ISDEV LEADERS IN BANDUNG AS TRAINERS ON ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS

Prof Syukri (3rd from left) and Dr Zakaria (right) with some of the participants.

The leaders of ISDEV, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (ISDEV Director) and Dr. Zakaria Bahari (ISDEV Deputy Director) were recently flown to Bandung, Indonesia to attend an exclusive training program organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA). The three day training program on "Islamic Development Economics’ started on 20 until 22 August 2014. 

Prof Syukri presenting his paper to an exclusive audience

The first day of the program saw Prof Syukri presenting his respective papers and providing training to the participants which were limited to 20 only. The participants consisted of academics from universities as well as practitioners around Indonesia such as Jakarta, Semarang, Yogjakarta, Bogor and Bandung.

Prof. Syukri presented his paper on “The Principles of Islamic-Based Development” and "Islamic Management of Poverty", while Dr. Zakaria Bahari on the third day presented on "The State of Islamic Economic".

A representative of the organiser presenting a plaque to Dr Zakaria 

In between the lectures, Prof Syukri held a meeting with Dr. Atih Rohaeti Dariah (one of ISDEV Co-Researchers of the Research University Team (RUT) and Dr Hakimi from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia pertaining to Islamic Development Bank-sponsored research project on Islamic Sustainable Development.

Prof Syukri and Dr Zakaria too have a chance to visit Darut Tauhid which was founded by Abdullah Gymnastiar (or popularly known as AA Gym) who built Darut Tauhid based on “Manajemen Qalbu’ (Management of the Spiritual Heart). 

Having a light yet meaningful discussion with the founder AA Gym (2nd from right)

(from right to left) Dr Zakaria, AA Gym, Prof Syukri and Dr Atih at Darut Tauhid

Thereafter Prof. Syukri and Dr. Zakaria went to visit a T-Shirt printing factory owned and operated by Bandung born Erin Ramadhan who was once Prof. Syukri's student.

The visit to the T-shirt printing factory. Erin Ramadhan (left) is seen standing 
closely to his ex-lecturer, Prof Syukri (2nd from left).

The third day was the closing ceremony yet a closer tie was forged in which further cooperation between ISDEV and UNISBA was forged. The presence of Dr. Atih has helped to cement this close knit tie as she is a member of the project which conducts research in RUT on "Mould and Index of Islamic Development" which has paved the way for future research projects to be designed more easily. 

In addition, the training organised by UNISBA is also expected to serve as an annual ISDEV-UNISBA activity where more players could be involved, including students of both institutions are given the exposure and opportunity to participate in this training in the near future.

Prof. Syukri and Dr. Zakaria with the Dean of the Faculty of Economics Sciences and Business (left), UNISBA

Prof Syukri and Dr Zakaria were the dinner guests of the Rector of Universitas Islam Bandung, 
Prof. Dr. Taufik M. Boesoiri (left) and his wife 

Besides attending formal activities during their recent trip, Prof Syukri and Dr Zakaria were invited to attend a casual dinner with the UNISBA's Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Business on the first night, and on the second night becoming the dinner guests of Rector of UNISBA, Prof. Dr. Taufik M. Boesoiri at his residence.

A NAS A WEEK - 29 SHAWWAL 1435

It was narrated from Sufyan Ath-Thawri, from Ibn 'Awn, from Nafi', from Ibn 'Umar, from 'Umar, that he said: "I was allocated some land of Khaibar. I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'I have acquired some land and I have never acquired any wealth that is dearer to me or more precious than it.' He said: 'If you wish, you can give it in charity.'" So he gave it in charity on condition that it would not be bought or given away, for the poor, relatives, slaves, guests and wayfarers. And there is no sin on the administrator if he eats from it or feeds others on a reasonable basis, with no intention of becoming wealthy from it [Hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i, No. 3597].

ISDEV LECTURERS AT THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE 2014

Two ISDEV lecturers, Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi and Dr. Zahri Hamat were given a great opportunity to be among the presenters at the International Social Development Conference 2014 (ISDC 2014). With the theme on "Helping Professions and Social Services: Enhancing Well – being”, the conference was held at Bayview Hotel, Langkawi, Kedah, from 12 to 13 August 2014. The conference was organized by the School of Social Development, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). 

Dr Mohd. Shukri shares his findings on the social well-being of farmers in Perlis.

The participants of this conference included academics and students, social workers as well as as counsellors, psychologists, therapists and health professionals, rehabilitation personnel, government agencies, Non-governmental Organizations and private practitioners who came from all parts of the world. Both lecturers presented on the second day of the two-day programme. Their papers were presented during the concurrent session with the sub-theme on "Religion and Spirituality in Social Welfare".

Dr Zahri presented his paper on spirituality, fatwa and zakat assessment of paddy farmers in Malaysia

Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi presented on Perakaunan Zakat Padi dan Hubungkaitnya Dengan Kesejahteraan Sosial Petani: Kajian Kes di Negeri Perlis (Zakat Accounting of Paddy and Its Relationship with the Social Well-being of Farmers: Case Study in the State of Perlis) while Dr. Zahri Hamat presented on Spiritualiti, Fatwa dan Taksiran Zakat Usahawan Padi di Malaysia (Spirituality, Fatwa and Zakat Assessment.of Paddy Entrepreneurs in Malaysia).

CALL FOR PAPERS

http://ingraw2014.blogspot.com/

ISDEV will organize The 9th ISDEV International Graduate Workshop (INGRAW 2014) for 2 days starting from 27 October until 28 October 2014. The workshop will be held at University Conference Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

The deadline for the submission of abstract is 22 September 2014. Abstract could be emailed to Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan at wannorhaniza@gmail.com or ingraw2014@gmail.com


Further details of the workshop are available at ingraw2014.blogspot.com

ISDEV AT INTERNATIONAL ZAKAT CONFERENCE IN ACHEH, INDONESIA

ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, Deputy Director Dr. Zakaria Bahari and Senior Fellow Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Fatah Che Hamat were in Acheh from 11 till 15 August 2014.

With Acheh Mayor (Walikota) Eliza Saaduddin Jamal after dinner at her official residence (Pendopo)

  
 

The aims are two-folds. Firstly, to fulfill an invitation by Journal of Media Syariah, Acheh Baitul Mal, and Faculty of Shariah and Islamic Economics of Universiti Islam Negeri (UIN) Ar-Raniry to present papers at their Konferensi Internasional Tentang Zakat Di Dalam Masyarakat Islam - Optimalisasi Zakat Sebagai Pilar Peradaban Islam on 13-14 August and secondly, to hold PhD supervision for ISDEV part-time students residing in Acheh.

Associate Professor Dr Abdul Fatah Che Hamat presenting his paper

Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh interviewed by reporters after his paper presentation

Prof Syukri presented a main paper entitled Mengurus Kemiskinan Melalui Zakat: Tiga Realiti Semasa (Managing Poverty via Zakat: Three Contemporary Realities), while Dr Zakaria's entitled Peranan Zakat Dalam Pembangunan Pendidikan Masyarakat: Kajian Kes Zakat Pulau Pinang (The Role of Zakat in Society's Educational Development: The Case of Zakat Pulau Pinang), and Dr. Fatah's presented on Transforming Zakat as a Means to Alleviate Poverty: Some Issues and Reflections.

After having breakfast with ISDEV Acheh students 

The supervision for the ISDEV students was held on 12 August at the Department of Management of Universitas Syiah Kuala (UNSYIAH).

With Gavernor of Aceh, Dr Zaini Abdullah (fourth from left with black songkok) after having dinner at Istana Pendopo (his official residence)

While in Acheh, Prof.  Syukri, Dr.  Zakaria and Dr.  Abdul Fatah were also invited to dinners for two consecutive nights hosted by Acheh Governor Dr. Zaini Abdullah and Acheh Mayor Ibu Walikota Eliza Saaduddin Jamal at their respective Pendopo (official residences). The ISDEV entourage were also treated by ISDEV students with breakfasts at traditional coffee shops with the famous Acheh coffee.

A NAS A WEEK - 22 SHAWWAL 1435

Hajj is (during) well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein (by entering the state of ihram), there is (to be for him) no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah . And fear Me, O you of understanding [al-Baqarah, 2:197].

ISDEV-CRI RESEARCH WORKSHOP

ISDEV members were willing and ready to learn from CRI Director, Professor Ruslan Rainis (centre). On his left is ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

On 6 August 2014, ISDEV members consisting of ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari, ISDEV lecturers, Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Fatah Che Hamat, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi and Dr. Zahri Hamat, as well as Fellows of ISDEV Academic Staff Training Scheme (ASTS) participated in the “Bengkel Penyelidikan ISDEV-CRI” (ISDEV-CRI Research Worskhop). 

Presenting a research grant proposal is a serious affair as pointed by Professor Ruslan Rainis (left)

 

The workshop was held at the Centre for Research Initiatives (CRI) in Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia and was chaired by the Director of CRI himself, Professor Ruslan Rainis. Among the objectives of this workshop is to guide ISDEV academics especially ISDEV ASTS Fellows who have not much experience in research let alone in preparing a research proposal, on how to be successful in procuring the research grant through a well prepared and written research grant proposal. In achieving this objective, participants were exposed to the various styles of research grant proposal writing, the types of research grants that have the potential to be applied as well as tips and a guide to writing a good research grant proposal.

Wan Norhaniza (2nd from right) was one of the three presenters that day while other ISDEV ASTS Fellows (on Wan Norhaniza's left) such as Murni, Azrin and Azreen were there to get some pointers. 

Meanwhile, three ISDEV ASTS Fellows who had recently completed their PhD studies were given the opportunity to present their respective research grant proposals. They were Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan who presented on Islamic Sustainable Development Index, Shahir Akram Hassan on “Kajian Profile Penyelidikan Falak di Malaysia’ (Profile Studies of Falak Research in Malaysia) and Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi on “Ekonomi Politik Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam di Asia Tenggara” (Political Economy of Islamic-based Development in Southeast Asia). The workshop is deemed as a head-start of their career in their eventual official appointment as ISDEV lecturers. They are fortunate as they get a hands-on experience and direct pointers from Prof. Roslan personally on how best to successfully present a research grant proposal.

MULIA SAPUTRA (RISDEV) PASSED HIS VIVA

A photo of Mulia Saputra (seated third from left) with the panel of examiners. 
On his immediate right is his beloved wife.

Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah SWT, another RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by research) student passed his viva voce on 11 August 2014. This time is the turn of Mulia Saputra, who wrote on Tadbir Urus Korporat, Pengurusan Pendapatan dan Nilai Firma: Kajian Kes Syarikat-syarikat Tersenarai di Jakarta Islamic Index (JII), Bursa Efek Indonesia (Corporate Governance, Income Management and Firm's Value: Case Study of the Listed Companies in Jakarta Islamic Index (JII), Indonesia Stock Exchange). His supervisor is Dr. Zahri Hamat. 

Dr. Nor Asmat (left) one of the two internal examiners posing a question to Mulia

The chairperson for Mulia Saputra’s viva which was held at the C23, Social Sciences Conference Room was Professor Dr. Abu Hassan Abu Bakar from the School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Dr. Azrina Husin from the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia represented the Dean of the School of Social Sciences. The external examiner was Professor Dr. Joni Tamkin Borhan from Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya (UM), while the two internal examiners were Dr . Fadzila Azni Ahmad and Dr. Nor Asmat Ismail.

Mulia in action - responding to one of the questions posed by the examiner.

The viva started at 10:00 a.m. and ended at about 11:40 a.m. As is usual in viva, Mulia had scores of questions asked to him but he was able to answer each and every question posed calmly. The examiners were pleased with the answers given and announced that he had passed his viva on awarded him with a scale of "2". It was evident that Mulia was greatly moved on hearing the joyous news. ISDEV members who were present to show support for Mulia congratulated him on his success after the viva session.

One working day before Mulia's actual viva, his mock viva was held on Friday at C05.

As the normal tradition of ISDEV, prior to the viva, Mulia Saputra went through the mock viva at ISDEV on Friday morning. Then on Monday, as a routine in all the viva of ISDEV students, ISDEV lecturers and students gathered at the Masjid Al-Malik Khalid, USM to perform solatul-hajat for Mulia with a focus supplication in seeking Allah SWT help to position him in the benefit of himself and Islam. Alhamdulillah, indeed praise is only to Allah SWT, Mulia Saputra passed his viva. 

Congratulations Mulia Saputra!

A NAS A WEEK - 15 SHAWWAL 1435

Abu Ayub narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six from Shawwal, then that is (equal in reward) to fasting everyday." [Hadith from Jami' al-Tirmidhi, Book 53, Chapter: What Has Been Related About Fasting The Six Days Of Shawwal].

"JAMUAN AIDILFITRI" @ ISDEV

In unison, ISDEV members took the opportunity to seek Allah SWT mercy and blessings with the reading of a doa led by Ustaz Shahir Akram al-Hafiz (right)

While everyone is still reeling in the festivities spirits back from their hometown for the Raya recently, ISDEV with the cooperation of ABI (ISDEV Associate Members) took the opportunity to organize a simple “Jamuan Aidilfitri” located at C05, ISDEV Meeting Room.

Prof. Syukri (left) giving his Hari Raya greetings for the Jamuan Aidilfitri to ISDEV members

The program started at 11.00 a.m. with ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh giving a short Hari Raya greetings. In his brief speech he hoped that the Ramadhan that ISDEV members had all gone through has given a continuous spirit of taqwa (piety) to all.  However, he sets out that to taste real taqwa, a person has to solemnly fast and not merely feet the hunger and thirst but in fact his entire outer and inner bodily parts are fasting as well. If someone is able to do that, In sha Allah (if Allah SWT wills) taqwa will always be present within that person even when he is no longer in the month of Ramadhan.

Prof Syukri had a philosophy about the birthday cake presented to him. Seen here through his interpretation of what the cake represented, an indeed happy Prof Syukri clearing what he termed as "the debris" before cutting the cake.

In addition to the jamuan (feast) held in conjunction with Hari Raya ('Eid), what was made more memorable this year was that a brief ceremony to celebrate the 60th birthday of Prof. Syukri (which was on 1st August 2014) was held. It was a surprise for him. He was overwhelmed with emotions when a cake was presented to him on behalf of everyone from ISDEV. The cake was also in conjunction with the extension of his position as ISDEV Director till December 2015 and as a Contract Professor for another three years, till 31 July 2017.

The spread of the savoury fare prepared by ISDEV members for the simple Jamuan Aidilfitri

More than 50 ISDEV members made up of ISDEV lecturers, staff and students attended the simple Jamuan Aidilfitri which was in pot-luck style. Before tasting the savoury fare prepared by ISDEV members,  Ustaz Shahir Akram graced the occasion with the reading of a prayer in seeking for Allah SWT mercy and blessings on the occasion of Prof Syukri's birthday as well as the Jamuan Aidilfitri. The programme for the day ended at 12.30 p.m.

ISDEV DIRECTOR: TAQWA IS CORE TO ISDEV SUCCESS

ISDEV Monthly Supervision for July was once again held at the University Conference Hall (DPU) of Universiti Sains Malaysia. More than 50 ISDEV members consisting of ISDEV lecturers and students as well as prospective students attended this monthly programme on 18 July 2014. Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad served as the Chairperson throughout the session. 

Prof Syukri speaks on Taqwa (Piety) during the Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV session

This month's supervision was divided into three sessions. The first session started at 9.30am with the “Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV” series delivered by ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh on “Teras Kekuatan ISDEV- Dinamika Taqwa” (The Core to ISDEV Strength - Dynamics of Taqwa). This time Prof. Syukri stressed the importance of ‘Taqwa’ (piety) as one of the elements to success for the Muslims. In supporting his points, Prof Syukri presented various verses from the Quran to highlight the close relationship between Allah SWT promises of help, guidance and the attainment of success with those who are muttaqeen (pious). Allah SWT is with the muttaqeen (Surah  al-Taubat,9:36 & 9:123 and Surah  al-Nahl, 16:128), Allah SWT loves those who are muttaqeen (Surah  Ali 'Imran,3:76 and Surah al-Taubat,9: 4&7) and with taqwa and patience Allah SWT will help (Surah Ali 'Imran,3:125) are some of the examples of the verses mentioned.

In addition Prof Syukri also capped off his talk with the effects of taqwa. What he means is that when a Muslim is embued with taqwa only positive consequences will ensue. Among them is that there is no feeling of fear (Surah Yunus, 10:62), in the Hereafter would be untouched by pain and despair (Surah al-Lail,92:17-21) and the promise of Jannah (Heavens) as wide as the skies and the earth (Surah Ali 'Imran,3:133).

Before he ended his talk, Prof Syukri shared his observations that by making Taqwa as core to ISDEV strength has contributed to a number of positive outcomes. Among them are within ISDEV members there is unity and brotherly love, uniformity in thoughts, actions and understanding, diligence, ease of organizing various activities, impressive achievements and due recognition given to ISDEV.

A serious looking Dr. Zakaria Bahari presenting on a serious topic "Research Design"

Dr. Zakaria Bahari, ISDEV Deputy Director, then led the second session with his explanation on “Reka Bentuk Kajian’(Research Design). He stressed that research design is of importance because it represents a systematic planning to determine the method that would be used by a research so that the research objectives could be met. He presented four types of research such as fundamental research, applied research, evaluative research and action research. Then he proceeded with the details of two of these types of research. Some students took the opportunity for further clarification on this wide ranging topic to help them with their thesis writing.

Nurul Ilyana presenting her PhD Thesis related to Micro Credit and Zakat

The third session which is the last session was a presentation of the draft to the PhD Thesis by Nurul Ilyana binti Muhd Adnan who is supervised by Dr. Zahri Hamat. She had worked on “Mikro Kredit daripada Dana Zakat di Baitulmal Aceh dan Potensi Pelaksanaannya di Institusi-institusi Zakat di Malaysia” (Micro Credit and Zakat Fund in Baitulma Aceh and the Potentials of Its Implementations in Zakat Institutions in Malaysia). Her thesis was evaluated by Dr. Jasni Sulong from the Islamic Studies Department, School of  Humanities. Besides that, her presentation also received positive comments as well as new ideas that could help her to improve her PhD thesis before the final submission to the Institute of Post Graduate Studies (IPS). All ISDEV lectures and members unanimously agreed that she could submit her PhD thesis after rectifying some minor corrections as well as the inclusion of some necessary information that were discussed. 

A NAS A WEEK - 8 SYAWWAL 1435

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully [al-Isra', 17:26].