A NAS A WEEK - 5 DZULHIJJAH 1435

So pray to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him alone) [al-Kawthar, 108:2].

TUESDAYS TEACHINGS' SPECIAL EDITION: A TAZKIYYAH BY DEPUTY RAES FROM BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

It was a weekly routine for ISDEV members to gather every Tuesday for about half and hour starting at 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm to attend the 'Tuesdays Teachings'.

A cozy and comfy ambience of C06 for Tuesday Teachings

Every week two speakers will be assigned to give the tazkirah (short reminders) and lectures for ISDEV members. However, for this week, the class on 23 September 2014, ISDEV members attended a special edition of Tuesdays Teachings. For this session ISDEV members were given the honour to listen to the tazkiyyah (equivalence of tazkirah but referred to as such by the people of Brunei) and a brotherly advice from a distinguished guest who came all the way from Brunei Darussalam. 

Dr Adnan addresses ISDEV members while Prof Syukri (right) looks on.

Y.Bhg. Dr Haji Adnan bin Haji Basar, the Deputy Raes, from Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam (KUPU SB) graced ISDEV with his presence that day. Dr Adnan took the opportunity which he deemed as a golden chance to attend the Tuesdays Teachings and meet ISDEV members face to face besides getting personal insights and accounts of ISDEV members from ISDEV Director himself, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh. His interests in ISDEV was kindled as he had heard so much about ISDEV from fellow Bruneians that had him made a resolve to visit ISDEV. Amidst his tight schedule and within the framework of his working visit to Malaysia, Dr Adnan nonetheless was humbly willing to share his experiences with ISDEV members when invited to do so.

Dr Adnan (centre) speaking from his experience while ISDEV lecturers
(from right to left) Dr Zakaria, Prof. Syukri and Dr Fadzila Azni gave their full attention. 

In his briefly and useful tazkirah, he stressed the importance of giving back to the community. He provided some points on how this can best be achieved. Among them is his guru's advice to look after the qalb (heart) and the need to associate everything with do with Allah SWT. One such way is to constantly recite the Istighfar  (forgiveness) and the correct practice of knowledge so as to attain Allae oh SWT pleasures. There is a need for each and every one of us to consciously seek for Allah SWT barakah and one way to achieve this is to ensure that one's niat (intention) is clear and succinctly for the sake of Allah SWT.

A RISDEV student, Ridwan (right), asking a question to Dr Adnan.

A Question and Answer session was also opened to all who were present to get a more accurate explanation and his views on the current situation facing the Muslim ummah globally. ISDEV members took the opportunity to ask Dr Adnan about Brunei Darussalam and the country's commitment and passion about Islam.

At the end of the session, Prof Syukri (centre), provided a brief presentation about the beauty of  a humbled heart.

Also present at the session were ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh who also served as chairman of the class as well as the other ISDEV lecturers and students who gave their full attention and actively participated in that afternoon's programme.

A 5 - DAY COMPACT TRIP

On 15th September 2014, a seven strong entourage from ISDEV consisted of five ISDEV lecturers, one RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student and one ISDEV alumni student were flown to Indonesia to participate in “Konferensi International Pembangunan Islam – 1 (The First International Conference on Islamic Development) KIPI-1”

 

The seven-ISDEV entourage (from right): Dr Mohd Shukri Hanapi, Dr Shahir Akram Hassan, Dr Zakaria Bahari, Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh, Dr Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi, Br Zulkifli Muhammad, and Dr Razali Othman

With the theme on “Situasi Terkini Ekonomi Islam” (The Current Situation of Islamic Economics), the three-day conference was held at Auditorium Fakultas Kedoktoran, Universitas Jember, Indonesia (UNEJ). The conference is held in conjunction with the Islamic Economics and Development Week that was held to commemorate Universitas Jember's 50th anniversary.

An informal discussion with lecturers from Universitas Airlangga at Santika Hotel,Surabaya.

ISDEV delegates arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia on 15 September 2014 but before heading directly to Jember, the delegates had to make a breif stop over at Surabaya as the connecting flight to Jember was on the following day. However no time was idled away as ISDEV members took the opportunity to meet up with the lecturers from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) to discuss on a mutual research that could be embarked upon by both USM and UNAIR.

Courtesy call to the Rector of Universitas Jember Drs. Moh. Hasan (seated)

The next day, on 16 September 2014, ISDEV delegates arrived at Jember and immediately made a courtesy call to the Rector of Universitas Jember, Drs. Moh. Hasan and thereafter attended a Kuliah Umum (Public Lecturer) given by Achmad Buchori, Director of Research, Development, Regulation and Licensing Islamic Banking - Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, OJK) from Jakarta.

A sharing session on the Malaysian experience by Dr. Zakaria Bahari

Front row seats - ISDEV members at the Public Lecture

In this public lecture, ISDEV representative, Dr Zakaria Bahari, was invited to share information and experience with participants pertaining to Islamic banking in Malaysia.

Hitting the kompang as a symbolic inauguration of the Islamic Economics and Develeopment Week of UNEJ. From the right Director of Research, Development, Regulation and Licensing Islamic Banking - Financial Services Authority, Achmad Buchori,  Bapak Bupati Jember M.Z.A Djalal, Rector UNEJ Drs.Moh.Hasan, and Prof. Syukri Salleh

After  the pubic lecture, the programme continued with the official opening ceremony of KIPI-1 which was held at night.The programme started with a dinner hosted by Jember Bupati M.Z.A. Djalal and followed by the hitting of the kompang  as a symbolic inauguration of the conference.

Sweet memories with the Dean of the Economics Faculty, Dr. M. Fathorrazi, Bapak Bupati Jember, M.Z.A Djalal (fourth from left who is wearing a songkok and is standing between Prof. Syukri and Dr Zakaria)
and UNEJ's Rector Drs.Moh.Hasan (second from left)

The next day of the program saw three ISDEV lecturers presenting their papers and Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh delivering his keynote address on ‘Nine Deficiencies of Mainstream Islamic Economics” in front of participants consisting of economists throughout Indonesia and Malaysia.

All about the conference - (Top) Prof. Syukri delivering the Keynote Address and entertaining the barrage of questions posed by reporters after his speech. (Bottom)- Dr. Shukri and Dr. Zakaria present their papers

(Left)- Prof. Syukri with one of the conference moderators, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Agus Trihartono, Senior Reseracher, Ritsumeikan University, Japan/ Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Jember University and (Right)- a picture of all the participants of KIPI-1

Dr. Zakaria Bahari then took his turn to present is paper in the second session with the title  "Metodologi Penelitian Ekonomi Islam” (Research Methodology of Islamic Economics) followed by Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi who presented his paper in the third session with the title “Tasawur Ekonomi Islam" (Worldview of Islamic Economics).

The cover page of the book published to commemorate KIPI-1

Dr. Mohd Syakir Rosdi and Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan (ISDEV lecturers), Razali Othman (ISDEV alumni student), and Mohd  Zulkifli Muhammad (RISDEV student) who were part of the delegation from ISDEV did not present any papers in the conference. Nonetheless their papers were published in a book entitled Ekonomi Syari'ah Terkini - Perspektif, Metodologi and Praktik together with seven other ISDEV members. They are regarded as participants of "supplementary papers".

Appointment of Councilors of Ikatan Ahli Ekonomi Islam Besuki Raya ( Islamic Economist Association of Besuki Raya)

The third day of the conference which was on 18 September was the closing of the conference. To mark the conference's end a dinner gala was held at the Economics Faculty. After dinner the appointment of Ahli Dewan Perwakilan Wilayah Ikatan Ahli Ekonomi Islam Daerah Besuki Raya was also held.

A group photo with the lecturers of UNAIR

On 19 September, ISDEV delegates returned to Surabaya and within this time had another opportunity to meet up with the lecturers of UNAIR. Following the discussions held on 15 September 2014, both parties agreed to conduct research in areas such as Islamic Accounting, Islamic Government Budget, Zakat Management System as well as Non-Muslim Perception on Islamic Banking, and Islamic Financial Sector for Agriculture.

A mission accomplished - all smiles and feeling contented

Indeed, within the five-day visit, ISDEV members did not only merely attend the conference but is aptly described by the delegates as "Mission Accomplished" as it was not only packed with various activities and programme but also beneficial cooperation in research. Definitely closer bonds were fostered during this trip with the sole aim of strengthening Islam.

A NAS A WEEK - 21 DZUL QA'IDAH 1435

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: Al-Miqdam ibn Shurayh, quoting his father, said: I asked Aisha about living in the desert. She said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to go to the desert to these rivulets. Once he intended to go to the desert and he sent to me a she-camel from the camel of sadaqah which had not been used for riding so far. He said to me: Aisha! show gentleness, for if gentleness is found in anything, it beautifies it and when it is taken out from anything it damages it [Hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud, 4808].

ISDEV MONTHLY GRADUATE SUPERVISION - AUGUST 2014

ISDEV members busy going through the notes of the lecture by ISDEV statistician, Encik Aziz Abd Tahar 

ISDEV Graduate Monthly Supervision for August saw a packed C23 Conference Room at the School of Social Sciences. More than 50 ISDEV members were present for this month's programme which is held in the afternoon, 27 August 2014. This Monthly Graduate Supervision was part of of the Social Sciences Colloquium programme. Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad was the Chairperson of the day throughout the programme.

Dr Zakaria (left) giving the "Tarbiyah Pengarah". With  him is Encik Abd Aziz (right), ISDEV statistician.

The programme started with a Tarbiyah Pengarah but this time around it was delivered by ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari. ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was away due to the demand of his work.  Dr Zakaria addressed ISDEV members on the importance of having both iman (faith) and taqwa  (piety) especially in the context of embarking in research. Dr. Zakaria talked about how iman and taqwa with a strong belief in tauhid (monotheism) have to be the foundational stronghold of each and every researcher in ISDEV as ISDEV is committed to research on Islam with the aim to glorify Islam.

Committed and passionate about his work, Encik Abd Aziz, shared his more than 30 years experience as a
statistician with USM in doing the empirical studies of any project work.

The programme then continued with the Monthly Graduate Supervision on "How to Construct Questionnaire" by ISDEV Statistician, Abd Aziz Tahar. He led this session by providing a detailed explanation on the various terms used and referred to before one embarks to construct a questionnaire. He also gave some pointers on the do's and don'ts in structuring the questions for questionnaire. ISDEV members were keen to get a clearer picture as a lively questions and answer sessions transpired throughout his lecture.

 

The industrious ISDEV lecturer, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad who served as the chairperson throughout the programme.

A NAS A WEEK - 13 DZUL QA'IDAH 1435

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy [al-Hujurat, 49:10].

DR ATIH, ISDEV CO-RESEARCHER, PRESENTS AT ISDEV GRADUATE DISCOURSE

A pleasant personality who is always smiling - Dr Atih Rohaerti Dariah

ISDEV Graduate Discourse was held on 4 September 2014 at C23 Social Sciences Conference Room and run entirely by Dr Atih Rohaerti Dariah. Dr Atih is one of the researchers in the ISDEV Research University Team (RUT) on "Mould and Index of Islamic Development".

ISDEV members captivated not only with her presentation but also by her warm personality.

Dr Atih is an economic lecturer from Facultas Economic, Universitas Islam Bandung, Indonesia (UNISBA). She presented to ISDEV members her current research regarding "Struktur Perencanaan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan Dalam Perspektif Islam: Sebuah Konsep Asal” (The Advanced Development Planning Structure in Islamic Perspective: A Foundational Concept) .

Prof Syukri (left - front row) taking the opportunity of asking some questions to Dr Atih (left)

The program of the day was divided into two sessions in which the first session was the presentation by Dr. Atih while the second session was the question and answer session. ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh was the chairman throughout the programme.

A thoroughly engaging presentation as ISDEV members, including (front row - right to left)
Dr Zakaria and Prof Syukri, attentively listened.

During the two-hour long programme, ISDEV members were very fortunate to have the opportunity to witness the presentation and at the same time, they were welcomed to voice their respective opinions, ask questions and even share some information related to Dr Atih's research. Dr Atih's gentle personality and approachable demeanour has allowed ISDEV members to mingle and get to know her better as well as get useful advice from such an experienced academician.

Dr Atih presenting her research paper

Also present at the program were ISDEV Deputy Director Dr. Zakaria Bahari, ISDEV lecturers, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad and Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi as well as three new ISDEV lecturers Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi, Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan and Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan.

WELCOMING MISDEV'14

Misdev'14- seated within the first 3 rows from the front

ISDEV welcomed it’s seventh batch of Masters in Social Science (Islamic Development Management) students on 5 September 2014 at Dewan Pembangunan Siswa 2, Kompleks Cahaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia. 33 new students have been accepted to pursue their Masters (Mixed-Mode) for the academic year 2014/2015. In continuation of ISDEV tradition, this new batch of students is collectively known as MISDEV'14.

Ahmad Saiful in his role as the Master of Ceremony of the day

The Ta'aruf Session (or Orientation Programme) for MISDEV'14 started at 10:00am with a welcoming speech by Ahli Bersekutu ISDEV (ABI) representative, Ahmad Saiful Rahman Ab.Rahim, who served as the Master of Ceremony of the program. 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, introduced ISDEV lecturers as well as ISDEV supporting staff. The entire introduction was presented via a multimedia presentation prepared by ABI members.
 

Nor Hanani - briefly shared her experience of being supervised by Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh

Ridhwan Nordin also shared his experience as a student supervised by Dr Zakaria Bahari

For a clearer perception, current RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate student by Research) students who are supervised by ISDEV lecturers were called to briefly introduce their respective lecturers from their point of view in terms of each of the lecturers' individual personality and their experiences as to how they are supervised. This is the time that everyone had a chance to know each ISDEV lecturers inside out.

ISDEV lecturers - Dr Fadzila Azni (standing) addressing the students. With her are 
(from right to left), Dr Zahri, Dr Shukri and Dr Zakaria

A good start - MISDEV'14 seen diligently taking down notes.

Although ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, was away due to the demands of his work, MISDEV ’14 still had a chance to listen to welcoming remarks and general advice on being a student of Islam delivered by ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Zakaria Bahari. In the second session, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad also gave a brief explanation on the courses to be attended by the students as well as the modus operandi of the class to the batch of MISDEV'14. A question and answer followed thereafter allowing MISDEV’14 to seek for clearer information.

Potluck is now part of ISDEV culture.

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 Tengah Hari also organized by ABI members.

Enjoying lunch together.

A NAS A WEEK - 13 DZUL QA'IDAH 1435

It was narrated that Mu’adh bin Jabal said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed one day, and made the prayer lengthy. When he finished we said (or they said): ‘O Messenger of Allah, you made the prayer lengthy today.’ He said: ‘I offered a prayer of hope and fear. I asked Allah for three things for my nation, and He granted me two and refused one. I asked Him not to let my nation be destroyed by enemies from without, and He granted me that. And I asked Him not to let them be destroyed by drowning, and He granted me that. And I asked Him not to let them be destroyed by fighting among themselves, but He refused that.’” [Hadith from Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 36, Hadith No. 4086].

ISDEV GRADUATE DISCOURSE: AZRIN ALLOWED TO SUBMIT PhD THESIS

Azrin presenting her findings and analysis

True to ISDEV’s culture, RISDEV student, Azrin Ibrahim presented her PhD thesis to ISDEV fraternity at the ISDEV Graduate Discourse recently. The intellectual discourse which took place at the Dewan Persidangan University (DPU) was held on Wednesday, 27 August 2014 at 9.30 am and chaired by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad. 

Dr Zakaria (left) giving his opinion as to how Azrin could improve her PhD thesis

Azrin Ibrahim presented her PhD thesis entitled “Pembentukan dan Pengamalan Hisbah di Malaysia Masa Kini: Analisis Berdasarkan Kitab Al-Hisbat Fi Al-Islam" (The Current Development and Experience of HIsbah in Malaysia: An Analysis Based  on Kitab A-Hisbat Fi Al-Islam) 

Dr Fadzila inviting all who are present to pose questions to Azrin

She was given the green light by the appointed evaluator, Dr Mohd. Shukri Hanapi to proceed with the next stage, i.e. submission of her thesis to the IPS office. However Azrin had been encouraged to make the necessary amendments as suggested by him as well as those made by ISDEV lecturers. Azrin Ibrahim is supervised by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad while her co-supervisor is Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. 

A delighted Azrin upon hearing the good news

A NAS A WEEK - 8 DZUL QA'IDAH 1435H

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted [al-Hujurat, 49:13].

ISDEV COUNCIL MEMBERS OFFICIALLY APPOINTED

On 18 August 2014, the appointment of ISDEV Council Members was officially and formally made in a brief meeting chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman.

Dato' VC of USM (5th from left) and Prof Syukri (6th from left) with ISDEV lecturers and ISDEV Fellows of Academic Staff Training Scheme after the meeting

The meeting which was held at the Chancellery Conference Room (CCR), Level 6, Chancellery Office included a discussion on the various actions that have carried out since ISDEV was upgraded to a Research Centre of Excellence (CoE). In addition, future plans and direction were also discussed.

Also involved in the discussion were Puan Noriah Mohamad and Puan Noraida Mohd Nasir from Academic/Senate Department, Tuan Haji Abdul Aziz Che Jusoh and Sharulnizam Mohd Noor from Development Department, and Encik Amin Karim from the School of Social Sciences.

Dato' VC holding up the appointment letter flanked by four ISDEV pioneering lecturers, from left: Dr Mohd Shukri Hanapi, Dr Zakaria Bahari and from right: Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad and Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh

The discussion also includes the latest development on the current status of renovation works carried out to the previously Astronomy and Atmospheric Research building which will be occupied by ISDEV temporarily whilst awaiting for the actual ISDEV building to be completed in the near future. 

The appointment of ISDEV Director and ISDEV Deputy Director as well as the transfer of academic staff, support staff including those under the ISDEV Academic Staff Training Scheme (ISDEV ASTS) Fellows and former students under the purview of the School of Social Sciences was also in the agenda of discussion that day.

A Poignant Moment - the handing over of the  Letter of Appointment of the ISDEV Council members from Dato' VC to Prof Syukri.

The highlight of the discussion culminated with the signing of the letter of appointment of ISDEV Council Members by USM VC. The simple ceremony was witnessed by ISDEV Director, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV Deputy Director Dr. Zakaria Bahari, Senior Deputy Registrar Academic Management Division, Noriah Mohamad, Senior Director of Development, Haji Aziz Che Jusoh, Chief Architect Shahrulnizam Mohamad Nor, Principal Assistant Registrar School of Social Sciences, Mr Amin Karim, as well as ISDEV lecturers and ISDEV ASTS Fellows.

A momentous occasion that is definitely cherished and treasured.