A NAS A WEEK - 27 SAFAR 1435

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

A NAS A WEEK - 21 SAFAR 1435

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

YET ANOTHER 2 RISDEV STUDENTS GET TO PROCEED

 Professor Syurki Salleh addressing ISDEV members during the
Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV

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

 The packed Conference Room of C23

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

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

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

 Rizal was seriously focus in his PhD proposal presentation

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

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

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

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

A NAS A WEEK - 11 SAFAR 1435

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

A NAS A WEEK - 6 SAFAR 1435

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

EMPOWERING GRASS ROOT DEVELOPMENT: THE BAN NUA COMMUNITY

A group photo at the steps of Masjid Ban Nua 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gotong Royong at the Masjid Ban Nua

Rearranging the books at the mini library

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

A session just for the Muslimah : Islamic Personal Grooming

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

With the children of Ban Nua at the Floating Market

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

A feast - eating in Jemaah at the Masjid Ban Nua

2 MORE RISDEV STUDENTS GET TO PROCEED FURTHER

Ustaz Shahir Akram (standing) in action

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

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

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

Khatijah Othman (standing) confidently presents her PhD Proposal

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

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

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

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

A NAS A WEEK - 28 MUHARRAM 1435

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

A NAS A WEEK - 21 MUHARRAM 1435

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

REPOSITIONING MANTIK BACK TO ITS GLORY

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

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

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

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

A NAS A WEK - 15 MUHARRAM 1435

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

The 8th INGRAW SETS A NEW RECORD FOR ISDEV

The participants of the 8th INGRAW 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A crowd puller - The ISDEV Book Sale booth 

A NAS A WEEK - 7 MUHARRAM 1435H

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

ISDEV IN THE MAKINGS OF 'ULUL-ALBAB'

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

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

Prof. Tan Sri Mohd Kamal delivering his lecture

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

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

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

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

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

A NAS A WEEK - 29 DHUL HIJJAH 1434

It was narrated from 'Abdullah bin Amr that:

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

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.