LET ALLAH SWT WATCH OVER

One of the verses from the Qur'an that was referred to in the Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV.

ISDEV Monthly Supervision for the month of May, was held at the University Conference Hall (DPU), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on Friday, 29 May 2015. Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad served as the Chairperson throughout the session.

Listening attentively with utmost concentration.

As usual, the programme started with the Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV delivered by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. He addressed ISDEV members on how important it was to feel that at every single moment, every second, everywhere, no matter what we do, we are always being watched by Allah SWT. 

Evident in his humble and pious demeanour - the much respected and much loved Prof Syukri.

The title Prof. Syukri had chosen to specifically address ISDEV members that month was “Biar Allah yang Pantau” (Let Allah SWT Watch Over). According to him, ISDEV was formed in the name of Allah SWT by striving and proving to the world that Muslims are honest, trustworthy, of good heart and only do things for the sake of seeking Allah SWT countenance. As such, it is only befitting that ISDEV submits to Allah SWT in choosing the rightful candidates to strive in Allah SWT cause simultaneously declaring that ISDEV belongs to Allah SWT.

Ustaz Taha (left) posing a question on whether there is any specific deed, dzikir or supplication that needs
to be carried out to ensure this Rasa Bertuhan has taken root within our inner self.

But, to make all the above truly a reality, there are always challenges and afflictions that can make one feel betrayed, resisted, at wits' end, sad, vilified, maligned and others. However in each and every tribulations and problems there will surely be a way out. The most effective way is the strong innate feeling of godliness which he termed as "Rasa Bertuhan". One way of cultivating this Rasa Bertuhan is to be guided and be inspired by the history and of the Prophets as narrated by the Qur'an. As an example, when feeling betrayed, there is the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) who was betrayed by his own elder brothers and the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) when he was betrayed by his followers who deviated from worshipping Allah SWT choosing to worship the dead cow instead. These true-to-account narrations could be used as a motivating factor to just keep striving in Allah SWT cause and to never give up. 

Not wanting to miss a single point - some students diligently jotted down the points from the Tarbiyyah.

In concluding the Tarbiyyah, Prof Syukri stressed the importance of each and every member of ISDEV in particular and the Muslim ummat in general to have imbued within them at all times this feeling of Rasa Bertuhan and realise that Allah SWT is ever watchful. He ardently believes that when this Rasa Bertuhan is fully embedded within man, all human beings will not commit any evil or crime as every deed and maliciousness perpetrated will surely and definitely receive the appropriate retribution from Allah SWT, if not in this tangible world then in the perpetual Hereafter.

Encik Ahmad Sofwan sharing his expertise on Critical Academic Writing.

The programme then continued with the Monthly Graduate Supervision on "Critical Academic Writing " by  Encik Ahmad Sofwan Nathan Abdullah, who is a Language Teacher at the School of Languages, Literacies and Translations, USM. He led this session by providing a detailed explanation on the technical aspects and terms that are required and should be borne in mind at all times for those who were keen to write academically in the English Language. To gauge the understanding of his lecture, he gave some on-the-spot exercises for ISDEV members to practice. ISDEV members showed great keenness and enthusiasm to ensure they grasp the concept and terms explained that day so that they could get a clearer picture. This was evident from the lively questions and answer sessions that transpired throughout his lecture.