ISDEV DELEGATES GATHERED AT BAN NUA, THAILAND

The ISDEV-Teacher representatives
with ISDEV lecturers, fellows and statistician

28 April - A total of 13 delegates from ISDEV led by ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Shukri Salleh left for Ban Nua, Thailand on 9 April, 2013 to attend a program jointly organized by ISDEV, the Ban Nua Community and Walailak University.

Murni Yusof (third from right) leader of the ISDEV-Teacher delegates

The program signified the First Malay Language and English Language Camp ("the Language Camp"). ISDEV had sent six students as the Malay and English Teachers who are led by Murni Yusoff. They were assisted by nine students from the Walailak University and 10 students from the Prince of Songkhla University who acted as tutors and interpreters in the Language Camp.

The venue for the opening ceremony - The Masjid Ban Nua 

The opening ceremony of the program was held the following day at the Masjid Ban Nua. Among those present in this ceremony were Prof. Muhammad Shukri Salleh, ISDEV Director, Dr. Wisoot bin Lateh (also known affectionately as Dr Tobrani) the Imam of Ban Nua, and Ajan Razak Panamalae, Head of Walailak University delegation.

Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV Director, delivering the opening ceremony

After the opening ceremony, a ta‘aruf (orientation) session between the ISDEV-Teacher delegates and  the tutors and interpreters from Walailak University and the Prince of Songkhla University were held.

All those involved in the Language Camp with Dr.Tobrani (in white)

The ISDEV-teachers delegates were at Ban Nua for the Language Camp for two weeks. The Language Camp started on 10 April, 2013 and ended on 25 April, 2013. The Camp coordinator is Dr Idris Mansor. The target group of the Language Camp is the primary school going students in that area.

The venue of study - where the language classes were conducted

A NAS A WEEK - 19 JUMADAL AKHIR 1434

And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. (He grows) until, when he reaches maturity and reaches (the age of) forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims." [al-Ahqaf, 46:15].

MALAM GRADUASI ISDEV- 18 MISDEV'11 STUDENTS GRADUATE

The Malam Graduasi ISDEV

25 April - All the 18 students who registered for the Master in Social Science (Islamic Development Management) in 2011 under ISDEV had successfully completed their studies. As part of ISDEV tradition, the Malam Graduasi ISDEV (ISDEV Graduation Night) is held during the eve of USM Convocation ceremony for the MISDEV ’11 cohort as well as graduating RISDEV students to celebrate their achievements. This year it was held on Friday 12 April, 2013


In celebrating this auspicious occasion 18 MISDEV’ 11 students had successfully completed their Masters Degree while 2 other students had successfully completed their PhDs. With the theme ‘Ruhban fi al- layl wa fursan fi al-Nahar' (similitude of a priest by night and a warrior by day) the event was held the Dewan Utama Pelajar Desasiswa of the Universiti Sains Malaysia.

                                       

ISDEV Lecturers (Left to right) Dr Mohd. Shukri, Dr Zahari, Dr Zakaria,
Prof Muhammad Syukri, Dr Zaini and Dr Fadzila Azni

At the event besides the students, ISDEV lecturers including ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr Zakaria Bahari, Dr. Zaini Abu Bakar, Dr. Zahri Hamat, Dr. Fadzila Azni as well as their family members and the students parents, loved ones and relatives were also there to join in the celebration of excellence.

The event began with a congregational Maghrib prayer led by Taha Mohd Omar followed by a brief Tazkirah delivered by Ustaz Shahir Akram as an positive injection to the soul before proceeding with the next item in the programme.

One of the 12 MISDEV'11 students who won the award

As a symbol to the opening ceremony of the event, upon the launch of the night by ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, a multimedia presentation on the trials and tribulations that the MISDEV’11 students had gone through for the three semesters were screened. It was then followed by the presentation of certificates for “Outstanding Dissertation” and “Outstanding PhD Thesis Award” by ISDEV Director to the 14 graduates in recognition of their excellence in academic writing.

Recipient of Oustanding PhD Thesis Award - Dr Marlina Ekawaty

Recipient of Oustanding PhD Thesis Award - Dr Heri Kusmanto (left)

This includes two of the outstanding PhD thesis award received by Dr. Marlina Ekawaty and Dr. Heri Kusmanto.

Soutul ISDEV in action

Besides, the award presentation ceremony, guests were also entertained with the rendition of nasheed by the group “Soutul ISDEV” comprising of ISDEV students itself.

ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh,
delivering the Closing Speech

Before adjourning the event, Prof Syukri Salleh in his closing speech reminded all those who present that the quest and striving hard for knowledge will never end as long as there is interest, effort and the will to pursue and not to fail or to surrender; to seek knowledge regardless of age and strive hard, very, very hard not only for self interest but alos due to one’s love for the beloved sanctity and religion of Islam.

All eyes were on the The Multimedia Presentation

ISDEV MONTHLY GRADUATE SUPERVISION

The DPU during the ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision

18 April - The ISDEV Monthly Supervision for March 2013 was held at the University Conference Hall (DPU) of Universiti Sains Malaysia. This is the third consecutive month held at the same venue which was held on Friday, 29 March 2013.

Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh delivering the Tazkirah

The program started at 9.30 am with the 'Tarbiyah Pengarah' series delivered by ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh. This is the final part to his three-part series on 'Teras Kekuatan ISDEV' (The Basis to ISDEV Strength). This time the emphasis was on the importance of ' Kefahaman dan Keselarasan' (Understanding and Uniformity) among ISDEV members, It is a follow-up to the first and second part on ' Iman and Ukhwah' which he had stressed during the previous two months' graduate supervision.

ISDEV's Core Strength - Understanding and Uniformity

Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, then led the second session with her further explanation on the topic " Research Objective and Research Question' to help students identify and provide focus to their research by justifying the reasons and rationale of embarking on the research.

Dr Fadzila Azni lectures on Research Objective

A few RISDEV students as well as MISDEV'12 students were asked to highlight their Research Objectives of their respective research. It became a practical platform for these students as they were guided to understand better and were able to grasp better  their respective Research Objective. Dr Fadzila Azni also took the time to highlight the distinction between general objectives as well as the main objective in their research.

Dr Zahari (centre) responding to a student's query

A NAS A WEEK - 12 JUMADAL AKHIR 1434

Narrated Abu Huraira: I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who will be the luckiest person who will gain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?" The Prophet said, "O Abu Huraira! I have thought that none will ask me about this Hadith before you, as I know your longing for the (learning of) Hadiths. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah,' sincerely from the bottom of his heart." [Hadith from the Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 76: To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq), Hadith Number 574].

PHD PROPOSAL PRESENTATION: AZRIN IBRAHIM GETS THE NOD

Azrin Ibrahim presenting her PhD proposal while Prof. Syukri looks on

14 April - On 28 March 2013, it was ISDEV PhD candidate (or 'RISDEV') Azrin Ibrahim's turn to present her PhD proposal. This month the PhD proposal presentation was held at C05. As usual the PhD proposal presentation was well attended as it proved that C05 has turned to be too small indeed a venue for the growing ISDEV fraternity.

Ustaz Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi evaluating Azrin's proposal

Azrin presented her proposal on “Analisis ke Atas Kitab Hisbah fi Al-Islam Karangan ibn Taimiyyah” (Analysis on the Book  Hisbah fi Al-Islam by ibn Taimiyyah). Her PhD proposal was evaluated by Dr. Mohd. Shukri Hanapi. Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad is supervising her PhD thesis while Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh acts as her co-supervisor.

A serious-looking Dr Zakaria giving his comments

On this presentation, Dr. Fadzila Azni served as the Chairperson. ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad syukri Salleh and ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari were also present that day.

Some of the brothers of ISDEV attending the PhD Proposal Presentation

After a detailed evaluation, Azrin finally received the joyful news that her PhD research proposal was accepted. She had been given the endorsement to proceed with her thesis proper, under the supervision of her respective supervisors.

A NAS A WEEK - 5 JUMADAL AKHIR 1434

Say, "It is He who has produced you and made for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful." [al-Mulk, 67:23].

A NAS A WEEK - 27 JUMADAL AWWAL 1434

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." [Maliks Muwatta, Book 059: Knowledge, Section : Seeking Knowledge, Hadith Number 001].
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TURKIYE, HERE WE ARE

(L-R) Professor Syukri and Dr Zakaria posing
with the Blue Mosque as a backdrop

31 March - Given the opportunity to present their research papers at an international conference was something that ISDEV members can be proud of. From 28 February till 5 March 2013, two ISDEV delegates, ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari were flown to one of the largest urban agglomerations in Europe and is among the largest cities in the world by population within city limits - Istanbul, Turkey.

At the Grand Bazaar

In front of the Blue Mosque

Besides having a little opportunity to visit tourist-attraction places such as the historic Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, Spice Market and Grand Market, the main purpose they were there was to present their papers at the Workshop on Basic Concept and Thoughts in Islamic Economics. The workshop is co-organised by IGIAD, ILKE and ILEM - three important NGOs in Turkey.

The Conference in Session

Prof. Syukri (2nd from left) with some of the Conference Participants

Amongst the distinguished scholars present were Prof. Masudul Alam Chodhury from Sultan Qaboos University (Oman), Professor Abdulrahman Yousari Ahmad from University of Alexandria (Egypt), Professor Asad Zaman from International Islamic University (Pakistan), and Professor M.Fahim Khan from University of Defense (Pakistan).

Prof Syukri (left) presenting his paper

An enthusiastic Dr.Zakaria (left) during his paper presentation

ISDEV Director, Prof.Muhammad Syukri Salleh presented the paper on "Concepts in Islamic Economic Revisited: The Case of Poverty' while Dr.Zakaria Bahari presented on 'Islamic Economics Assumption Revisited: Contemplating of the Concept of Scarcity".

All ears - listening intently to the English interpretation

Prof Syukri (right) posing with Prof. M. Fahim Khan (left)

Both presentations were well-commented and accepted. Professor Asad Zaman strengthened Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh's presentation by providing an analogy of Muslims who advocate the accommodation of western ethno-centric ideas being similar to the ones who take something from the poor, as if that they are unaware of the richness found in Islam itself. Professor Abdulrahman Yousari Ahmed-who is one of the pioneers of modern Islamic economics, together with Prof Khurshid Ahmad, Dr. Umar Chapra. M.A Mannan, etc - regarded his presentation as a pioneering attempt in understanding poverty through a material-spiritual integration. Indeed it is surprising to know from him that Prof.Muhammad Syukri's presentation is in fact the first of such an attempt in the circle of Islamic economics.

Prof Syukri and Dr Zakaria with their assigned guide, Merven

Prof. Muhammad Syukri's active involvement in writing and participation in international conferences is hoped to have spurred ISDEV members to pursue scholarly excellence and intellectualism through involvement in international conferences. Such exposure could not only increase one's experience and allow the discovery of new knowledge but also as a tool for the advancement of one's self, religion, race and foremost Islam.

A NAS A WEEK - 19 JUMADAL AWWAL 1434

And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station [al-Isra' 17:79].

A NAS A WEEK - 12 JUMADAL AWWAL 1434

Narrated Mu'adh ibn Anas: The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wassalam) said: If anyone guards a believer from a hypocrite, Allah will send an angel who will guard his flesh on the Day of Resurrection from the fire of Jahannam; but if anyone attacks a Muslim saying something by which he wishes to disgrace him, he will be restrained by Allah on the bridge over Jahannam till he is acquitted of what he said [Hadith from the Translation of Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 36: General Behaviour, Number 4865].

TUESDAYS WEEKLY TEACHINGS

The turnout at C05 for this Tuesdays Weekly Teachings

17 March - Envying one's success, wealth and pleasures of others to the detriment of one's self and others is prohibited in Islam. This was the simple conclusion that one can draw from the Tazkirah delivered by Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan at the ISDEV Tuesdays Weekly Teachings held on 12 March 2013. According to her, there are two categories of 'jealousy', namely 'positive jealousy' and 'negative jealousy'.

Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (holding the microphone) posing a question

'Positive jealousy' helps motivate one to be better or at least equivalent to the envied person without affecting anyone negatively. For example, when one is jealous of a friend who obtained excellent results in the examinations, the proper channel to let our green-eyed feeling flow is for us to learn effectively and get useful tips from that friend of ours on how the excellent results could be attained.

'Negative jealousy' as the name implies is prohibited in Islam. As an example when one tries to betray one's friends or persuade that friend to embark in useless and fruitless endeavors in the hope of distracting that 'excellent-result exam oriented' friend of ours because one is jealous of the success. There is intent to cause detriment to our friend's success.

(Left to Right) Ustaz Shahir, Ustaz Dr Shukri and Prof. Muhammad Syukri

The Tuesdays Teachings then continued with the lesson on Surah Al-Fatihah and the position of Basmallah in Surah Al-Fatihah according to the four imminent Sunni scholars. Since this region mostly subscribes to the Shafi'i school of thought, the recitation of Basmallah in Surah Al-Fatihah is thus obligatory. However one should not be in shock or in disapproval should the imam to one's congregational prayer do not recite the Basmallah upon reciting Al-Fatihah as the imam could be an adherent to the Maliki or Hanafi schools of thought who are of the opinion that Basmallah is not a verse of Surah Al-Fatihah.
 

ISDEV newest member, Masaud from Iran

 ISDEV also welcomed and introduced its new RISDEV (PhD) student from Iran, Brother Masaud to the others. This week's lesson was well attended by the lecturers as well as students and staff of ISDEV. Among those present were ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr.Zakaria Bahari. Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi served as the Chairperson during the session.

A NAS A WEEK - 5 JUMADAL AWWAL 1434

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].

A NAS A WEEK - 29 RABBI'UL TSANNI 1434

Allah's Messenger (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said, "The ajwah dates come from Paradise and contain a cure for poison; truffles are a kind of manna and their juice is a medicine for the eye." [Al-Tirmidhi , Hadith Number 4235, Narrated by Abu Hurayrah].

HERI KUSMANTO PASSED WITH FLYING COLOURS

Heri Kusmanto's calm disposition during his viva

7 March - Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah SWT, another ISDEV PhD student passed his viva on 21 February 2013 with flying colours. This time is the turn of Heri Kusmanto, who writes on Islamic-Based Civil Society in Indonesia: Political Accommodation and Democratization of Muhammadiyah and Al-Wasliyah in North Sumatera. He is supervised by Dr Mohammad Zaini Abu Bakar and ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

Posing with the Board of Examiners

The Board of Examiners unanimously recommended his thesis to be nominated for the Outstanding Thesis Award. He is the 10th ISDEV PhD student to have achieved such high recommendations.

The chairperson for Heri Kusmanto's viva which was held at the Mc Clintosh Room, IPS, was Professor Abdul Khalil H.P Shawkataly from the School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Assoc. Prof. Intan Hamshimah Mohd Hashim, Deputy Dean (Research), School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia represented the Dean. The external examiner was Professor Dr. Badlihisham Mohd Nasir, from the Institute of West Asian Studies (IKRAB), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia while the two internal examiners were Dr Zahri Hamat and Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad.

The examination in session

As the normal tradition of ISDEV, prior to  the viva, Heri Kusmanto went through a thorough mock viva at ISDEV the day before. Then just moments before the viva in the morning, ISDEV lecturers and students gathered at the USM Mosque to perform solatul-hajat for Heri Kusmanto, to seek the help of Allah SWT in positioning him in the benefit of himself and Islam. Alhamdulillah, Allah SWT has answered ISDEV's appeal by passing him.

Congratulations Heri Kusmanto!

(left - right) ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh,
ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari and
Heri Kusmanto during the mock viva