniSZA with the cooperation of the Institute for Mathemaical Research, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and the Malaysian Mathematical Sciences Society (Persama). The seminar gathered scholars in various fields especially in Mathematics, Usuluddin, Fiqh and Law.

According to Shahir Akram Hassan, his participation in the seminar was a valuable opportunity. Besides having the chance to share knowledge and exchange information with scholars of various expertise, it convinced him that mantik exists in each branch of knowledge. The different is only found in the terms and approaches used. Nonetheless, they share similar objectives, that is to protect one's thinking from errors. 

The seminar entailed with three resolutions, as recorded by Bernama on 18 september 3013. They are firstly, that mantik needs to be studied and that the learning is reinforced at the school as well as university's levels. Secondly, it proposes the reduction in several ways of various forms of obstacles in the learning of mantik in order to restore the spirit and enthusiasm of learning  mantik. Thirdly, it proposes an allied merger between Islamic Studies and Mathematical Sciences to produce leading Islamic scholars similar in standing to those from the golden age of Islam.

A NAS A WEK - 15 MUHARRAM 1435

‘Amir said “A man came to ‘Abd Allaah bin ‘Amr while the people were with him. He sat with him and said “Tell me anything that you heard from the Apostle of Allaah(salallahu 'alaihi wassalam)”. He said “I hears the Apostle of Allaah() say “A Muslim is he from whose tongue and hand the Muslims remain safe and an emigrant is he who abandons what Allaah has prohibited.” [Hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 15, Hadith 4, Grade: Sahih].

The 8th INGRAW SETS A NEW RECORD FOR ISDEV

The participants of the 8th INGRAW 2013

The 8th ISDEV International Graduate Workshop 2013 (INGRAW2013) saw 113 papers presented. The 2-day workshop which began on 30 October 2013 had successfully gathered the most number of presenters compared to previous workshops. As in previous years, the 8th INGRAW was jointly organized by the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), School of Social Sciences with the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS).

Murni (right) an ISDEV student presenting on Islamic Relationship Marketing

The presenters comprising of postgraduate students from ISDEV and other universities, among them, from Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) assembled at the University Conference Hall (DPU) to share their postgraduate research all of which were related to Islam.

The opportunity for these postgraduate students to present their research papers proved the readiness of students to openly discuss their research and ideas in return for feedback, comments, debates and even criticism on how best they could improve their research endeavors and theses writing. For some presenters the opportunity to present their research before a reviewer and an audience had definitely helped them to inject some level of confidence and perhaps erase some fear of public speaking within themselves.

Dr Azrin Adnan of UniSZA (centre) the appointed Resource Person
for this concurrent session

Dr Shaik Abdullah of PJJ (centre) as the Resource Person attentively listens
to a presenter's presentation

The 8th INGRAW started with a keynote Address by ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh on ' Ways of Graduate Studies '. In his address, Prof. Syukri posed three questions and hoped that students were able to reflect and critically assess their intentions, their institutions of learning's expectations and the bases used to fulfil those expectations in pursuing their postgraduate studies. He hoped that students aspire to be imbued with the characteristics of the 'Oceanic Intellectual' as is expected of them by most of the postgraduate institutions of today.

Dr Warjio (right) presenting his books to Prof Syukri (left) at the launch

Immediately following the Keynote Address was the launch of two books by ISDEV member, Dr. Warjio and an introduction to the 12 books written by ISDEV lecturers and students published by Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka. These books are scheduled to be officially launched early next year during the Perutusan Naib Chanselor 2014 of USM.

A crowd puller - The ISDEV Book Sale booth 

A NAS A WEEK - 7 MUHARRAM 1435H

And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness [Taha, 20:132].

ISDEV IN THE MAKINGS OF 'ULUL-ALBAB'

(seated from left to right) Distinguished Prof. Tan Sri Dr Mohd Kamal Hassan,
Prof. Muhamad Jantan (Deputy Vice-Chancellor) and Prof. Syukri Salleh (ISDEV Director)

The term 'Ulul al- Baab' is derived from the verses in the Quran. There are 16 different instances where the term is used in the Quran. Ulul al-Baab in its literal sense means 'the members of the door' but in its Quranic terminology brings forth the meaning that a group of people who have understanding about their creation and that they are in a constant state of remembrence to  Allah SWT. It is said that these characteristics could be present in each and every ISDEV member especially ISDEV students. Thus it is not an impossibility that ISDEV has the ability to give birth to this group of Ulul al-Baab.

Prof. Tan Sri Mohd Kamal delivering his lecture

This is the view expressed by YBhg. Distinguished Professor Tan Sri Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan during a closed-door meeting-cum-discussion session with ISDEV fraternity held in the afternoon of 21 October 2013 at the University Conference Hall (DPU), USM. During this session, students were given the opportunity to interact and discuss openly on identifying these Ulul al-Baab, the challenges and opportunity for the Ulul al-Baab as well as the criteria needed in achieving the status of Ulul al-Baab.

The audience at DPU were all eyes and ears in giving their full attention to the lecture

Prior to the closed-door session, the morning session saw Distinguished Professor Tan Sri Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan delivering a lecture in conjunction with the 9th ISDEV Lecture Series on 'The Heart of the Problems vis-a-vis the Problems of the Heart' to a full-house audience. His detailed lecture started with an introduction on the global ethical crisis of liberal democracy and how the scholars and intellectuals perceive the malady that is befalling mankind. Professor Mohd. Kamal then examined how major world religions view the importance and role of the spiritual heart before finally discussing the spiritual heart from the perspective of the Quran.

A moment to cherish - group photo with Prof. Tan Sri Mohd Kamal Hassan

Professor Mohd. Kamal's next series of lecture, as a continuation to the recent lecture, has been planned to take place in February 2014. Professor Mohd. Kamal is now ISDEV's Eminent Visiting Professor, appointed by USM for a duration of one year, beginning 21 October 2013 till 20 October 2014.

A NAS A WEEK - 29 DHUL HIJJAH 1434

It was narrated from 'Abdullah bin Amr that:

The Prophet [SAW] used to seek refuge (with Allah) from four things: From knowledge that is of no benefit, from a heart that does not feel humble, from a supplication that is not heard, and a soul that is never satisfied. (Hasan) [Sunan an-Nasa'i 5442, In-book reference : Book 50, Hadith 15, English translation : Vol. 6, Book 50, Hadith 5444].