A NAS A WEEK - 22 DHUL HIJJAH 1434

Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." [al-Zumar, 39:53].

A NAS A WEEK - 16 DHUL HIJJAH 1434

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah () said, "Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge. 

[Muslim, Book 13, Hadith 1381].

A NAS A WEEK - 13 DHUL HIJJAH 1434

Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted - let him spend from what Allah has given him. Allah does not charge a soul except (according to) what He has given it. Allah will bring about, after hardship, ease [al-Talaaq, 65:7].

CALL FOR PAPERS

 

 
ISDEV will organize The 7th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2013) with the theme "Towards Islamic Research Methodology" for 2 days starting from 9 December until 10 December 2013. The conference will be held at Universiti Conference Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

The deadline for the submission of abstract is 7 November 2013. Abstract could be emailed to Shahir Akram Hassan at shahir_isdev@yahoo.com.

Further details of the conference are available at https://idmac7.blogspot.com

ISDEV LECTURE SERIES BY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR TAN SRI DR. MUHAMMAD KAMAL HASAN

 

THE HEART OF THE PROBLEMS VIS-A-VIS THE PROBLEMS OF THE HEART

With great pleasure and reverence, Professor Ulung of the Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Professor Tan Sri Dr. Muhammad Kamal Hasan will be delivering the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) Lecture Series on Monday 21 October, 2013 at 9:00am at the University Conference Hall (DPU) on "The Heart of the Problems vis-a-vis the Problems of the Heart".

A leading scholar who is also the former Rector of IIUM is the expert in the field of Southeast Asia Contemporary Islamic Thoughts, Prof Muhammad Kamal Hassan will be covering on issues related to the heart and qalb (spiritual heart) through the lecture.

All USM fraternity and the public are cordially invited to attend this lecture. Please convey this invitation to all.

OOZING OUT OF ISDEV: THE CALL TO TRAVEL FAR AND WIDE

Taken in Rome - Prof Syukri (centre) with postgraduate
students from Africa and Indonesia (second from left)

7 Oct – The real, actual and absolute knowledge comes from Allah SWT. In fact Allah SWT states in Surah Al-Kahfi, 18:109 and Surah Luqman, 31:27 that even should the seas and the trees (as ink) be dried up and replenished its supply, they would still be exhausted before the Words of Allah SWT would be finished. This was the strong reminder that ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, gave to ISDEV members in the slot known as Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV during the ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision. For this month the programme was held at USM’s University Conference Hall on 27 September 2013 at 9:30am.

Prof. Syukri (standing) in a cheerful mood delivering the Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV

Verily in fortifying and increasing one’s knowledge and propagating the call to Islam, a Muslim is very much encouraged to travel (musafir). ISDEV members need to be instilled with the characteristics of a Messenger who goes about on this world and are able to share knowledge; disseminate knowledge and teach as well as lead. In fact engaging in a travel is of no loss as much can be learned and acquired during the whole travelling period especially if the travels entail a long journey. This is the very attitude that ISDEV tries to instil into each and every member of ISDEV besides focusing solely on their studies.

As a recap to-date for this year alone, ISDEV members have travelled to almost all the continents on this planet earth. First Prof Syukri and Dr Zakaria were off to Istanbul, Turkey. Then ISDEV members flew to Medan, Indonesia. Thereafter Puan Khatijah presented her paper in South Korea. A group of 5 RISDEV students went on a teaching spree for two weeks at Ban Nua in Thailand. ISDEV had Dr. Shukri who presented his paper in a closed-invited session at Ankara, Turkey while Prof Syukri and Dr Zakaria were in Tunisia in North Africa. Again Prof Syukri dan Dr. Zakaria travelled to Bangkok to serve as observers at a closed conference there. Then as facilitators, Prof Syukri dan Dr Shukri were off to Brunei. As presenters, both Prof Syukri and Dr Shukri was then to Rome, Italy.

Prof Syukri (left) with a fellow Muslim brother from Bangladesh
who earns his living and resides in Paris

Closer to home, Dr Shukri with two MISDEV’12 students, Nadia and Syamir presented their papers at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Dr Shukri and Puan Khatijah each presented their papers at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) while Dr Zakaria and Dr Zahri went to Kuching to present their papers related to Islam in Borneo. Ustaz Shahir Akram was recently in Terengganu to attend a Seminar on Mantiq at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA).

A small section of the well attended ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision
held at DPU

There are still more travels to come before 2013 close for the year. ISDEV Alumni member, Dr Wajio went to Vietnam and later will be flying off to Doha. Thereafter it will be Germany for him and Dr. Heri Kusmanto, another ISDEV alumni. In the meantime Dr Zaini, Dr Zahri and Ustaz Shahir Akram are set to go to Paris in December.

Prof. Syukri reiterated that Muslims in Malaysia, have their strengths and advantages especially abroad. On the whole Muslims are thought off highly due to their high degree of good and noble attitude. As long as ISDEV members carry the image of Islam in their travels, help and assistance is usually only an arm’s length away. Besides gaining new knowledge, these travels could also infuse the spirit of bravery and self-confidence and heavy reliance on Allah SWT as one is far from home and loved ones. Reliance is only to Allah SWT. In meeting this challenge, Prof. Syukri affirmed that ISDEV is dedicated to train and equip its members by organizing a series of conferences, local and abroad, of international standing annually.

A Summary of the Annual Series of Training provided by ISDEV

Hence ISDEV members are encouraged to travel far, wide and beyond as Allah SWT has made this earth expansive indeed and there is knowledge awaiting to be discovered. Thus overcome fear of travel and inculcate the courage to travel alone because the benefits that can be derived is not only to one’s self but to Islam as well.

Dr Fadzila Azni sharing her "Tips on Starting Your Thesis Writing" 

The Monthly Graduate Supervision then continues with a lecture given by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad. Her topic was on “Tips on Starting Your Thesis Writing” which gave some useful pointers to ISDEV students who are still meandering on their written dissertation or thesis.

A NAS A WEEK - 1 DHUL HIJJAH 1434

Narrated Abu Umamah: The Prophet (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said: I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right, a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking, and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good [Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud, General Behaviour (Kitab al-Adab), In-book reference: Book 43, Hadith 28; English translation: Book 42, Hadith 4782, Hadith Grade: Hasan].

A NAS A WEEK - 26 DHUL QA'IDA 1434

Then, to Allah belongs (all) praise - Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, Lord of the worlds [al-Jathiyah, 45:36].

COMPLETING A THESIS - SOME USEFUL TIPS

Dr Zahri Hamat giving his comments

30 Sept – “A thesis of its own class with a distinct and unique feature as it was done with a the greatest of effort and perseverance” was the final comment given by Dr. Zahri Hamat towards Raziah Md Tahir’s final draft PhD thesis. Raziah presented her findings during the ISDEV Graduate Discourse held at Ibn Khaldum Meeting Room, Institute of Postgraduate, USM.

Prof Syukri Salleh's (centre - with a white skull cap) sharing the trials and
tribulations of Raziah's (right) PhD journey

Raziah who presented and defended her PhD proposal on 31 December 2009, struggled for more than three years to juggle her responsibilities as a wife, mother to her three children and lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia as well as carrying out her duties as a RISDEV student to complete her PhD thesis within the time frame given. Finally on 26 September 2013, her supervisor, Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh, gave her the green light to present her final draft PhD thesis to about 100-strong ISDEV members that attended that day. Her thesis was evaluated by Dr Zahri Hamat.

The stately-looking  Ibnu Khaldun Room at IPS

With the title “Mekanisme Operasi Kredit Mikro Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia: Satu Analisis Daripada Perspektif Islam” (Operations Mechanism of the Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia: An Analysis from the Islamic Perspective), Raziah shared with all those present on her trials and tribulations of going through the empirical part of her research. Some tips were also given on the skills to the art of personal communications on how to garner the confidence of respondents to share some confidential information with her. However above all persevere and hold tightly to Allah SWT and never lose hope is a motto that she held dearly throughout her PhD candidacy.

A confident Radieah presenting her final draft PhD thesis

Same goes to the other candidate, Radieah Mohd Nor. Radieah is also a student supervised by Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. She presented her final PhD draft thesis on “Pengurusan Kemiskinan di Zaman Khalifah Umar Abdul Aziz” (Poverty Management During the Time of Khalifah Umar Abdul Aziz). Her draft thesis was evaluated by Dr. Mohd. Shukri Hanapi, who was full of praises on her reference materials which included highly respected and acclaimed books in Arabic on Khalifah Umar Abul Aziz. He also gave his positive comments on her standards of writing and thorough research carried out.

Dr. Shukri diligently reviewing Radieah's draft thesis

Besides agreeing with the tips shared by Raziah, Radieah also added that to make one’s academic journey enjoyable at the Master’s level or PhD level, one must be deeply interested with the research that is carried out.

With such an upbeat and constructive feedback received from both evaluators, Raziah and Radieah received a unanimous approval from all ISDEV lecturers that they can submit their PhD thesis, with minor corrections, to IPS.

ONE MORE PhD THESIS GETS THE "GO AHEAD"

A serene looking and composed Wan Anisah
just moments before presenting her final draft PhD thesis

24 Sept - Wan Anisah binti  Endut  has completed her PhD thesis. But, as a normal practice for ISDEV, before she is allowed to submit her thesis for the examiners' evaluation, ISDEV requires her to present her findings first at the ISDEV Graduate Monthly Supervision. For the month of August, the supervision was held on 28 August, 2013 at the University Conference Hall and began at 9:00am sharp.

A serious Dr. Zakaria (right) giving his evaluation on Wan Anisah's draft PhD Thesis

The main aim of requiring RISDEV students to present their final draft PhD thesis before submission to the Institute of of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) is in line with the Islamic spirit of helping one another in the spirit of al-Birr (righteousness) and al-Taqwa (piety). It is through this final presentation that further polishing and tying up of loose ends, if any, can be achieved before a student is allowed to submit the thesis proper to IPS. The thesis, whether at the Master’s level or PhD, is endeavoured to be submitted in the best quality possible, hence entailed with excellent results.

Yet another full house - The turn out at DPU!

Wan Anisah thesis entitled ‘Asas dan Pembentukan Perakaunan Zakat Saham di Institusi-Institusi Zakat di Malaysia’ (Basis and Formation of Shares Zakat Accounting at the Zakat Institutions in Malaysia) was reviewed by Dr. Zakaria Bahari. Wan Anisah is pursuing her PhD thesis under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Zahri Hamat while her co-supervisor is Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad.

A NAS A WEEK - 16 DHUL QA'IDA 1434

Yahya related to me from Malik from Zayd ibn Aslam from Ata ibn Yasar that a man from the Ansar of the tribe of Banu Haritha was herding a pregnant she-camel at Uhud. It was about to die, so he slaughtered it with a sharp stake. The Messenger of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) was asked about that, and he said, "There is no harm in it, eat it." [Hadith from Muwatta' Malik,  English reference: Book 24: Slaughtering Animals, Hadith 3; Arabic reference: Book 24: Slaughtering Animals, Hadith 1047].

VC'S BRUNEI VISIT TAKES USM-BRUNEI TIES TO GREATER HEIGHTS

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, 12 September 2013 - The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman arrived here on Tuesday for a three-day visit to strengthen academic ties. 

This morning, the Vice-Chancellor attended the 25th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Brunei Darussalam and later in the night attended the Gala Dinner in conjunction with the Convocation Ceremony. After his arrival in Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam, he had a meeting with the Director General of The Brunei Times newspaper and later attended a dinner with the Executive Director of Abdul Razak Holdings Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Raja Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Awang Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abdul Karim.

The Vice-Chancellor signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB). KUPU SB was represented by its Ra’es, Dr Hajjah Masnon binti Haji Ibrahim, witnessed by the Brunei Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Yang Mulia Pengiran Dato' Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar.

According to Omar, with the signing of this MoU document, USM through the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), will collaborate with the Ministry of Education and KUPU SB to introduce a post-graduate programme in building teachers’ capacity extensively in various fields of Islamic development while helping to realise the research programme in various research fields such as integrated management development which is carried out at ISDEV.

He added that the two parties will also cooperate in a variety of skill-building exercises, including community services for prospective teachers in religious teaching.

Also present were ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh; USM Legal Advisor, Khairul Anuar Che' Azmi; and the Acting Ambassador of Malaysia to Brunei, Haznah Md Hashim 

The Vice-Chancellor paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, YB Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman in the afternoon. Also present were the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs of Brunei Yang Mulia Pengiran Dato' Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar and the Ministry Secretary, YM Awang Haji Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharajalela Haji Mohd Yusof. - www.usm.my  Translation: Siti Faizah Abd Halim

A NAS A WEEK - 10 DHUL QA'IDA 1434H

Allah extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts for him. Indeed Allah is, of all things, Knowing [al-'Ankabut, 29:62].

THE AMAZING MIX OF MISDEV'13

Welcoming MISDEV'13 at the DPU

13 Sept - ISDEV welcomes the new batch of Masters in Social Science (Islamic Development Management) students on 28 August, 2013 at the University Conference Hall (DPU). 41 new students have been accepted to pursue their Masters (Mixed-Mode) for the academic year 2013/2014. In continuation of ISDEV tradition, this new batch of students is collectively known as MISDEV'13. 

ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr Zakaria Bahari (standing) welcoming ISDEV new students

Old and new -  every student is attentively listening to the briefing

The Ta'aruf Session (or Orientation Programme) for MISDEV'13 started at 10:00am with a welcoming speech and briefing by ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari. He started by introducing to the students on what ISDEV is all about. Then he gave a brief general overview of the structure of ISDEV, the courses to be attended by the students, introduced ISDEV lecturers as well as the modus operandi of the class to the batch of MISDEV'13.

The lovable personalities of ISDEV lecturers - (left to right)
Dr Zakaria, Dr Fadzila Azni,Dr. Zaini and Dr Zahri

In the spirit of ukhuwwah as exemplified by our beloved Rasulullah SAW, the current MISDEV'12 are regraded as the Ansar community while the new batch of MISDEV'13 are regarded as the Muhajirin community. The seniors as well as RISDEV students (consisting of PhD students and fully research mode Masters students) were also present to witness the seal of the brotherhood in ISDEV that day. 

Bersalam-salaman (Shaking of hands) as part of sealing Islamic ukhuwwah

The new batch of students is rather a unique mix and a first for ISDEV. Among MISDEV'13 students there is an ex-YB, a few full-time primary school teachers as well as international students from Yemen and Vietnam. Another first for ISDEV is that the student from Yemen is only well-versed in English and Arabic while the student from Vietnam is well-versed in Bahasa Melayu and Arabic.

A simple spread for the Jamuan Aidilfitri for all to enjoy

At the end of the session, there was time and space for everyone to mingle around, all within the dictates of the Shariah. ISDEV took the opportunity to invite one and all for a simple Jamuan Aidilfitri (Aidilfitri Feast) since everyone is still reeling in the festivities spirits back from their hometown for the Raya recently.

A NAS A WEEK - 5 DHULQA'IDA 1434

It was narrated from ‘Aishah and Abu Hurairah that when the Messenger of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) wanted to offer a sacrifice, he brought two large, fat, horned, black-and-white, castrated rams. He slaughtered one on behalf of his nation, for whoever testified to Allah with monotheism and that he had conveyed (the Message), and he slaughtered the other on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) [Hadith from Sunan Ibn Majjah, Chapter 26: Sacrifices, English reference: Vol. 1, Book 26, Hadith 3122; Arabic reference Book 26, Hadith 3241].

TWO UNUSUAL PRESENTATIONS

A confident Mohd Shakir (left) answers some questions from ISDEV members

3 Sept - Simple and concise. Those expressions can be described as Mohd Shakir Mohd Rosdi (PhD candidate) presented his PhD proposal on 23 July 2013 at C06, School of Social Sciences. He was one of the two ISDEV candidates who presented on their research proposals. The other candidate was Fakhruddin Abd Rahman.

One of the three slides used by Mohd Shakir in his PhD proposal presentation

Mohd Shakir presented on the title ‘Tahaluf Siyasi dalam Ekonomi Politik Islam: Satu Kajian (Tahaluf Siyasi in Islamic Political Economy: A Theoretical Study) received positive comments from the lecturers because of his simple and concise presentation. He tried adopting the recommendations given by ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh to use only one or at least less than five power point slides in his PhD proposal presentation. His successful attempt prompted Prof. Syukri to challenge ISDEV students to follow suit, that is, strive to present using at least one and at the most five power point slides, in any of their presentations.

Fakhruddin Abd Rahman (left) presenting his Master's thesis proposal

Thereafter, ISDEV Masters candidate, Fakhruddin Abd Rahman, presented his proposal on his Masters’ thesis titled 'Pencapaian Pembangunan Wakaf di Masjid Kapitan Keling di Pulau Pinang’. His presentation was also considered unusual because his Masters proposal had been evaluated at a PhD level while the comments and guidance he received was equivalent to a PhD candidate. It was indeed an honour to him in recognition of his strive-hard attitude to produce a written thesis proposal of equal standing to a PhD proposal. Prof. Syukri reminded all ISDEV students present to make an example of his effort in producing writings of high quality.

ISDEV students at C06

ISDEV members must take note at all times that in ISDEV, all comments, recommendations and suggestions for improvement are not aimed at ridiculing one’s thesis or dissertation, but it is as a guide to produce better quality thesis and dissertation for an opportunity to be nominated for the best thesis award.

A NAS A WEEK - 26 SHAWWAL 1434

Except those [poets] who believe and do righteous deeds and remember Allah often and defend [the Muslims] after they were wronged. And those who have wronged are going to know to what [kind of] return they will be returned (al-Shu'ara', 26:227).

PROCEED TO THE NEXT STAGE - 3 ISDEV CANDIDATES GET THE APPROVAL

29 August, 2013 - Mohamad Helmi Hidthiir, Suraya Ismail and Muazzul were the three ISDEV PhD candidates who received the approval to proceed to the next stage of their thesis. The good news was announced to them on 18 July 2013 at C06, School of Social Sciences. Mohamad Helmi Hidthiir and Suraya Ismail obtained the green light to submit their PhD thesis while Muazzul received the nod to proceed with his PhD thesis proper.

Suraya Ismail (left) referring to her notes while Prof Syukri (centre) looks on

Mohamad Helmi Hidthiir presented his PhD thesis on the title ‘The Deposit-Loan Correlation and Saving Availability for Islamic Banking and Conventional Banking in Commercial Banks in Malaysia' while Suraya Ismail presented her PhD thesis on the title 'Background and Thoughts of the Syariah Advisory Committee (MPS) in Malaysia and its Implications to the Development of Home Financing Products'. Both received positive comments and evaluation from ISDEV lecturers consisting of Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, Dr. Zakaria, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, Dr. Zahri as well as Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi. The evaluators for Mohamad Helmi and Suraya were Dr. Nor Asmat Ismail and Dr. Zakaria Bahari respectively.

The well attended ISDEV Graduate Discourse at C06

The same goes to Muazzul who presented his PhD proposal on ‘Pelaksanaan Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Anak Terlantar Dalam Masyarakat Muslim Di Kota Medan’ (Implementation of Legal Protection for Abandoned Children in the Muslim Community in Medan). His reviewer, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, declared that he could proceed with his PhD proper after corrections.

VC RECEIVED COURTESY CALL FROM CMDF

Dr. Zakaria Bahari - third from left

27 August  - The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman today received a courtesy call from the Cambodian Muslim Development Foundation (CMDF) Central Committee member, Tres Mansor to discuss the possibility of setting up a USM Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) Chair in one of the leading universities in Cambodia.

It is hoped that through this Chair, USM will be able to collaborate with CMDF to bring in academicians and researchers to Cambodia to be involved in programmes that can improve the livelihood of the Muslim community in Cambodia.

Also present at the meeting were ISDEV Deputy Director Dr. Zakaria Bahari and USM School of Housing, Building and Planning lecturer Assoc. Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei.

Tres Mansor, who is also the Director of Department of Islamic Affairs and member of Cambodia MUFTI is in Penang attending a 2-day 5th National Seminar on Hajj Best Practices on Crowd and Health Issues During Hajj organised by the USM Hajj Research Cluster held in a local hotel here. - http://www.usm.my