BRIEF ON THE RECENT TRIP BY ISDEV MEMBERS TO MEDAN, INDONESIA

The 31 strong ISDEV delegates that went to Medan recently touched down at the Penang International Airport (PIA) on Sunday 10 May, 2009. These delegates received a warm welcome from family members and well wishers who missed their presence after their 7 days/6 nights intellectual cum vacation sojourn.

In line with the spirit of travelling as envisaged by the Holy Quran and the sunnah of Rasulullah (saw) the trip started with a briefing at the Penang International Airport by ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh who reminded the members to specifically invocate (niat) to Allah that the change of status of members to be a mussafir receives Allah’s blessings. In addition to the above as the journey is intended to train the intellectual, emotional and physical strength of each delegate, members were at all times to be mindful of the privileges and accolades and tests provided to a mussafiruun.

Throughout the trip, the delegates moved as a Jemaah (Congregation) of ISDEV. In ensuring that this united spirit of brotherhood remained steadfast during the trip, delegates were given a wake-up call at 4:30am every morning by the Royal Perintis Hotel staff in Medan. Delegates were supported and encouraged to perform the Subh prayer as a Jemaah which was immediately thereafter followed with a short morning Tazkirah delivered by one post graduate students of ISDEV at each session. The Maghrib and Isya prayers (usually in Jama’ takdim or Jama’ ta’khir) which were also performed congregationally saw the delegates being very attentive to the evening Tazkirah delivered at each session. As in the morning Tazkirah sessions, the evening sessions were also delivered in turns by ISDEV postgraduate students.

PhD candidate Sukiman giving a tazkirah after Subh prayer

Listening to the tazkirah attentatively

A brief itinery on the activities throughout the 7 days 6 nights trip are as follows:

1st day: Arrival at Polonia International Airport, Medan, Indonesia

Upon arrival at the Polonia International Airport, Medan, Indonesia delegates were immediately whisked away to Warong Solo for dinner where most members for the very first time had a taste of “Juice Poligami”. After dinner the delegates then proceeded to the official opening of the “Seminar Antarabangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam Ke-2: Wakaf dan Pemberdayaan Ummah” held at Aula Asrama Haji Medan.

In front of Hotel Royal Perintis

2nd day: Seminar Antarabangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam Ke-2: Wakaf dan Pemberdayaan Ummah

Delegates attended a day long “Seminar Antarabangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam Ke-2: Wakaf dan Pemberdayaan Ummah” which was divided into 3 consecutive sessions. Each session encompass presentations of three working papers and thereafter followed usually by lively questions and answers sessions. ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh presented his paper on “Transformasi dan Paduan Pemerkasaan Wakaf” in the third session and ISDEV Associate Fellow Razali Othman presented his paper on "Usaha Manipulasi dan Menghapus Institusi Wakaf Oleh Kuasa Penjajah Barat" in the second session.

ISDEV delegates at the Waqf Seminar

3rd day : Journey to Lake Toba enroute Parapat

After a day long seminar session the previous day, delegates took a breather from the intellectual arena during the 3rd day. Delegates had to experience the 5 hours drive to Lake Toba en route Parapat where an overnight stay had been arranged. After dinner, delegates were feasted to barbequed fresh fish, a joint effort made possible by lecturers and students of ISDEV. Those juicy and succulent fish were caught from the nearby legendary Lake Toba.

Barbequeing fresh fishes from Lake Toba

4th day : A day at Samosir Island and back to Medan city

Delegates were ferried, for a 45 minutes’ ride, to Samosir Island and were entertained with fun and games designed to be in a very friendly competitive manner. ISDEV postgraduate students won the quizzes (teka-teki) and portrayed aspiring nasyeed singers in the making. Delegates were given time for a shopping spree at the Island before being ferried back to Parapat and thereafter endure another 5 hours’ drive back to Medan.

On the boat from Samosir Island

Unboarding the boat from Samosir Island

5th day : Workshop Antarabangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam Ke 2:Wakaf Dalam Berbagai Perspektif

ISDEV Director Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh (right) delivering a Public Lecture on Teaching-Learning Method: Heart-to-Heart Way, chaired by the Rector, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (left)

Back to the intellectual realm, this time some delegates were seen to be cool, calm and collected admist their anxiety to present their working papers at the “Workshop Antarabangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam Ke 2: Wakaf Dalam Berbagai Perspektif” held at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. More than 20 papers on a wide range of topics centered on Wakaf (Islamic endowments) were presented by ISDEV members at the international workshop which was carried out in four concurrent sessions.

Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh receiving a gift from the Rector

Some of the ISDEV participants of the Workshop

6th day : PhD Proposal Presentations

The morning session saw the delegates participating in the PhD Proposal Presentation of two postgraduate students of ISDEV at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utrara.

The afternoon session remained to be the most awaited time for the delegates – free and easy day. Nonetheless true to Malaysian style almost all delegates opted for a shopping spree at the heart of Medan’s infamous Pajak Ikan. A few others opted to head to the bookstores to scout for the latest publications in town.

7th day: Last minute shopping and home sweet home

Since the flight back to Malaysia was in the evening, delegates were given time in the morning to continue with their free and easy activities in the morning. Delegates were feasted to a farewell lunch at one of ISDEV postgraduate students’ house, Datuk Chairil Anwar, in the heart of Medan before leaving for the “Bandara”.

Alhamdulillah delegates ended their musafiruun status when the flight they boarded touched down at Penang International Airport just before 8:00pm.

A NAS A WEEK - 8 JAMADIL AKHIR 1430H

Yahya related to me from Malik that he heard that Luqman al-Hakim made his will and counselled his son, saying, "My son! Sit with the learned men and keep close to them. Allah gives life to the hearts with the light of wisdom as Allah gives life to the dead earth with the abundant rain of the sky." [Hadith from Malik's Muwatta', Book No. 59: Knowledge, Hadith No. 59.1.1].

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And those who strive in Our (Cause), We will certainly guide them to Our Paths: for verily Allah is with those who do right [al-'Ankabuut, 29:69].

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Narrated Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab: While the Apostle of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) was sitting with some of his companions, a man reviled AbuBakr and insulted him. But AbuBakr remained silent. He insulted him twice, but AbuBakr controlled himself. He insulted him thrice and AbuBakr took revenge on him. Then the Apostle of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) got up when AbuBakr took revenge. AbuBakr said: Were you angry with me, Apostle of Allah? The Apostle of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) replied: An angel came down from Heaven and he was rejecting what the man had said to you. When you took revenge, a devil came down. I was not going to sit when the devil came down [Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 298: Kitab al-Adab, Hadith No. 4878].

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Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? [al-Hajj, 22: 46]

ISDEV AND PUSAT URUS ZAKAT PENANG COLLABORATED IN THE PUBLICATION OF TRANSFORMATION OF ZAKAT

Some of the participants of the Workshop

On Thursday, 30 April 2009, a total of 15 participants attended a Workshop on Zakat Transformation organised by ISDEV and Pusat Urus Zakat (PUZ) Negeri Pulau Pinang. Held at the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, the Workshop was intended to stretch out ideas on the transformation of zakat, from subsistence zakat to productive zakat, to be compiled in an edited book by PUZ in conjunction with its 15th Anniversary.

The Workshop was chaired by ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and participated by General Managers of Pusat Pungutan Zakat (PPZ) Wilayah Persekutuan, Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) and Baitulmal Sarawak, as well as academicians from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Kolej Universiti Islam Selangor (KUIS) and officer from Jabatan Wakaf, Zakat dan Haji (JAWHAR). All agreed to contribute a paper each for the book.

Presentation of these papers prior to publication will be held in another workshop scheduled on 21-22 July 2009. The title of the book was agreed to be Zakat Transformation: From Subsistence Zakat to Productive Zakat and will be edited by Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, Mohd Salleh Abdullah and Dr Zahri Hamat.

ISDEV MEMBERS FLYING OFF TO MEDAN, INDONESIA

A total of 31 ISDEV members and associates, consisting of lecturers and postgraduate students, will be flying off to Polonia International Airport, Medan Indonesia on Monday 4th May, 2009. They will be part of the delegates attending the “Seminar Antarabangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam Ke-2: Wakaf dan Pemberdayaan Ummah” scheduled on 5th May, 2009. A trip said to be filled with intellectual stimulation will also witness some of these delegates presenting their papers at the “Workshop Antarabangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam Ke-2: Wakaf Dalam Berbagai Perspektif” on Friday 8th May, 2009.

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Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said: The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners [Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 40: Kitab al-Sunnah, Hadith No. 4665].

CALL FOR PAPERS : THE 3RD ISDEV INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE : ISLAMIC CAPITAL MARKET, 28-29 OCTOBER 2009

DR MASAKAREE ARDAE: ISDEV NEW POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW & NEW LECTURE SERIES ON KITAB UUM AL-BARAHIN

This April 2009, ISDEV new Post-Doctoral Fellow Dr Maskaree Ardee @ Nik Muhammad Syukri Nik Wan (pic.) will hold a discussion on the aspects of ilmu Tauhid based on Kitab Uum al-Barahin. This discussion has been scheduled to be held on every 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Kitab Uum al-Barahin is a scholarly work of Imam al-Sanusi.

Dr Ardee who is from Pattani, Thailand is proficient in the field of Usuluddin. He had obtained the Bachelor of Arts in Usuluddin (Doctrine & Philosophy) from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt and his Masters degree from College of Islamic Studies (Usuluddin) from Prince of Songkla, University Pattani, Thailand. He was conferred the PhD degree in Islamic Civilisation from the School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia with his thesis which reads “Pengaruh dan kesan penulisan al-Imam al-Sanusi terhadap ilmu tauhid di Selatan Thailand”.

Dr Ardee is very articulate in his native Thai language and the Arabic language. However he also speaks fluent Bahasa Malaysia. Dr Ardee’s official appointment as ISDEV post doctoral fellow began on 19 April, 2009 and insya Allah he will be with ISDEV for a year. Ah lan wa sahlan to ISDEV Dr Ardee!

ISDEV SABBATICAL SCHOLAR RETURNS TO IRAN

Dr Shahrokh Mohammad Beygi (pic. above), ISDEV’s Sabbatical Scholar is returning to the Islamic Republic of Iran when his sabbatical at Universiti Sains Malaysia ends on 24 April, 2009. Dr Shahrokh who is from the Department of Persian Language & Literature, Shiraz University Iran was with ISDEV from 28 October, 2008. He was working on An Analysis of Tafseer Books Available in the Library of Universiti Sains Malaysia under the supervision of ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

An unassuming man of benevolence character he never fails to present gifts from Iran such as hand crafted gifts, handmade delicacies of Iran and dates from his own garden, to members of ISDEV. Undoubtedly Dr Shahrokh has forged a strong bond between Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Shiraz University Iran. It is hoped that with his return to his homeland, the bond of Islamic ukhuwwah between Malaysia and the Republic of Iran can be further strengthened. Ameen.

A farewell lunch for Dr Shahrokh was held at ISDEV on Friday 17 April 2009.

Dr Shahrokh (right) with Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh

Dr. Shahrokh with members of ISDEV during his farewell gathering

A NAS A WEEK - 2 JAMADIL AWWAL 1430H

And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; but if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." [Ibrahim, 14: 7].

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Narrated Wahshi ibn Harb: The Companions of the Prophet (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said: Apostle of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam), we eat but we are not satisfied. He said: Perhaps you eat separately. They replied: Yes. He said: If you gather together at your food and mention Allah's name, you will be blessed in it [Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 27: Kitab al-Atimah, Hadith No. 3755].

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Verily, with every difficulty there is relief [al-Syarh, 94: 6]

ADIEU...AZIZAH

Azizah receiving a farewell gift from Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad, representing ISDEV

It came as a surprise. Little did we know that 3rd April, 2009 signified the last day that Azizah Abu Hasan will be part of ISDEV. Commencing 9th April, 2009 our beloved sister Azizah is to start to report for duty at the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (Academic Division), situated at Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang which is situated close to her hometown at Tasek Gelugor.

Azizah, or Kak Azizah, as some of the ISDEV members affectionately call her, has been with ISDEV as its first supporting staff since 2006. Her line of service at USM actually dates back 20 years ago. She had started her career as a Junior Assistant Administrative Personnel at the School of Distance Education. Upon her promotion to Assistant Administrative Personnel (N17) in 2006, she had been assigned to ISDEV, where she began to be one of the most important back-bones in the daily functioning and running of ISDEV.

A brief farewell gathering for Azizah was held at ISDEV on 8th April, 2009. Indeed it is a sad occasion for members of ISDEV. We will definitely miss her all too obliging and yet affable personality.

Azizah besides her ISDEV's work station

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The Messenger of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) has been reported by Anas b. Malik to have said: Show leniency; do not be hard; give solace and do not create aversion [Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book No. 19: The Book of Jihad and Expedition (Kitab Al-Jihad wal-Siyar), Hadith No. 4300].

ISDEV POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

With reference to Associated Press of Pakistan dated 14th February 2009, Dr. Abdul Hameed Khan Abbasi (pic), ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow has been conferred the prestigious Presidential Award for Academic Distinction named Izaz-i-fazeelat for the year 2008 by the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Jan 27, 2009.

The award was conferred on Dr. Abdul Hameed for his outstanding contribution in producing most excellent quality text-books. His text-books have been recognized as the Best Text-Books on the national level in Pakistan. Dr Abdul Hameed Khan (Abbasi) is an Assistant Professor (BPS-19) at the Department of Quran & Tafseer, Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies, at the Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

These eight award-winning text-books, all written in Urdu, have the following titles:

1. Talkees-w-Tasheel Alfauz Alkabeer Fi Usul Altafseer
2. Principles and History of Tafseer
3. Research Methodology
4. Sciences of Tafseer and its Evaluation
5. Textual Study of the Holy Quran
6. Study of Quran-e-Hakeem (Surah Ibraheem, Surah Yousuf and Surah Rahad)
7. Study of Quran-e-Hakeedm (Surah Younas, Surah Hood, Surah Yousuf, Surah Rahad and Surah Ibraheem)
8. Study of Quran-e-Hakeedm (30th part of Quran)

Dr. Abdul Hameed started his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at ISDEV on 18th September 2008. He is currently busy with his Post-Doctoral Fellow research on “Contemporary Methodologies in Tafseer” under the supervision of ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

Within this span of time, Dr. Abdul Hameed has produced three articles as follows:

1. Mowatta Imam Malik an Muwatta Imam Muhammad: Introduction and Methodology (in Urdu)
2. Tafseer: Its Origin, Importance and Sources (in English)
3. The Method of Al-Quran Al-Hakeem in the Solution of Conflicts between Husband and Wife (in Arabic)

He also presents regular seminar series on Quranic Arabic for the benefit of university community besides attending the other seminars series and programs of ISDEV regularly.

Congratulations Dr. Abdul Hameed! May Allah be pleased with your efforts. Ameen.

A NAS A WEEK - 3 RABI'UL AKHIR 1430

Those who witness no falsehood and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable (avoidance) [al-Furqaan, 25:72].

A NAS A WEEK - 26 RABI'UL AWWAL 1430

Narrated Ibn Abbas: Allah's Apostle used to say at the time of difficulty, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Majestic, the Most Forbearing. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Heavens and the Lord of the Honourable Throne [Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Book No. 93: Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah(Tawheed), Hadith No. 526].

DR FADZILA AZNI AHMAD WON BEST PHD THESIS AWARD

Dr Fadzila Azni (left) receiving the Award from Prof Roshada Hashim, the Dean of Institute of Graduate Studies

The Malam Persada Kencana organized by the Institute of Graduate Studies, which was held on 19 December, 2008 proved to be yet another milestone for members of ISDEV. On the said historic night, our beloved member, Dr Fadzila Azni binti Ahmad represented postgraduate student at the PhD level for the School of Social Sciences to receive the Best PhD Thesis Award (Anugerah Tesis PhD Terbaik) for the Pure Arts Cluster. In honour of her achievement, Dr Fadzila Azni (or Dr Sukainah as she is affectionately known) was presented with RM1,000 cash, a certificate and a plaque from Universiti Sains Malaysia on that momentous occasion.

The title of Dr Fadzila Azni's thesis is Management Methods of Islamic Development Institutions in Malaysia.

The Plague

The Certificate

The Cheque

The dinner gala held at The Gurney Hotel & Resort, Penang was organized to celebrate and commemorate winners of USM postgraduate students (Masters and PhD Levels) in their various fields of studies. Besides the Best Thesis Award (Anugerah Tesis Terbaik), the night witnessed recipients in the following categories: Best Research Award (Anugerah Penyelidikan Terbaik), Sanggar Sanjung Award - Research Product Category (Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung - Kategori Produk Penyelidikan), Sanggar Sanjung Award - Publication Category (Journal) (Anugerah Sanggar Sanjung - Kategori Penerbitan (Jurnal) and the prestigious Vice-Chancellor Award 2008 (Anugerah Naib Canselor 2008) receiving their awards.

Congratulations Dr Fadzila Azni! May Allah be pleased with her efforts. Ameen.

Dr Fadzila (right) with other winners