5 PHD PROPOSAL PRESENTATIONS IN JUST ONE DAY!

ISDEV fraternity converge for a whole day at C06, School of Social Sciences

The ISDEV Intellectual Graduate Discourse was held on Friday 30 October, 2015 at C06, Conference Room, School of Social Sciences. The discourse was chaired by ISDEV Acting Deputy Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad. Five ISDEV’s PhD candidates presented their PhD theses' proposal in two sessions with three candidates presenting their proposals in the morning session and the remaining two candidates presenting theirs in the afternoon session.

Nur Ilani Mat Nawi presenting her PhD proposal which focus on Objectivity in Research

For the morning session, the first candidate was Nur Ilani Mat Nawi with her PhD proposal on "Objektiviti Dalam Kaedah Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam: Kajian Berdasarkan Pendekatan Al-Biruni Dalam Penghasilan Kitab al-Athar dan Kitab al-Hind" (Objectivity in Islamic-based Development Research Methods Based on Al-Biruni's Approach in Producing the Books - al-Athar and al-Hind). She is currently pursuing her PhD under the supervision of Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. Her thesis proposal was evaluated by Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi.

Ahmad Shaifful Anuar Ahmad Shukor exhibiting his grasp of the
area of research on Higher Education Waqf 

The second candidate was Ahmad Shaifful Anuar Ahmad Shukor with his PhD proposal on "Keberkesanan Perlaksanaan Wakaf Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia" (Effectiveness of Implementing Higher Education Waqf). He is currently supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari. Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad took the responsibility to evaluate his PhD thesis proposal.

The third candidate was Wafdi Auni Mohamed with his PhD proposal entitled “Kerajaan Perpaduan Berteraskan Islam: Kajian Kes Parti Politik Melayu-Islam di Malaysia” (Islamic-based Unified Government: Case Study of Malay-Islam Political Parties in Malaysia). He is currently supervised by Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi while his thesis proposal was evaluated by Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan.  

Norazilawati Md Dahlal presenting her PhD research interest in Halalan Toyyiban

After a long break for lunch and Friday prayer, the intellectual discourse continued in the afternoon session. The session began with Norazilawati Md Dahlal on “Konsep Pengurusan Kualiti Makanan Halalan Toyyiban Berteraskan Islam” (The Concept of Islamic-based Food Quality Management of Halalan Toyyiban). Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad is her supervisor while her PhD thesis proposal was evaluated by Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi.

Nur Sakiinah Ab Aziz in her full spirit explaining her PhD research
proposal on Islamic-based Data validity

The last candidate to present is currently a student under the supervision of Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi. Nur Sakiinah Ab Aziz presented the proposal on “Aplikasi Konsep Mutawatir Dalam Penentuan Kesahan Data Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam” (The Application of the Concept of Transmission in Determining Islamic-based Data Validity). Her thesis proposal was also evaluated by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad.

As usual, a Question and Answer session took place after each presentation. In the end, all the candidates heaved a sigh of grateful relief when all the appointed evaluators agreed to give endorsement and green light for all of them to proceed with the next stage of their PhD research.

Congratulations to all five ISDEV PhD candidates!

A NAS A WEEK - 4 SAFAR 1437H

Fadala ibn Ubaid reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There are three persons you will not be asked about: a man who separates from the community and disobeys his leader and dies in a state of disobedience, a servant who abandons his master and then dies, and a woman with sufficient provision who displays her beauty when her husband is absent. There are three others you will not be asked about: a man who competes with Allah regarding His cloak for His cloak is pride and His garment is might, a man who doubts the command of Allah, and those who despair of the mercy of Allah.” [Source: Musnad Ahmad 23425; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to As-Suyuti].

A FRUITFUL WORKING TRIP TO THE UNITED KINGDOM

Strolling at tourist-attraction places - Oxford Street and Speaker's Corner, Hyde Park London.

From 17 to 24 October 2015, two ISDEV delegates, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan were flown to the United Kingdom as part of their working trip for this year. Besides having the opportunity to visit tourist-attraction places such as Oxford Street and Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park London, one of the most pertinent reasons they were there, besides attending meetings and discussions with some important persons, was to witness the singing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) with Islamic Relief Academy (IRA), Birmingham, United Kingdom as well as to discuss the details of the implementation of the MoU.

Light discussion with Zahid Ali Akbar (in red shirt), Human Rights Director of
The Association of British Muslims (AoBM) at London Central Mosque.

On the first day, the delegates had a chance to meet and hold a light discussion with Zahid Ali Akhbar, Human Rights Director of The Association of British Muslims (AoBM) at London Central Mosque. At the end of the discussions, Prof. Syukri received a green apple from Zahid Ali - symbolic gesture signifying the high appreciation and and honour of AoBM hosting the delegates from ISDEV. The green apple, is usually given specifically to guests who are fittingly regarded to be amongst the very learned and wise. 

Having discussion with ISDEV Visiting Fellow, Dato' Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti at The University of Oxford. 

On the next day, Prof. Syukri and Dr. Shahir went to the one of the prestigious universities in the world - The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University or simply known as Oxford) as well as the alma mater for Prof. Syukri. At Oxford, they met and discussed with Dato' Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti who is ISDEV Visiting Fellow since 2013. The discussion was focused on setting the date for Dato’ Dr. Afifi's follow-up of the ISDEV Lecture Series that he had delivered sometime in 2010 on "Approaching Knowledge Secular and Religious". He also expressed his keenness and eagerly awaits for the appropriate time to be back at USM to deliver his Public Lecture as well as having an up close and exclusive intellectually stimulating time between him and ISDEV members and students in the very near future.

Participating in the Fellows Seminar at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OXCIS).

While at Oxford, Prof. Syukri and Dr. Shahir also had a chance to participate in Fellows Seminar at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OXCIS). OXCIS is a Recognized Independent Centre of the University of Oxford. It was established in 1985 to encourage the scholarly study of Islam and the Islamic world. It also provides a meeting point for the Western and Islamic worlds of learning. Beyond Oxford, its role is strengthened by developing an international network of academic contacts. The work of the OXCIS has attracted global attention and widespread support. 

With the higher management of The Islamic Foundation and Markfield Institute of Higher Education,
Dr. M Manazir Ahsan - The Chairman of The Islamic Foundation (third right),
Farooq Murad -Director General of The Islamic Foundation (fourth right) and
Dr. Zahid Parvez -Director of the Markfield Institute of Higher Education (MIHE, first left).

On 20 October 2015, the delegates then went to The Islamic Foundation and Markfield Institute of Higher Education (MIHE), Markfield, Leicestershire. MIHE is the first academic institution of its kind in the west. It presents a unique opportunity to study Islam in an Islamic institution within the context of Higher Education in the United Kingdom. Thus, ISDEV delegates took the opportunity to discuss with the Chairman of The Islamic Foundation, Dr. M Manazir Ahsan as well as MIHE Director, Dr. Zahid Parvez about the possibility of ISDEV-MIHE collaboration and ISDEV Post- Doctoral Fellowship. This is because MIHE also aims to help in the development the local community through training, vocational education and pioneering of new courses. The Institute takes a positive approach in conducting inter-faith and inter-cultures dialogues between which received high recognition for its interfaith endeavours. 

Discussion with The Association of British Muslim (AoBM) Co- Directors, Paul Salahuddin Armstrong
and Mohammed Abbasi, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, Football for Peace at Ibis Hotel, Birmingham.

The journey continue on 23 October 2015, where ISDEV delegates went to Birmingham to meet Paul Salahuddin Armstrong (also known as Sheikh Salahuddin Abu Sophia), and Mohammed Abbasi. Both of them are the Co-Directors of The Association of British Muslim (AoBM) who are dedicated to promote global peace via football game with the slogan “Football for Peace – Not Hatred”. For them, Islam stands for peace. Islam means peace, and Islam pursues peace. The goal of this religion is to bind people together with love not with hate. Our greeting of “Assalamu-Alaikum” translates to “peace be upon you”. 

Fostering of silaturrahim - Dr. Shahir Akram presenting a token of gift  from ISDEV
to Paul Salahuddin Amstrong as a brotherly momento.

According to them, football is a great game; a game that can promote peace among many people thus the AoBM is fully supportive of organisations that use football as a vehicle to promote peace – one such organisation is called Football for Peace. The organisation is led by a British Muslim who is also a professional British footballer – Kashif Siddiqi cum its Co-Founder. Kashif has been working tirelessly to bring people of opposing views and ideologies to come onto the field for a game of football. From the cordial meeting they had, it came as no surprise when they discovered that Paul Salahuddin is not only the Co-Director of AoBM but he is also a director, scholar and broadcaster. After officially embracing Islam on 1 March 2000, Paul continued to study religion and spirituality for the past 15 years. 

From this working trip, it can be surmised that ISDEV not only strives for Islam at the university's level but is also working hard to explore opportunities and the world outside the confines of ISDEV. This is done to provide opportunities and platform for ISDEV students to enthusiastically and eagerly introduce ISDEV and Islam to all corners of the world thus creating global-minded students who are able to steadfastly uphold Islam at all times.

ISDEV SIGNS MoU WITH ISLAMIC RELIEF ACADEMY

The signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony between
ISDEV, USM and IRA, UK. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Islamic Relief Academy (IRA) United Kingdom on 22 October 2015. This MoU sees these two institutions committing to improve research collaboration and program training as well as organization of conferences and academic laboratories.

ISDEV Director Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (right) witnessing the signature of USM representative, Professor Dato' Dr. Mohamad Bin Jantan,  Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation).

Based in Birmingham, the Strategic Business Unit of IRA was established in 2013 to provide leadership and development needs based on Islam. According to ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, the MoU was signed as one of the many parts of his working trip to the United Kingdom which started from 17 until 24 October 2015.

During the visit, Prof. Syukri had the opportunity to meet and discuss with Shakil Butt, IRA Director, Human Resources & Organisation Development, Islamic Relief Worldwide, IRA Managing Director, Dr. Hossam Said, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide Dr. Mohamed Ashmawey and IRA Research and Development Manager, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano.

Diligence - having a discussion to detail the nature of ISDEV-IRA collaboration, chaired by IRA Research and Development Manager, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano

According to him, the meeting was focused and discuss on exchanging the interests and areas of relevant research as well as co-organize the upcoming 10th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2016) with the theme "Towards Islamic Sustainable Development".

Furthermore, the meeting also reached an agreement for both institutions to be involved in the development of "Faith-Based Development" of the UK-based Development Studies Association, the organizing of a training on “The use of Islamic Research Methodology” course, internship for ISDEV undergraduate and postgraduate students, creating an ISDEV Visiting Fellows portfolio at IRA as well as research collaboration through the sharing of information on relevant research grants.

A moment to capture at the front office of IRA

With the establishment of this MoU between ISDEV and IRA, it hopes that ISDEV students will seize the opportunity provided to venture out to gain experience as well as expand their research horizons at the international level simultaneously bringing ISDEV to the international arena in general and Islam specifically. 

A NAS A WEEK - 27 MUHARRAM 1437

[al-An'am, 6:82]

A POSITIVE NOTE ON INGRAW 2015

With the collaboration of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the cooperation of all ISDEV 10th INGRAW committee members, the 10th ISDEV International Graduate Workshop 2015 (INGRAW 2015) was successfully organized as scheduled. The conference was held from 27 till 28 October at the University's Conference Hall (DPU) with more than 100 participants attending. The workshop started with the meeting of both the minds and hearts with the main intention of invoking on Allah SWT pleasures through the various working papers that were presented and commented upon. The two Keynote Addresses delivered during INGRAW 2015 had undoubtedly moved and touched the hearts and minds of all those present to be better researches for the sake of Islam.

The 10th INGRAW 2015 in session at DPU, USM

The first keynote address was delivered by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, Acting Deputy Director of ISDEV, with the title “The Realisation of Islamic Intellectual Traditions in Graduate Studies”. Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad delivered her keynote address explaining the common issues, knowledge in Islam, people in knowledge in Islam, Muslim scholars and the realization of knowledge through Adab. She acknowledged some of the common challenges faced by students such as thesis submission, emotional and psychological stress, funding and students services. However understanding these main issues in the realisation of Islamic intellectual tradition in graduate studies is the role of man, which lies upon us all. However, she noted that all the issues could be overcome with the realization of knowledge through adab, consisting of adab with Allah SWT, teachers, knowledge and sources of barakah. 

Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad delivering the First Keynote Address.

Dr Fadzila Azni added that, adab is important in seeking knowledge with no prejudice towards others; showing respects to others and punctuality in managing time. In addition, she also shared the journey of knowledge by some notable classic Muslim scholars through the intellectual tradition in the early history of Islam such as Imam Al-Shafi’i and Imam Al-Ghazali as well as the story of seeking knowledge dating back from Prophet Musa r.a. and Al-Khidir r.a. Students kept the interest displayed with some pertinent questions and views on the topic of the day during the question and answer session before the concurrent sessions began after the refreshment break.

The Three Problematic Graduate Topics that all Graduate Researchers  on Islam need to steer away from.

On the second day, Director of ISDEV, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was given the honour to address the participants at the workshop. He took the opportunity to address the participants by posing a topic which was apparent in the title “Topic Construction of Postgraduate Research”. Prof Syukri started delivering his keynote address posing the three most frequent problematic graduate topics detected by supervisors of graduate research and examiners. Firstly, topics are found to be flat as the research was not stimulating and not sufficiently thought provoking. Second topics which are found to be answerable; simplistic and portraying answers in advance. Third is the tendency to the following of trends which bears semblance of close imitation to past research topics.

ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan poses a question.

In response to these three problematic research topics, Prof. Syukri emphasised that in constructing a topic in Islamic research, there were three research philosophies that should be followed. The three research philosophies are firstly the expansion of new knowledge; secondly un-stereotyped and thirdly the research endeavoured must be a step beyond by focusing on extraordinary research that hinges on new topic with new results. He acknowledged that the way of Islamic postgraduate research should be by way of excavating the knowledge from ‘Ilmu Yaqeen and Haqqul Yaqeen. ‘Ilmu Yaqeen refers to the digging of new theoretical knowledge backed by proofs obtained from empirical studies, scientific and practical domain. In the meantime Haqqul Yaqeen refers to encapsulating the truth by integrating daruri and nadhari knowledge with aql and naql proofs.

Group photo for the 10th INGRAW 2015.

The journey of wisdom shared through the second keynote address ended with a question and answer session. The session ended with a positive note by Prof. Syukri. It truly was both an honour and privilege to all participants to have had a chance to listen to these keynote addresses. The 10th INGRAW ended at 1.30 pm with a simple lunch for everyone to enjoy.

THE 10TH CHAPTER OF INGRAW

Overly full housed at University Conference Hall (DPU), Universiti Sains Malaysia

Alhamdulillah. ISDEV with the cooperation of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), successfully co-organised the 10th ISDEV International Graduate Workshop 2015 (INGRAW 2015) at the University Conference Hall (DPU) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The two days conference was held with the focused aim to provide the platform for research students either at the Master or PhD level to present and share their researches to fellow participants.

The presenters' enthusiasm display passion to their research while presenting the papers at INGRAW 2015

Two Keynote Addresses were delivered at INGRAW 2015. Acting ISDEV Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad was the first Keynote Address speaker who talked on "The Realization of Islamic Intellectual Traditions in Graduate Studies". Dr Fadzila had also officiated the opening of INGRAW 2015. The second Keynote Address was delivered on the second day of the conference by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh on “Topic Construction of Postgraduate Research”.

The seriousness and commitment exhibited by the resource persons in giving their feedback on the papers written and presented by the presenters of INGRAW 2015.

INGRAW 2015 saw a total number of 90 papers presented ranging from topics on “Human Development” to “Poverty and Politics” and from “Islamic Banking and Financing” to “Waqf and Trustee”. The presenters comprised of postgraduate students from ISDEV and other universities including universities from Brunei Darussalam (Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali –UNISSA) and Indonesia (Universitas Muhammadiyyah Sumatera Utara –UMSU). Other than that, presenters from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) were also assembled at DPU to share their postgraduate researches which were related to Islam.

The Session Chairs in action while the participants pro-actively listened to the presentations

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 endeavours 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.

Books by ISDEV members were on sale during INGRAW 2015.

Meanwhile, all participants were satisfied with the professionalism displayed by all the members of the Organizing Committee of INGRAW 2015 as all the three concurrent sessions of the workshop ran effortlessly and efficiently. The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for INGRAW 2015, Dr Azrin Ibrahim, had successfully mobilized every member in her team to ensure the smooth running and implementation of the 10th chapter of INGRAW. Due to some health challenges faced by the chairperson to be physically present throughout INGRAW 2015 however, the high commitment and tightly knit cooperation displayed by the committee members throughout the two days event were evidently displayed which contributed greatly to the success of INGRAW 2015.

A NAS A WEEK - 20 MUHARRAM 1437

Ibn Abbas reported: Concerning the verse, “You are the best nation raised up for the people,” (3:110) he said, “They are those who emigrated with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, from Mecca to Medina.” [Source: Musnad Ahmad 3311; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Ahmad Shakir].

ISDEV RESEARCH DISCOURSE: TALK ON "THE STATE OF MUSLIMS IN SINGAPORE"

Associate Professor Dr. Syed Muhd Khairudin Aljunied from Department of Malay Studies,
National University of Singapore

Associate Professor Dr. Syed Muhd Khairudin Aljunied from the Department of Malay Studies, National University of Singapore (NUS) gave a talk at the recent ISDEV Research Discourse on 19 October 2015. The charismatic Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairudin shared the findings of his research and observations on "The State of Muslims in Singapore". The talk held at Conference Room C06, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and was chaired by ISDEV Deputy Director, Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari.

Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari (centre), the chair person for the day.

The two-hour long discourse was divided into two parts. The first part saw Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairudin Aljunied delivering his talk explaining and sharing his research findings and experience on the current state of Muslims in Singapore. He chose to address the participants of the discourse in an informal way as he welcomed a two way communication throughout his talk.

Assoc Prof. Dr. Kahirudin's passion and enthusiasm on the topic were apparent throughout the discourse

The Muslims in Singapore are the minority in Singapore. However he noted that some of the challenges faced by the Muslims in Singapore are similarly faced by those in Malaysia. He also acknowledged that some of the issues uniquely faced by the Muslims in Penang specifically are the self-same issues faced by the Muslims in Singapore. Issues such as the dearth of intellectualism, hanging dearly onto some detrimental Malay customs especially in wedding receptions (as opposed to the ideal Islamic way), drugs, increasing trend in divorce rates, single mothers, lesbianism and the role of parents in family especially of those concerning men were among the issues he highlighted.

In addition he shared  his personal views on one main factor as how the Muslims in Singapore could be strong and overcome the seemingly insurmountable problems that need to be tackled. He expressed the need and importance for the Muslims in Malaysia especially to stay united to be strong as there is the tendency of the Malay Muslims in Singapore to look up to Malaysia. He justified his statement by citing the importance of the strong da'wah movements in the late 70s until early 90s which saw the latching of Islamic spirit to the Muslims in Singapore.

However he noted that the labeling of ideologies within the Muslims in Malaysia leading to the formation of factions within has definitely marred any attempts for the Malay Muslims to be united and strong. As a force to be reckoned with, when the Muslims in Malaysia are united and strong, such strength and force will surely have a rippling effect in the region causing a definite overflow of such vigor and energy to the Muslims in Singapore.

A cozy and comfortable atmosphere at C06 albeit the venue was overly full-housed

A little after an hour of his talk, a fellow academician from the School of Social Sciences, Puan Zainab and a few RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) and MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students kept the enthusiasm displayed by the guest speaker with some pertinent questions and views on the topic of the day during the second session of the discourse. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairudin answered and responded all in his stride and ended the discourse with a positive note on his mission through his intellectual sojourn to bring his message on the need for all Muslims in this region to solidly stay united. Staying through to his passion and task at hand he is currently appointed as Visiting Professor at the University Brunei Darussalam (UBD). The programme ended at 4.30 pm with a simple high tea for everyone who came for the ISDEV Research Discourse.

A NAS A WEEK - 13 MUHARRAM 1437

And if Allah were to impose blame on the people for what they have earned, He would not leave upon the earth any creature. But He defers them for a specified term. And when their time comes, then indeed Allah has ever been, of His servants, Seeing [Fathir, 35:45].

ISDEV AND UNIVERSITÄT LEIPZIG PLANING FOR COOPERATION IN ISLAMIC RESEARCH

Universität Leipzig to ISDEV - The ambience of the meeting at C05.

Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) received a courtesy visit from one of the oldest universities in the world and the second-oldest university (by consecutive years of existence) in Germany,  Universität Leipzig on 7 October 2014. The cordial meeting was held at C05, ISDEV Meeting Room, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The five delegates of Universität Leipzig were led by Dr. Simon, accompanied by Dr. Josephine, Maryem and two Postgraduate students, Liza and Elizabeth.

Dr. Simon and Dr. Shahir Akram looking happy and cheerful during the meeting

ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh started the meeting with an ice breaking session to get to know each other and the area of specialisation. Prof. Syukri then gave a detailed overview of ISDEV which included the various academic courses offered, past and on-going research that ISDEV is embarked in as well as ISDEV plans for the future.

Universität Leipzig delegates (far from right) Dr. Josephine, Maryem, Liza and Elizabeth.

Besides broaden the collaboration between USM in generally, the purpose of the visit is to share knowledge and seeking potential research area in ISDEV that can be collaborate between these two institutions. Focusing in education and religious study, Leipzig delegates are very keen to know more about Islam and the research done at ISDEV. Based on the discussion, they were impressed with the various area of research in ISDEV and expressed their interest in the area of Islamic research methodology which they find it as an interesting field to explore more. They also used the opportunity wisely in this meeting by sharing some information and their experiences about their research area. It is eagerly hope that this visit mark the beginning of further cooperation in the near future between these two institutions. 

A group photo after the meeting with ISDEV Director, lecturers and Leipzig delegates

Also present at the meeting were Dr. Rabiatul Adawiyah and Dr. Noranida from School of Education, USM. Both of them were the person who introduced Leipzig delegates to ISDEV. ISDEV lecturers, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi, Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan, Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi, Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, Dr. Azrin Ibrahim, as well as Nurul Farhana Che Hassan ( ISDEV Social Research Officer) and Azreen Hamiza Abd Aziz (ISDEV Academic Staff Training Scheme- ASTS) were also among those who attended the meeting.

A NAS A WEEK - 6 MUHARRAM 1437H

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: A man asked, “O Messenger of Allah, which emigration is best?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “To emigrate from that which Allah disapproves. Emigration is of two kinds: the emigration of the resident and the bedouin. As for the emigration of the bedouin, he responds when he is called and he obeys when he is commanded. As for the emigration of the resident, its trial is more severe and its reward is greater.” [Source: Musnad Ahmad 6774; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Ahmad Shakir].

ISDEV RESEARCH DISCOURSE: ALL ARE CORDIALLY INVITED

With great pleasure and honour ISDEV would like to invite all of you especially to all ISDEV members to attend an academic programme called “ISDEV Research Discourse” that will be held on next Monday 19 October 2015 located at C06, Social Sciences Confrence Room, University Sains Malaysia (USM).

The programme will start at 2.30pm until 4.30pm with Associate Professor Dr. Hj Zakaria Bahari will be the Moderator of the programme.

Special guest from National University of Singapore (NSU), Associate Professor Dr. Khairudin Aljunied will delivered his talk on "The State of Muslims in Singapore".

To those who interested to attend and for further information kindly contact:

Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad

Tel: 604 - 653 4603/ 5812   or  Email: sukainah@usm.my

All are cordially invited.

DIRECTOR'S TARBIYYAH: "BATTLE IN BLISSFULNESS"

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh stressing a point on the need for struggles and sacrifice
to attain a continuous state of blissfulness

"Berjuang dalam Kebahagiaan" (Battle in Blissfulness) was the catch title of "Tarbiyyah Pengarah" (Director’s Tarbiyyah) on 2 October, 2015. This was the topic of the monthly "Tarbiyyah Pengarah" addressed to ISDEV fraternity by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh which  was held at the Conference Room of C23, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). 

In his address, Prof. Syukri said that ISDEV is not only a purely academic centre but it also acts to make people realize about the magnificence and wonders of Islam specifically in academia and generally in all aspects of life. But such beauties of Islam could only be illustrated through good manners exhibited by each and every ISDEV member in particular and Muslims in general. Such exhibition of excellent manners is also known by the term "Kecemerlangan Berakhlak” (Excellence of Manners).

One of the slides presented by Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh

However the ability to produce such wondrous outstanding characters in an individual definitely require going through struggles which are presented within ourselves (overcoming the mazmumah - bad and despicable - characteristics within ourselves), man's most conspicuous unseen enemy - the devil - who has promised at all times to mislead the Muslims, or from outside ourselves such as the munafik (hypocrites) and kafir harbi (hostile disbelievers). 

All these struggles certainly come with sacrifice. There are times when we feel sad, depressed, loss of confidence and despair, but all these negative feelings can be eliminated if we always put Allah SWT at the top place in our lives. Constantly believing that Allah SWT will always be with us at all times, assist, protect and reward us with every struggle and sacrifice that we make for the sake of Islam are keys to overcoming every struggle that meets us on our path in life. 

Prof. Syukri also added by stating that everyone needs to build good relationships and a blissful ambiance with friends as well as developing the feelings of love, sincere care and concern and helping one another so that the challenges that one is faced is mixed with happiness. In other words, facing one's battles in blissfulness by establishing good relationships among fraternity. Being in battle does not necessarily refers to physical fights but can also be implied to include a quiet-state battle. 

Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi (holding microphone)
 sharing his struggles as a presenter in an international conference at Adelaide, Australia 

Oozing out of ISDEV also can be part of struggling in happiness. 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. Not only seen as a journey alone, but those who had traveled out of ISDEV are considered as striving for Islam. The same goes to the activities and programmes organised by ISDEV. Each participation needs to be viewed as a struggle for the sake of Islam.

ISDEV fraternity patiently listening to the Director's Tarbiyyah of the day

At the end, Prof. Syukri concluded that every struggle necessarily requires sacrifice. And each sacrifice if done with sincerity merely for the sake of Allah SWT, in shaa Allah every struggle will gain the wonderful rewards such as happiness from Allah SWT. This happiness will be the result if all ISDEV fraternity and Muslims have the understanding, harmony of thoughts and actions, cooperation and selflessness in order to realize the beauty of Islam.