A NAS A WEEK - 16 DZUL QA'IDAH 1436

Say, "Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector." And upon Allah let the believers rely [al-Tawbah, 9:51].

IDMAC 2015: CALL FOR PAPERS

ISDEV is organizing The 9th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2015) with the theme "Islamic Asset Management". The 2-days conference is scheduled to be held on 8th - 9th December 2015 at the University Conference Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.

IDMAC 2015 is the ninth of a series of initiative to encourage related research in Islamic social sciences perspective, especially in the area of Islamic asset management. This year, the conference aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To provide a platform and opportunities for practitioners, scholars, researchers, academicians, graduate students and others from all over the world to engage on an intellectual discourse On Islamic asset management from the current subsistence level to a more productive level;
2. To present the latest research findings related to all issues of Islamic asset management either domestically or internationally, relates with dynamic progress of the Islamic asset industry;
3. To explore new ideas and issues on Islamic asset management especially those that could contribute to the resilient and innovative financial instrument for both celestial and man-made asset.

Sub- themes: 

1. Zakat
2. Waqf
3. Takaful
4. Faraidh
5. Ar-Rahn
6. Charity
7. Islamic capital market and venture
8. Islamic cooperative
9. Islamic banking
10. Islamic finance institution
11. Other related issues

The deadline for the submission of abstract is on 1st October 2015. For those who are interested in the area of Islamic asset management either researchers, academicians, practitioners, government officers or students may send your abstract to idmac2015@gmail.com or kindly contact the person in charge, Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan at +(6) 04 - 653 2800 / 5812. 

Further details of the conference are available at http://idmac2015.blogspot.com/

A NAS A WEEK - 9 DZUL QA'IDAH 1436

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was upon the pulpit and he said, “Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you. Woe to those who neglect the word. Woe to those who persist their in wrongdoing while they know better.” [Source: Musnad Ahmad 7001, Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to As-Suyuti].

4 NEW ARTICLES FROM ISDEV MEMBERS PUBLISHED

Four new articles by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, and two ISDEV Senior Lecturers, Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi and Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan,  have been published recently.

These articles appear in the latest editions of International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, American International Journal of Social Science as well as International Journal of Contemporary Applied Sciences .

For direct access to the articles, please click the following links:- 

Muhammad Syukri Salleh (2015). An Islamic Approach to Poverty Management: The Ban Nua Way.  International Journal of Contemporary Applied Sciences, 2(7), 186 – 205.

Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi (2015). Conceptualization of Islamic Political Economy. American International Journal of Social Science, 4(4), 71 – 77. 

Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi (2015). The Roles of Tahaluf Siyasi in Political Unity. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 5(7), 59 – 71. 

Shahir Akram Hassan (2015). On Reliability of Data: An Application of Mantiq Instrument in Islamic Research Methodology. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 5(7), 155 – 160.

DIRECTOR'S TARBIYYAH: "MAXIMIZE BROTHERHOOD, MINIMIZE HOSTILITY"

ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh delivered his "Tarbiyyah Pengarah" (Director's Tarbiyyah) on "Maksimakan Persahabatan, Minimakan Permusuhan" (Maximize Brotherhood, Minimize Hostility) on a blessed Friday morning, 7 August 2015 at University Conference Hall, University Sains Malaysia (USM).

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh - ready to deliver his tarbiyyah in front of ISDEV members at University Conference Hall, University Sains Malaysia (USM).

He reminded all ISDEV members that ISDEV itself is a struggle, to prove that Islam is the best at all front and Islam is the way of life. Hence in this struggle it is important to maximize friendship, not enmity. Based on ISDEV past-experiences, despite there are individuals or entities that opted to be enemy with ISDEV, however ISDEV peaceful reaction in the end always yield benefits.

Friends are known as ikhwan in this struggle. They can be those who sympathize with ISDEV’s endeavours in placing Islam at the highest reaching; those who share happiness and sadness; those who act as a connector or enabler in any efforts that ISDEV has embarked upon. These genuine friends or ikhwan are those who are not egoistical, cause troubles or even giving unnecessary praises to ISDEV accomplishments. Administrative directors, officers, staff or even janitors at ISDEV and at USM are also ISDEV friends and ikhwan. Same goes to any individuals or entities that ISDEV has met and encountered along the academic and social journey in researches, conferences or even publications. These include friends in the neighbouring countries; Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Thailand where the ukhuwah has blossomed for so many years, Alhamdulillah. 

Devoted Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh delivering his tarbiyyah. 

He also added, indeed, having friends in this journey is a blessing from Allah SWT. Regardless of enemies are troublesome, it is important to identify them. According to Imam Ghazali , there are five forms of enemies. Two of them are within us which is nafs and the devil. We should always do self-reflection (muhasabah) in order to self-mirror ourselves, look for the attributes that can be improved for the betterment of this struggle of Islam. Besides that, the enemies themselves can be a mirror to us.

However, we can only take a few ‘mirrors enemy’, for abundant of them will only interfere with the course of our struggle. Other type of enemy is the infidels who fight Islam. Infidels who are not against Islam is not our enemy and in fact we can have tahaluf siyasi with them. Next is the hypocrite (munafiq). This is very treacherous to ISDEV struggles.

Delivering his interesting tarbiyyah by giving example of brotherhood among ISDEV members.

As a conclusion, he said that friends are very important attributes or mechanisms in ISDEV struggle. Genuine and meaningful friendships require akhlak mahmudah (tolerance, not opportunist, always tawadho’); intellectual and other good abilities; smart networking as well as financially solid foundation. In order to achieve financial stability, all ISDEV members must strive hard to contribute to the purpose by realizing waqf ISDEV that is in the progress towards success. InsyaAllah.

A NAS A WEEK - 2 DZUL QA'IDAH 1436

It is Allah who made for you the earth a place of settlement and the sky a ceiling and formed you and perfected your forms and provided you with good things. That is Allah , your Lord; then blessed is Allah , Lord of the worlds [Ghafir, 40:64].

ISDEV MONTHLY GRADUATE SUPERVISION: ANOTHER PURSUIT OF SUCCESS

Full House at University Conference Hall - Full attention by ISDEV members during the ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision.

ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision for August took place on Friday, 7 August 2015 at University Conference Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The programme was divided into three sessions. The session started at 9 a.m. with Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad served as Chairperson throughout the entire programme.

The first session started with a "Tarbiyyah Pengarah" (Director's Tarbiyyah) from ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh on “Memaksimakan Persahabatan Meminimakan Permusuhan" (Maximize Brotherhood, Minimise Hostility). 

Puan Khatijah Othman during her presentation on her final draft of PhD thesis in front of ISDEV members.

On the second session, RISDEV student (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) Puan Khatijah Othman took her turn to defend her final draft of her PhD thesis with the title “Islamic Compliance Quality Management System: Analyses from Islamic Tasawwur, Epistemology and Ontology Perspective”. She is currently under the supervision of Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad while Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh acted as her co-supervisor. 

Puan Khatijah, in her full focus and confidence in defending her final draft.

In 30 minutes, Puan Khatijah tried her best to explain in precise of the contents of her research. A Question and Answer Session was also opened to ISDEV's students for a clearer understanding as well as sharing their ideas and views on the presentation. After a detailed comments from ISDEV lecturers and her evaluator, Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari had given the mandate to submit her PhD thesis with minor corrections.

Overwhelmed Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh when he received a surprise cake for his birthday.

The third cum the last session continued with a simple yet pleasant “ISDEV Eidul Fitri Gathering” organized by ISDEV Associate Members or also known as "Ahli Bersekutu ISDEV (ABI)". The simple festive was celebrated by more than 50 members including ISDEV lecturers, staff and students. The harmony in ISDEV is possible through the strength of ukhuwwah amongst the ISDEV community. Everyone took the opportunity to catch up with one another while indulging in various traditional delicacies. In addition, a surprise celebration was held for ISDEV beloved Professor Dr.  Muhammad Syukri Salleh for his 61st birthday and the appointment of Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari as well as ‘Du’a Selamat’ for his journey to Mecca to perform the hajj on 27 August 2015. The programme ended at 12.45 pm.

A NAS A WEEK - 25 SHAWWAL 1436

Jabir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “I have been commanded to fight the people until they say there is no God but Allah. So when they say there is no God but Allah then they will be granted protection from me for their lives and property, except by right of justice, and their reckoning is with Allah.” Then the Prophet recited the verse, “Verily, you are only a reminder. You are not over them as a dictator.” (88:22) [Source: Sahih Muslim 21, Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim].

DR. ZAKARIA BAHARI APPOINTED AS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari received a surprise gift during ISDEV Eidul Fitri Gathering, 
last Friday, 7 August 2015.

Congratulations to Dr. Zakaria Bahari on his appointment as Associate Professor on 29 July 2015. The appointment is not only an overwhelming news for him and the joy was shared by all ISDEV members with full of blessed.

Dr. Zakaria received his Doctorate in Economics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 2003 and appointed as a lecturer at School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) upon graduation in the same year.

The path of his career is not as easy as it is seen. Before becoming a lecturer, he worked for several years as Assistant Administrator at Public Service Department. After graduated his first degree from Universitas Hasanuddin, Sulawesi, Indonesia in 1991, he then joined the Department of Occupational Safety and Health until 1996. During that time, he also applied for a position of a part time Tutor at USM and in 1992, he was appointed as full time Tutor at School of Social Sciences.

Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari is a very cheerful and a happy person.

Because of destitution and determination to improve his family life better, he is determined to further his studies to the highest level. In 1998, Dr. Zakaria Bahari pursued his studies in Master and Doctor of Philosophy at UKM under fully sponsorship from USM. Now, the son of Alllahyarham Bahari Hj. Yusof and Azizah Yusof has proven his determination become reality. 

After seven years as a Senior Lecturer at School of Social Sciences, as well as Associate Lecturer at Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Dr. Zakaria appointed as ISDEV Deputy Director in 2010. With the promotion, the workloads and responsibilities in his career become more countless. However, all of these was not an obstacle for him to continue being complacent and successful. His hardworking efforts are proven when he has been awarded as “Anugerah Pekerja Cemerlang (APC)” in 2010. 

His successful journey is hope to be a catalyst and example to all ISDEV members to pursuit the best in their life. He also advised all students as well as supporting staffs not to easily give up despite holding only a low position because he believed that as long as there is determination to change for the better, keep on praying and make Du'a to Allah SWT,  surely success and victory will become a reality. InsyaAllah.

The Double Celebration for Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria and Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh during ISDEV Eidul Fitri Gathering.

He also reminded all ISDEV members to always be grateful whether in good or bad circumstances. He is happy and blessed with his wife, Mrs. Fazilah Othman and five children, Siti Zulaikha, Muhammad Abu Bakar, Muhammad Umar, Muhammad Othman and Muhammad Ali.

Heartiest congratulations on the much honoured appointment Dr. Zakaria Bahari who now officially an Associate Professor. May all things related to your pilgrimage also ease by Allah SWT. Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari will leave for Mecca on 27 August 2015. 

THE 8th WAPI 2015 - AN ACADEMIC ESCAPADE IN MEDAN

Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) new campus

The International Workshop on Islamic Development (8th WAPI) was held on 11th June 2015. It took place at the new campus building for teaching and learning activities for post-graduate students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) located in Jalan Denai, Medan. It is an honour for ISDEV members to participate in the annual academic conference at the new campus that was officially operated on 29th January this year. A total number of 114 participants (74 participants from Malaysia and 40 participants from Indonesia) presented their working papers in the 8th WAPI.

ISDEV participants upon arriving at UMSU New Campus, Medan, Indonesia.

The workshop started with the opening ceremony by Rector of UMSU, Dr. Agussani MAP and Keynote Speech by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, Director of ISDEV, USM. In his inspiring Keynote Speech, ‘The Non-Technical Errors in Thesis Writing’, Prof. Syukri  highlighted seven key points that majority of researchers did not realised and has engaged with since the focus has been put on the technical aspects only. In fact, these seven key points are crucial and essential in determining the success of writing.

The seven key points are:
1) Feeling Knowledgeable – egoistic - Ujub
2) Expecting Self Popularity  vs. Popularity of others thought.
3) Make writing as the tool to gain promotion (world), not as the tool to battle (hereafter).
4) Writing with Aqal and Nafs, ignoring the Qalb – ‘Soul’ is not in the writing.
5) Keeping the Mazmumah, Ignoring  Mahmudah.
6) Feel that writing is based on oneself efforts.
7) Freeing and escaping oneself from Allah SWT.

Prof. Syukri delivering his Keynote Speech.

The concurrent sessions of the 8th WAPI were held in two sessions, morning and afternoon. Unlike the previous 7th WAPI, the concurrent sessions this year has a reviewer, not only a moderator. The participants were divided into 10 seminar rooms that have 12 themes. The themes are Islamic Development, Islamic Banking and Finance, Islamic Methodology, Islamic Technology, Zakat and Wakaf, Islamic Management, Islamic Human Development, Islamic Education, Islamic Politic, Islamic Business, Islamic Law and Islamic Issue in general. It is the first experience of MISDEV 14 presenting their working paper, but Alhamdulillah, they survived with flying colours with positive feedback and comments received from the reviewer and other participants.

The 8th WAPI participants - during concurrent sessions.

On the same day, Prof. Syukri  was given the opportunity  to delivered his Public Lecture to UMSU Postgraduate Students entitled “Three Principles of Research Method” . The 8th WAPI ended at 5 p.m. and the academic gatherings continue with The 7th International Conference on Islamic Development (7th ICID) the next day at Hotel Madani, Medan. 

Prof. Syukri delivering his Public Lecture.

On the next morning, on 12 June 2015,  ISDEV delegates attended the 7th International Conference on Islamic Development (7th ICID). It was held at the Conference Room of Hotel Madani, Medan  with the theme "Islamic Economics and Business".

Prof. Syukri presenting his opening remarks at 7th ICID.

With the captivating title on ‘Economy Politic of ASEAN Community: An Islamic Perspective’, Prof. Syukri once again was given the honour to deliver the opening remarks for the 7th ICID. Meanwhile Prof. Dr. H. Amiur Nuruddin, the Director of Faculty of Islamic Economic and Islamic Business (FEBI) at Universitas Sumatera Utara was given a great opportunity to present a paper on ‘Islamic Business in the Perspective of Al-Quran dan Al-Sunnah’. Explaining the Islamic Business from the perspective of Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah, Prof. Dr. H. Amiur Nuruddin said that the utmost important in Islamic business is to follow the role of Rasullullah SAW, who have shown a good example in implementing all business in accordance to the syariah.

Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari presenting his paper on the afternoon session.

The afternoon session of 7th ICID continue with two more papers presented by Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari entitled ‘The Potential and Challenges of The Role of Islamic Banking and Sukuk in The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and Dr. Muhyarsyah from UMSU entitled ‘Islamic Finance and The Development’. The Conference was attended by 200 participants including both ISDEV and UMSU students and lecturers.

The visit to one of  ISDEV Alumni 's house- Allahyarham Dr. Suhrawadi.

The remaining days of ISDEV delegates in Medan was filled with visit to ISDEV alumni members house, Dr. Farid Wajdi and Allahyarham Dr. Suhrawardi. In a tribute to the late Dr. Suhrawardi, ISDEV introduced the "Dr. Suhrawardi Award" for the best paper presented since the 6th WAPI in 2013. This year, the award not only was open to ISDEV presenters but to all the participants. The winners for the "Dr. Suhrawardi Award" are Farah Farhana Johari, Kamarul Arifin Ithnan, Nor Hatizal Amrul Shah, Azreen Hamiza Abdul Aziz and Nur’ Arifah Mohd Nor. All the winners received their awards from the late Dr. Suhrawardi wife, Puan Latifah. In the additional tour around the city, the delegates also visit some famous tourist attractions such as, Istana Maimun, Medan’s famous Pajak Ikan, and book shops to fulfill the excitement traveling experience in Medan. ISDEV will continue to visit Medan again next year, InsyaAllah.

One of the winners of 'Dr. Suhrawadi Award'- first place, Farah Farhana Johari.

A NAS A WEEK - 18 SHAWWAL 1436

Say, "O Allah , Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is (all) good. Indeed, You are over all things competent [Ali 'Imran,3:26].