THE 1ST SOUTHEAST ASIA ASTRONOMICAL NETWORK (SEAAN)

Professor Wayne Orchiston presenting the participation certificate to Dr. Shahir Akram

On 19 September 2015, ISDEV Senior Lecturer Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan attended the 1st SEAAN Malaysian Astronomical History and Heritage Working Group Meeting. The meeting was held at  Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre, Pantai Acheh, Balik Pulau, Penang with the theme “Exploring Astronomical Knowledge and Traditions”. The meeting was organised by The Southeast Asia Astronomical Network (SEAAN) and National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) with co-operations of Penang State Mufti Department.

According to Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan, this meeting becomes the platform for 20 researchers and students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) as well as Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) to explore and discuss about the future prospects and possibilities of astronomical knowledge in Malaysia and other Asia Countries. 

The participants during the 1st SEAAN Meeting

This 1st SEAAN meeting brings closer networking relationship  and strengthen the research work and education activities in astronomy and related fields among the ten member countries in South East Asia namely, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It is shown in this meeting that astronomy is not a limited scientific research field only but it is an exploratory research field that can be expand in history, archaeoastronomy, ethnoastronomy as well as meteoritics studies.

Group photo of The 1st SEAAN Malaysian Astronomical History and Heritage Working Group Meeting participants

The meeting was officiated by the welcoming speech from Penang State Mufti, Dato’ Dr. Haji Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor and continued with Keynote Address delivered by Professor Wayne Orchiston from NARIT on “Studying the History of Malaysian Astronomy: Future Prospects and Possibilities”. 

Professor Wayne Orchiston (right) receiving a token of appreciation from Penang State Mufti, Dato’ Dr. Haji Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor (left)

Other main presenters in the meeting were Associate Professor Dr. Fatan Hamamah Yayaha (School of Distance Education, USM), Dr. Chong Hon Yew (School of Physics, USM cum Astronomical Society of Penang), Professor Mokhtar Saidin (Centre for Global Archaeological Research, USM), Nor Azam Mat Noor (Freelance Researcher) and Nurul Fatini Jaafar (ISDEV, USM). Nurul Fatini, presented her papers in ethnoastronomy category entitled “ Piama: Traditional Calendar of Wetland Padi Farmers and Fishermen of Kedah” and "Astronomy Heritage of the Orang Asli in Malaysia".

Nurul Fatini Jaafar presenting her paper with full spirit

Questions and answers session come right after the presentations. All participants are very eager to ask questions, giving their comments and views after the end of the presentations. It can be conclude from the meeting that they agreed the meeting will be conducted once a year and will be hosted by other SEAAN country members. They hope more researchers and others who are interested in astronomy and its related field will participate next time. This will enable the development of a collaborative research network in astronomy both regionally and globally.

A NAS A WEEK - 14 DZUL HIJJAH 1436

And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast." [al-Saffat, 37:102].

ISDEV DELEGATES AT JEMBER, INDONESIA

ISDEV delegates with USM Vice-Chancellor (5th from right) arriving at Jember airport, Indonesia

On 7th September 2015, ten strong entourage from ISDEV consisted of six ISDEV lecturers, and four RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students were flown to Indonesia to participate in The 2nd International Conference on Islamic Development (Konferens Internasional Pembangunan Islam, Kedua, KIPI-2). The entourage was honored to have the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman himself to be together in the trip.

With the theme "In Search of Islamic Research Methodology", the three-day conference was held at "Aula Fisip" (Hall Room) of the Faculty of Social Science and Political Science (FISIP), Universitas Jember (UNEJ), East Java, Indonesia starting from 8 until 10 September 2015. The conference was organised by UNEJ and the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia.

En route Jember, the ISDEV entourage spent a night at Surabaya, Indonesia (on 7 September 2015), to catch a flight to Jember the next day. The activities of the ISDEV entourage started on the night of 8 September 2015 with the KIPI-2 Opening Ceremony and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between USM (ISDEV) and UNEJ (FISIP). The Opening of the KIPI-2 was done by the Rector of UNEJ, who after that also signed the MoA with the Vice-Chancellor of USM.

The MoA aims to enhance academic and research cooperation, with the intention of sustainably co-organising the KIPI annually, and expanding the cooperation via the offering of joint-study programmes in academic disciplines such as Islamic Development Sciences, Engineering and Environment. ISDEV Director Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh signed the MoA as a witness.

The signing of  the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universitas Jember

The next day, on 10 September 2015, saw the commencement of the KIPI-2, beginning with a Keynote Address by USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, entitled "Why Islamic Research Methodology?".  After the Keynote Address, Professor Dato' Omar Osman had a dialog with the Rector, Deputy Rectors, Deans, Directors and top management of UNEJ, focusing on the management of universities, including deliberating on various issues such as autonomy of the university, the competition, the economy, the knowledge and globalisation and the explosion of technology and its effects on the university in the future.

Professor Dato Dr. Omar Osman delivering his Keynote Address at KIPI-2

At KIPI-2 too, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Acting Deputy Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad were invited to present main papers. Professor Syukri presented a paper entitled “The Current State of Islamic Research Methodology”, while Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad's entitled "The Worldview (Tasawur) of Islamic Research Methodology". The other two speakers were Professor Dr. Halim Subahar from STAIN Jember and Dr. Akhmad Toha from UNEJ.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh presenting his paper entitled "The Current State of Islamic Research Methodology"

Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad in her full focus presenting her paper entitled "The Worldview (Tasawwur) of Islamic Research Methodology"

Later in the evening, the Vice-Chancellor and ISDEV delegates fulfilled a dinner invitation by the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, Dr. Eminullah Elhady, and had an informal dialog with the Rector, Deputy Rectors, Deans, Directors and top management of the university. Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember was established in 1981 under the Muhammadiyah corporate ownership, which has 42 universities throughout Indonesia.

The dialog between Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember

ISDEV Delegates with the Organising Committee and some of the participants of KIPI-2

On the third day of the program, ISDEV lecturers and four RISDEV students presented their papers together with other 31 presenters. Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi presented his paper on “Tradisi Pemikiran Islam dalam Metode Peneletian: Tumpuan Khusus terhadap Metode Hadth Al-Mawdu’iy" while Dr. Zahri Hamat presented his paper on “Kaedah Analis NAS Berkaitan Isu-Isu Zakat dalam Kitab Fiqh Al-Zakat: Aplikasi Terhadap Zakat pendapatan".

Meanwhile Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan presented his paper on “Strategi penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam Menurut Qiyas Al-Usuliy” and Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi presented his paper title “Kualiti Responden dalam Kajian Ekonomi Politik Islam".

Abdul Hanis Embong (third from left) presenting his paper on “Pengaplikasian Kaedah Tafsir Al-Qura’n dalam Penyelidikan Berkaitan Islam’

RISDEV student, Nur Ilani Mat Nawi presented her paper on “Kaedah Penyelidikan Al-Biruni: Analisis Objektiviti” while Abdul Hanis Embong presented his paper on “Pengaplikasian Kaedah Tafsir Al-Qura’n dalam Penyelidikan Berkaitan Islam’. The title “Elemen Tunjang dalam Wacana Penyelidikan Bebas Nilai: Analisis dari Perspektif Islam" presented by Mohd Syahmir Alias while Nur Sakiinah Ab Aziz presented on “Pembinaan Kaedah Penentuan Kesahan Data Berdasarkan Konsep Mutawir”.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh delivering his Public Lecture at STIE, Jember

On the same day, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was invited to share and disseminate his knowledge and experience at a Public Lecture organised by Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi (STIE), Mandala, Jember. Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh talked on "Teaching-Learning Framework of Islamic Economics".

ISDEV delegates returned to Penang on 11 September 2015.

USM VC PROPOSES DEVELOPING ISLAMIC RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES – STRENGTHENING TIES WITH INDONESIAN UNIVERSITIES

The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman has proposed for the swift development of Islamic research methodologies to replace the commonly-used methodologies which do not take into account religious priorities, more so in the context of the Muslim communities. 

Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman delivering his keynote address at the Second International Islamic Development Conference (KIPI-2)

The Vice-Chancellor, in his keynote address entitled ‘Kenapa Metodologi Penelitian Islam’ (Why Islamic Observation Methodologies) at the Second International Islamic Development Conference (Konferens Internasional Pembangunan Islami Kedua/KIPI-2) organised by Universitas Jember Indonesia and Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) USM, said, from current observations, researchers would usually use conventional observation methodologies, especially for those done by the non-Muslims, which is quite understandable, but if practiced by those having a background in Islamic studies and using similar methods, it would seem a bit peculiar. 

“This brings up two questions which are, firstly, can observations on Islam and of Muslims be done using conventional methods of observation?; and secondly, isn’t there any specially-developed Islamic observation methodology in existence, although there were already numerous Islamic scholars in the past whom had done observations and produced written materials?” Omar asked rhetorically to the approximately 100 participants who attended. A total of 31 working papers were presented during the three-day conference starting from 8 - 10 September 2015 which held at the Universitas Jember campus. 

The participants waiting for the Second International Islamic Development Conference (KIPI- 2) to start.

He believed that, the time has arrived for the Islamic scholars to look at these two questions closely and to develop a distinctive Islamic observation methodology to closely examine Islam and the Muslims, furthermore with the three major events which already had direct effects on the Muslims globally, beginning with the Iranian Revolution in 1979; the bombing of the New York World Trade Centre in 2001 and finally, the Arab Spring incident beginning 2010.

“These three events, whether directly or indirectly, have attracted observers from every field of study, be they from the Islamic fields of study or the non-Islamic fields, with the scholars in the Islamic fields shifting their focus from the fundamental Islamic fields such as Usuluddin, Fiqh and Tasawwuf to observations which are more empirical in nature. 

Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman in his full spirit delivering the keynote address.

“They used the slogan ‘grounded Islamic studies’ to connect the various Islamic fields of study to the realities in Islam and the contemporary Muslims and some even used the term “contemporary” in naming the faculty for Islamic studies and the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies,” said Omar. 

He added, observers from non-Islamic fields of study, whether they come from the fields of the sciences or the arts, would be doing observations on Islam and the Muslims from their own specialised perspectives, leading to the introduction of Islam-based development, Islam-based economy, Islam-based politics, Islam-based psychology, Islam-based sociology, Islam-based sciences, and Islam-based laws among others. 

“The question now is, in doing such observations on Islam and the Muslims, what type of observation methodologies were used by these observers?” said Omar further. For him, there were irregularities in the observations done on Islam and the Muslims from utilising conventional means of observation which were non-Islamic in nature – ‘worldview’ or in the Arabic language ‘tasawwur’ and in having a different epistemology. The conventional methods of observation would look at ‘tangible’ items which are physical and material in nature, and consisting of the ability of the ‘aqal’ and the scientific evidences of ‘aqli’, whereas the Islamic methods of observation would be concerned with both ‘tangible’ and ‘intangible’ matters which are physical, material and spiritual in nature, involving the capacity of the ‘aqal’ and examples of ‘aqli’ together with the divine revelations (wahyu) and examples of ‘naqli’ – both scientific and metaphysics in nature. 

USM Vice- Chancellor and ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (seating third and second from right respectively) in the group photo with USM delegations and the top management of UIniversitas Muhammadiyah Jember

“It would be improper to do observations on Islam and the Muslims, with their differing worldviews and epistemology, by means of an observational methodology that totally differs in worldviews and epistemology; if such means are utilised as currently practised by many observers, surely the outcomes would be inaccurate, in addition to the conclusions made from the observations and the improperly-utilised methodologies,” said the USM Vice-Chancellor further. 

He hoped that the effort towards ‘Mencari Metodologi Penelitian Islami’ (Searching for the Islamic Methodology of Observations) as the theme of the Second International Islamic Development Conference (KIPI-2) this year would be able to develop an Islamic methodology of observations, to ensure that the use of conventional methods of observations which may negatively affect the belief system of the Muslims could be swiftly checked.

During the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) ceremony between Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universitas Jember.

The Vice-Chancellor of USM was at Jember, Indonesia for the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Universitas Jember to enhance academic and research cooperation, with the intent of expanding it via the offering of joint-study programmes in a few academic disciplines such as Islamic Science Development, Engineering and the Environment from relations established since 2012.

Also on the same day, Omar had a meeting with the top management of Universitas Jember including its Deputy Vice-Chancellors, focusing on various issues such as autonomy of the university, competition, the economy, knowledge and globalisation and the explosion of technology and its effects on the university in the future. 

Later in the evening, the Vice-Chancellor had a meeting with the management of Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, which was attended by its Rector, Dr. Eminullah Elhady. The university was established in 1981 under the Muhammadiyah corporate ownership, which has 42 universities throughout Indonesia. “We hope to strengthen the collaboration with this university, which includes the offering of academic programmes and also postgraduate studies in the future,” said Omar. 

 

Source: https://www.usm.my

A NAS A WEEK - 7 DZUL HIJJAH 1436

Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported: A man from the Jews said, “O leader of the believers, there is a verse you recite in your book and had it been revealed to us as Jews we would have taken that day as a celebration.” Umar said, “Which verse is it?” The Jew said, “Today I have completed your religion for you, perfect My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (5:3) Umar said, “I know the day and place in which this verse was revealed to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. It was while he was standing on the day of Arafat on Friday.” [Source: Sahih Bukhari 45, Sahih Muslim 3017; Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

THE FIRST MASA@UNISSA GIVE 1001 VALUABLE EXPERIENCES

The 22 ISDEV students arriving at Brunei Darussalam on 27 July 2015.

Staying in Brunei for 33 days was enough to give 1001 priceless experiences to 22 ISDEV students consisting of RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) and MISDEV (Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) who were successfully participated in the programme called “ The First Socio-Academic Laboratory ISDEV-UNISSA” (MASA@UNISSA 1). The 22 students left for Brunei Darussalam on Monday, 27 July 2015, led by ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hassan. The participants came back to Penang on 28 August 2015.

The 22 MASA@UNISSA 1 participants during the launching of the programme.

The MASA@UNISSA 1 programme was the first postgraduate programme that collaborates two highly regarded universities through a postgraduate academic programme organised by Universiti Islam  Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) with ISDEV postgraduate students as the main participants. The programme was jointly organised by the Faculty of Arabic Language and Islamic Civilization (in which ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh is currently the Adjunct Professor), Centre for Promotion of Knowledge and Language as well as the Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research of UNISSA.

According to Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, this programme has achieved its objectives. All participants were so excited to be part of the programme. They turned gloomy on the last day even some of them were tears up in a plane because they did not want to leave the most wonderful time in Brunei. It can be concluded that the bond of fraternity that exists among participants achieved the main objective that is to strengthen relationship and foster the spirit of mawaddah and mahabbah among ISDEV and UNISSA students.

Enjoying their 'Majlis Sambutan Hari Raya UNISSA' with fellow friends from UNISSA.

They also have a pleasant time with all the activities every day even the schedule is tight. Even though some of them have to battle with sickness, leaving their children, husband and wife in hometown, they are still eager and spirit up to participate in all activities until the last day. The close friendship among ISDEV and UNISSA participants helped a lot in giving the moral support and this makes all participants survived the 33-day full of wonderful activities.

The participants during Arabic Language classes (right)  and their social visit at SMARTER. 

Learning the Arabic language in both formal and informal way whether in classes or by doing social works achieved the objectives of the programme. Classes taught by Dr. Ali Obeid Braima and Dr. Abuel Bashar Ali Adam managed to draw the attention of the participants. At the end of the programme some participants have already begun using Arabic in their conversation with their friends. They might be serious and jesting at the same time during the learning sessions, yet everyone was gratified for their achievements. Their achievement also recognised by both lecturers. 

Explore the fascinating 'village in the water' - Kampung Ayer.

Apart from educational activities, the participants also had the opportunity to visit and experience with communities and cultural traditions of Brunei Darussalam through a special activity called "Kenali Negara Kitani". They had a great opportunity to know better about the early history of settlement in Brunei, which began in Kampung Ayer - 'village in the water'. They were taken by boat to scrutiny along the placement. They find further information on Kampung Ayer when they visit the Gallery of Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism. Near the village, there is a mosque built for the residents called Masjid Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, the most beautiful mosque in the Asia Pacific and the main dome is covered in pure gold. 

Visit the tea, coconut oil and 'madu kelulut' productions as well as doing some recreational activities.  

Meanwhile, through the community service programme, they had a wonderful opportunity to visit students with autism at SMARTER, Kampung Mata-mata, Gadong. They also had the chance to visit the tea manufacturing and coconut oil in Kampung Kiundang as well as ‘madu kelulut’ production in Kampung Sg. Kelugos. They were also exposed to the recreational activities such as kayaking, flying-fox and floating. They also had been given the chance to visit Taman Agro-Technology Tungku, RBAF Saddle Club Polo & Equestrian, Berakas and Ulu Belalong, Temburong. 

Preparing Malaysian cuisines for "Majlis Sambutan Hari Raya UNISSA".

Added Dr. Wan, the most interesting experience is that they are given the opportunity to prepare Malaysian cuisines for “Majlis Sambutan Hari Raya UNISSA” within the limitation of kitchen equipment and ingredients. Regardless the limitations, all participants in the spirit of wanting to introduce Malaysian cuisines. They do not easily surrender and use the equipment as best as possible until the resulting of "laksam Kedah", "kek batik Terengganu", "Penang potato salad" and "Johor bandung soda". Everyone was so impressed with the dishes and definitely the Bruneian love Malaysian cuisines. 

The joyful faces of 22 MASA@UNISSA participants.

As the conclusion, all participants were satisfied and exultant with the programme. InshaAllah this programme will be continued in the future not only in Brunei Darussalam but also in other countries such as Thailand and Indonesia. Dr. Wan also urged all students to seize the opportunity to participate in such programme not only to introduce ISDEV and Islam to the world and to gain new knowledge but also to receive the most valuable and priceless 1001 experiences that will be cherished for the rest of their lives.

ISDEV WELCOMING THE NEW MISDEV'15

MISDEV'15 - seated within second row from the front.

ISDEV welcoming it’s eight batch of Masters in Social Science (Islamic Development Management) students on 4th August 2015 at Dewan Kuliah A, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). 31 new students have been registered to pursue their Masters (Mixed-Mode) for the academic year 2015/2016. In continuation of ISDEV tradition, this new batch of students is collectively known as MISDEV'15.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh welcoming the students.

The Ta'aruf Session (Orientation Programme) for MISDEV'15 started at 9:00am with a welcoming speech by ISDEV Associate Members (ABI) representative, Musmuliadi Kamaruding, who served as the Master of Ceremony of the program. Later on, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was invited to introduce ISDEV to all the new students. Professor Syukri brief the students on the general overview of the structure of ISDEV, the courses to be attended by the students as well as the introduction to ISDEV lecturers and supporting staff to the batch of MISDEV’15.

Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan (standing) being introduce by Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh to MISDEV'15.

On the second session, current RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate student by Research) and MISDEV (ISDEV Mixed-Mode) 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. The entire session was also presented via an attractive multimedia presentation prepared by ABI members. A question and answer session come afterwards allowing MISDEV’15 to seek for clearer information.

RISDEV student, Wafdi Auni Mohamed briefly shared his experience of being supervised by Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi.

At the end of the session, everyone took the precious chance to mingle around and get to know each other. ISDEV took the opportunity to invite one and all for a simple lunch organised by ABI members.

A NAS A WEEK - 1 DZULHIJJAH 1436

Their meat will not reach Allah , nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good [al-Hajj, 22:37].

AZREEN HAMIZA CAPTIVATE A NEW EXPERIENCE IN LONDON

Azreen at the 18th International Academic Conference Venue, Strand Palace Hotel, London.

RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student, Azreen Hamiza Abdul Aziz was given the great opportunity to participate and present her working paper at the 18th International Academic Conference held at the Strand Palace Hotel, London, United Kingdom. The three days academic conference started from 25th until 28th August 2015. The conference was organised by the International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences (IISES).

Azreen (right) with other participants - Prita Amalia Faiz, Dr. Suzaini Zaid and Dr. Rika Ratna Permata.

The objective of IISES conference is to promote research and disseminate knowledge. Their main target is to facilitate communication and open discussion between scholars, researchers and practitioners interested in social and economic sciences. The IISES conference is a multidisciplinary conference that covers topics on business and economics, quantitative method, social sciences and humanities, teaching and education, health and welfare, environment and sustainable development, law in society, energy resources and policy and technology and science attended by scholars, researchers, as well as corporation and government executives around the world that enables the opportunity for people to exchange ideas and present their results of scientific research as well as bridging network with colleagues and develop research collaboration.

Dr. Edwin Theron in his interesting keynote speech on " Rebuilding Trust in the Aftermath of a Financial Crisis".

The conference started with a plenary session and keynote speech by  Dr. Edwin Theron from University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa on “Rebuilding Trust in the Aftermath of a Financial Crisis”.

Azreen who is also ISDEV Academic Staff Training Scheme (ASTS) student, presented her paper on the second day with the title "Islamic Asset Management in the Malaysia Banking Industry: A Preliminary Assessment", received positive comments and views from other participants. Besides gaining new knowledge and building networking among participants, Azreen added that this conference has boost the spirit of self-confidence as well as the more reliance on Allah SWT for the new captivating experience to be far away from home.

Azreen in her full spirit and excitement during her presentation at the conference.

She also added that she was blessed for given a great opportunity to attend two conferences; the 18th International Academic Conference and the 4th Economics and Finance Conference, which are held on the same day and at the same venue. She also gained wonderful experience in the social visit to Oxford University and Windsor Castle which is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and The Queen's favourite weekend home on the last day of the conference. 

One of the attractive building at Oxford University - Bodleian Library.

Accompanied by his beloved husband and two adorable kids, Azreen also encourage all ISDEV students to seek opportunity and participate in the conference all over the world for a new captivating priceless experience that not only valuable to our self but at the same time spreading ISDEV and Islam to the eyes of the world.

Azreen with her beloved family.

ICIEF'15: RISDEV STUDENT WON BEST PAPER

Mohd Haidzir Auzir received hotel voucher as the prize of winning the best paper  at International Conference and Ph.D. Colloquium on Islamic Economics and Finance 2015 (ICIEF'15).

Mohd Haidzir Auzir, a RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate Research Mode) student has done both ISDEV and USM proud. He received the honour for being the winner for best paper award at the recently held International Conference and Ph.D. Colloquium on Islamic Economics and Finance 2015 (ICIEF'15) with the theme “Strengthing Islamic Economics and Financial Institution for the Welfare of Ummah”. The conference was held in Lombok Raya Hotel, Mataram, Indonesia from 25th until 27th August 2015. 

The voucher.

For the endeavours in writing the winning paper entitled "Acuan Ekonomi Islam: Daripada Tasawwur Jahiliah kepada Tasawwur Islam" Mohd Haidzir Auzir received a voucher for one night stay at fantastic Nirvana Gili Sudak Lombok Resort, Lombok, Indonesia. 

Mohd Haidzir Auzir during his presentation at ICIEF'15.

Mohd Haidzir Auzir is among the 10 presenters from ISDEV who participated at the ICIEF'15. The  ICIEF'15 organised by the colaborations between Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya and Universitas Mataram, Lombok with the co-host by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Penang, Malaysia, La Trobe University, Australia, University of Glasgow, Scotland, Universitas International Semen Indonesia (UISI), Jawa Timur, Sekolah Tinggi Ekonomi Islam Tazkia (STEI TAZKIA), Bogor and Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh during his speech at the opening ceremony of ICIEF'15

On 25th August 2015, the first day of ICIEF’15, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was given the opportunity to be as one of the eight plenary speakers delivering his speech at the opening ceremony held at Lombok Raya Hotel, Mataram. His paper titled "Rethinking Islamic Economics Assumptions" was well received as a number of participants took the chance to pose questions for more detailed explanation on his speech.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh in his full spirit and excitement during the speech.

The 14 strong entourage from ISDEV consist of six ISDEV lecturers who led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and four RISDEV students. The lecturers are Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi, Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan, Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi, Dr. Zahri Hamat and Dr. Ahmad Azrin Adnan while the RISDEV students are Mohd Rizal Abu Bakar, Kamarulariffin Ithnan, Nurhidayah Marzuki and Mohd Haidzir Auzir. In addition, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh’s wife and son, Dr. Zahri Hamat’s wife and Dr. Ahmad Azrin Adnan’s wife were also joined the entourage to Lombok.

The 14 entourage from ISDEV.

A NAS A WEEK - 23 DZUL QA'IDAH 1436

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever grants respite to someone in difficulty or alleviates him, then Allah will save him from the gates of Hell. No doubt, the deeds of Paradise are difficult to reach for they are atop a hill and the deeds of Hellfire are easy to reach for they are in the lowlands. The happy one is he who is saved from tribulations. Verily, there is no dose of anything more beloved to Allah than a dose of rage a servant has swallowed. No servant suppresses his anger except that Allah will fill him with faith.” [Source: Musnad Ahmad 3008; Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Ibn Kathir]

MoHE PAYS A VISIT TO ISDEV

The meeting in session at C05.

The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) representatives paid an honorary working visit to the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently. The cordial meeting was held on 13 August 2015 at C05, ISDEV Meeting Room, USM. 

The five members strong entourage was led by Professor Dr. Azlan Abdul Rahman, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) while ISDEV was led by Deputy Director,  Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari. 

Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari, ISDEV Depury Director presenting on some key points that is uniquely ISDEV.

The meeting is part of the tour made by MoHE to further the Higher Education Blueprint launched on 7 April 2015. The Blueprint is MoHE's effort in producing a guide on best practice to be used and referred to by higher education institutions. The main aim of this tour is to share knowledge and benchmark the waqf management of ISDEV. Thus a concise presentation was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari to the entourage which was alternated with questions and comments from the MoHE representatives.

Rapt in concentration as total commitment and full attention were given by the MoHE representatives
throughout the meeting.

In concluding the meeting, the representatives from MoHE indicated that they were impressed with ISDEV. They also provided positive comments on ISDEV efforts in managing waqf as well as gave words of encouragement that these efforts ought to be emulated by other higher education institutions. For them, the efforts undertaken by ISDEV is an effort that should be highlighted in elevating further the integrity of managing assets Islamically simultaneously placing Islam in its rightful elevated glory.

Exchanging of souvenirs between Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari, ISDEV Deputy Director (3rd from left)
and Professor Dr. Azlan Abdul Rahman (4th fromn left) representing the MoHE entourage.

Also present at the meeting were Dr. Razali Othman, Director of Islamic Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and his wife Associate Professor Dr. Rohayu Abdul Ghani, Director of Centre for Professional Development and Leadership (TALENT UKM), Professor Tuan Baharom Tuan Mahmood, Director of Office Endowment, UTM as well as Puan Rozita Rosli (Secretariat), Programme Deputy Director, PMO Management Office, MoHE.

ISDEV lecturer, Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi, ISDEV Senior Assistant Registrar, Encik Kamarudin Mohamed Ismail Merican and ISDEV Social Research Officer, Nur Aznidar Hang Jebat were also among those who attended the meeting.