A NAS A WEEK - 18 SAFAR 1437H

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The world is sweet and green. Verily, Allah will make you successors in order to see how you will behave, so be cautious of the world and be cautious of women. Verily, the first trial of the children of Israel was concerning women.” [Source: Sahih Muslim 2742; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim].

ISDEV DIRECTOR AT REGIONAL CONVENTION ON ISLAMIC STUDIES (RCIS)

 Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh ( first right) sharing his ideas and experiences during
 the slot of “Bicara Ilmu” on the first day of the convention

On 5 till 6 November 2015, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was invited to the 2nd Regional Convention on Islamic Studies 2015 (RCIS) as one of the panellists. With the theme on "The Strengthening of Islamic Studies Through 3 I: Inspiration. Intellectual. Innovation", the convention was organised by Kolej Universiti Islam Melaka (KUIM) and was held at Hotel KOBEMAS, MITC Melaka.

Group Photo - Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh is surrounded by the participants,
undergraduate students pursuing Bachelor of Islamic Development Management, KUIM

This convention raises issues relating to the sources of Islamic Studies as an inspiration to the emergence of Islamic scholars. Through these intellectual Islamic scholars, there are some innovations required to improve the thinking and lifestyle in ensuring compatibility with modern setting. The innovations are preserved from any form of harm and negative impact so that it complies with Sharia principles (Islamic legal maxim). Thus, Prof. Syukri was given the honour to share and discuss his experience in the slot “Bicara Ilmu” on the first day of the convention. The participants of this convention included academics and students as well as practitioners who are actively engaged in Islamic studies within respective areas. 

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (centre), ISDEV Alumni, Muslihah Mazlan (right)
and KUIM representatives (left), having discussion in the meeting for the
Bachelor of Islamic Development Management Programme.

Meanwhile, Prof. Syukri also had the chance to meet up with three ISDEV Alumni members, Muslihah Mazlan, Sofyatul Azlyn Shariffuddin and Siti Nur Afiqah Shafie who are currently lecturers of Management and Development Programme under the Academy of Islamic Studies, KUIM. As one of the academic consultants at KUIM, Prof. Syukri also took the opportunity to have a thorough discussion with the representatives of KUIM. He provided them advice and the guideline in terms of courses outline, relevant subject, ideas and also commented on their on-going course of Bachelor of Islamic Development Management Programme.

ISDEV GRADUATION CEREMONY: THE CELEBRATION OF FOUR ISDEV GRADUATES

The Celebration - Four ISDEV graduates cutting the cakes as the symbolic of celebration the success.
From left, Fakhruddin Abd Rahman (RISDEV, Master by Research), Dr. Teuku Meldi Kesuma,
Dr. Nor Hanani Ismail and Dr. Azrin Ibrahim

In conjunction with the 52nd Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s convocation and sticking to the tradition of ISDEV, a simple Graduation Ceremony was held on Tuesday afternoon, 17 November 2015 to commemorate the four ISDEV student consisting of three RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) in Ph.D level and one RISDEV at the master level. With the help of ISDEV Associate Members (ABI), the high-tea reception was held at the Bumbledee's@1938 Restaurant, USM Guest House, USM.

Dr. Teuku Meldi Kesuma (left) and Fakhruddin Abd Rahman (right) receiving graduation certificate and
a surprise graduation gift from ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh

All the four RISDEV graduates received their graduation certificates as well as graduation gift each from ISDEV as a sign of appreciation and honoured for completing their study in Islamic Development Management at the highest echelon of formal academic studies, the Doctor of Philosophy level as well as master level (by Research).

Dr. Nor Hanani Ismail (left) and Dr. Azrin Ibrahim (right) receiving their 'Outstanding PhD Thesis Award'
from ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh

At the same time, all of them also received the ‘Outstanding PhD Thesis and Dissertation Award’ in recognition of their excellence in academic writing. The certificates and awards were presented by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

One for the album - a group photo of the four ISDEV graduates
with ISDEV distinguished lecturers

Besides the award presentation ceremony, the graduates also took a group photos with ISDEV lecturers as well as their family members.

A NAS A WEEK - 11 SAFAR 1437

He has succeeded who purifies it, [al-Shams, 91:9].

FOUR ISDEV STUDENTS RECEIVE THEIR PhD AND MASTER DEGREE AT 52ND USM CONVOCATION CEREMONY

Dr. Azrin Ibrahim walking with pride after receiving her scroll from the USM Chancellor

Three RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate Research Mode) students of Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) received their Doctors of Philosophy degree (or PhD) at the 52nd USM Convocation Ceremony on 17 November 2015. These graduates have actually bring continuously successful academic achievement for ISDEV since its upgrade as a Research Centre of Excellence (CoE) on 17 April 2014.

 Dr. Nor Hanani Ismail walking away with bless and honour after receiving her doctorate scroll

The students received their doctorates degrees in Islamic Development Management. Their scrolls were presented to them by USM Chancellor D.Y.M.M. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail. The doctorates recipients included the one newly appointed lecturer at ISDEV, Dr. Azrin Ibrahim. Other graduates were Dr. Nor Hanani Ismail who is now  a lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Dr. Teuku Meldi Kesuma also a lecturer at Universitas Syiah Kuala (UNSYIAH), Aceh, Indonesia.

 The smile of success - Dr. Teuku Meldi Kesuma grinning cheerfully during the presentation
of his scroll by USM Chancellor

Meanwhile, Fakhruddin Abd Rahman who is also a RISDEV student has receive his master degree (by research) in second session, Wednesday, 18 November 2015.  Uniquely, all graduates are the protege of ISDEV lecturers, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad and Dr. Zakaria Bahari.

Fakhruddin Abd Rahman standing with honour during the convocation ceremony
in receiving his scroll on the second session

It is indeed a momentous and joyful occasion for these four RISDEV graduates. Parents and family of ISDEV graduates as well as ISDEV members were at the convocation ceremony to celebrate and share their success.

The celebration of success with family and friends after the convocation ceremony

5 PHD PROPOSAL PRESENTATIONS IN JUST ONE DAY!

ISDEV fraternity converge for a whole day at C06, School of Social Sciences

The ISDEV Intellectual Graduate Discourse was held on Friday 30 October, 2015 at C06, Conference Room, School of Social Sciences. The discourse was chaired by ISDEV Acting Deputy Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad. Five ISDEV’s PhD candidates presented their PhD theses' proposal in two sessions with three candidates presenting their proposals in the morning session and the remaining two candidates presenting theirs in the afternoon session.

Nur Ilani Mat Nawi presenting her PhD proposal which focus on Objectivity in Research

For the morning session, the first candidate was Nur Ilani Mat Nawi with her PhD proposal on "Objektiviti Dalam Kaedah Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam: Kajian Berdasarkan Pendekatan Al-Biruni Dalam Penghasilan Kitab al-Athar dan Kitab al-Hind" (Objectivity in Islamic-based Development Research Methods Based on Al-Biruni's Approach in Producing the Books - al-Athar and al-Hind). She is currently pursuing her PhD under the supervision of Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. Her thesis proposal was evaluated by Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi.

Ahmad Shaifful Anuar Ahmad Shukor exhibiting his grasp of the
area of research on Higher Education Waqf 

The second candidate was Ahmad Shaifful Anuar Ahmad Shukor with his PhD proposal on "Keberkesanan Perlaksanaan Wakaf Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia" (Effectiveness of Implementing Higher Education Waqf). He is currently supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari. Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad took the responsibility to evaluate his PhD thesis proposal.

The third candidate was Wafdi Auni Mohamed with his PhD proposal entitled “Kerajaan Perpaduan Berteraskan Islam: Kajian Kes Parti Politik Melayu-Islam di Malaysia” (Islamic-based Unified Government: Case Study of Malay-Islam Political Parties in Malaysia). He is currently supervised by Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi while his thesis proposal was evaluated by Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan.  

Norazilawati Md Dahlal presenting her PhD research interest in Halalan Toyyiban

After a long break for lunch and Friday prayer, the intellectual discourse continued in the afternoon session. The session began with Norazilawati Md Dahlal on “Konsep Pengurusan Kualiti Makanan Halalan Toyyiban Berteraskan Islam” (The Concept of Islamic-based Food Quality Management of Halalan Toyyiban). Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad is her supervisor while her PhD thesis proposal was evaluated by Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi.

Nur Sakiinah Ab Aziz in her full spirit explaining her PhD research
proposal on Islamic-based Data validity

The last candidate to present is currently a student under the supervision of Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi. Nur Sakiinah Ab Aziz presented the proposal on “Aplikasi Konsep Mutawatir Dalam Penentuan Kesahan Data Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam” (The Application of the Concept of Transmission in Determining Islamic-based Data Validity). Her thesis proposal was also evaluated by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad.

As usual, a Question and Answer session took place after each presentation. In the end, all the candidates heaved a sigh of grateful relief when all the appointed evaluators agreed to give endorsement and green light for all of them to proceed with the next stage of their PhD research.

Congratulations to all five ISDEV PhD candidates!

A NAS A WEEK - 4 SAFAR 1437H

Fadala ibn Ubaid reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There are three persons you will not be asked about: a man who separates from the community and disobeys his leader and dies in a state of disobedience, a servant who abandons his master and then dies, and a woman with sufficient provision who displays her beauty when her husband is absent. There are three others you will not be asked about: a man who competes with Allah regarding His cloak for His cloak is pride and His garment is might, a man who doubts the command of Allah, and those who despair of the mercy of Allah.” [Source: Musnad Ahmad 23425; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to As-Suyuti].

A FRUITFUL WORKING TRIP TO THE UNITED KINGDOM

Strolling at tourist-attraction places - Oxford Street and Speaker's Corner, Hyde Park London.

From 17 to 24 October 2015, two ISDEV delegates, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan were flown to the United Kingdom as part of their working trip for this year. Besides having the opportunity to visit tourist-attraction places such as Oxford Street and Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park London, one of the most pertinent reasons they were there, besides attending meetings and discussions with some important persons, was to witness the singing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) with Islamic Relief Academy (IRA), Birmingham, United Kingdom as well as to discuss the details of the implementation of the MoU.

Light discussion with Zahid Ali Akbar (in red shirt), Human Rights Director of
The Association of British Muslims (AoBM) at London Central Mosque.

On the first day, the delegates had a chance to meet and hold a light discussion with Zahid Ali Akhbar, Human Rights Director of The Association of British Muslims (AoBM) at London Central Mosque. At the end of the discussions, Prof. Syukri received a green apple from Zahid Ali - symbolic gesture signifying the high appreciation and and honour of AoBM hosting the delegates from ISDEV. The green apple, is usually given specifically to guests who are fittingly regarded to be amongst the very learned and wise. 

Having discussion with ISDEV Visiting Fellow, Dato' Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti at The University of Oxford. 

On the next day, Prof. Syukri and Dr. Shahir went to the one of the prestigious universities in the world - The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University or simply known as Oxford) as well as the alma mater for Prof. Syukri. At Oxford, they met and discussed with Dato' Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti who is ISDEV Visiting Fellow since 2013. The discussion was focused on setting the date for Dato’ Dr. Afifi's follow-up of the ISDEV Lecture Series that he had delivered sometime in 2010 on "Approaching Knowledge Secular and Religious". He also expressed his keenness and eagerly awaits for the appropriate time to be back at USM to deliver his Public Lecture as well as having an up close and exclusive intellectually stimulating time between him and ISDEV members and students in the very near future.

Participating in the Fellows Seminar at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OXCIS).

While at Oxford, Prof. Syukri and Dr. Shahir also had a chance to participate in Fellows Seminar at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OXCIS). OXCIS is a Recognized Independent Centre of the University of Oxford. It was established in 1985 to encourage the scholarly study of Islam and the Islamic world. It also provides a meeting point for the Western and Islamic worlds of learning. Beyond Oxford, its role is strengthened by developing an international network of academic contacts. The work of the OXCIS has attracted global attention and widespread support. 

With the higher management of The Islamic Foundation and Markfield Institute of Higher Education,
Dr. M Manazir Ahsan - The Chairman of The Islamic Foundation (third right),
Farooq Murad -Director General of The Islamic Foundation (fourth right) and
Dr. Zahid Parvez -Director of the Markfield Institute of Higher Education (MIHE, first left).

On 20 October 2015, the delegates then went to The Islamic Foundation and Markfield Institute of Higher Education (MIHE), Markfield, Leicestershire. MIHE is the first academic institution of its kind in the west. It presents a unique opportunity to study Islam in an Islamic institution within the context of Higher Education in the United Kingdom. Thus, ISDEV delegates took the opportunity to discuss with the Chairman of The Islamic Foundation, Dr. M Manazir Ahsan as well as MIHE Director, Dr. Zahid Parvez about the possibility of ISDEV-MIHE collaboration and ISDEV Post- Doctoral Fellowship. This is because MIHE also aims to help in the development the local community through training, vocational education and pioneering of new courses. The Institute takes a positive approach in conducting inter-faith and inter-cultures dialogues between which received high recognition for its interfaith endeavours. 

Discussion with The Association of British Muslim (AoBM) Co- Directors, Paul Salahuddin Armstrong
and Mohammed Abbasi, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, Football for Peace at Ibis Hotel, Birmingham.

The journey continue on 23 October 2015, where ISDEV delegates went to Birmingham to meet Paul Salahuddin Armstrong (also known as Sheikh Salahuddin Abu Sophia), and Mohammed Abbasi. Both of them are the Co-Directors of The Association of British Muslim (AoBM) who are dedicated to promote global peace via football game with the slogan “Football for Peace – Not Hatred”. For them, Islam stands for peace. Islam means peace, and Islam pursues peace. The goal of this religion is to bind people together with love not with hate. Our greeting of “Assalamu-Alaikum” translates to “peace be upon you”. 

Fostering of silaturrahim - Dr. Shahir Akram presenting a token of gift  from ISDEV
to Paul Salahuddin Amstrong as a brotherly momento.

According to them, football is a great game; a game that can promote peace among many people thus the AoBM is fully supportive of organisations that use football as a vehicle to promote peace – one such organisation is called Football for Peace. The organisation is led by a British Muslim who is also a professional British footballer – Kashif Siddiqi cum its Co-Founder. Kashif has been working tirelessly to bring people of opposing views and ideologies to come onto the field for a game of football. From the cordial meeting they had, it came as no surprise when they discovered that Paul Salahuddin is not only the Co-Director of AoBM but he is also a director, scholar and broadcaster. After officially embracing Islam on 1 March 2000, Paul continued to study religion and spirituality for the past 15 years. 

From this working trip, it can be surmised that ISDEV not only strives for Islam at the university's level but is also working hard to explore opportunities and the world outside the confines of ISDEV. This is done to provide opportunities and platform for ISDEV students to enthusiastically and eagerly introduce ISDEV and Islam to all corners of the world thus creating global-minded students who are able to steadfastly uphold Islam at all times.

ISDEV SIGNS MoU WITH ISLAMIC RELIEF ACADEMY

The signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony between
ISDEV, USM and IRA, UK. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Islamic Relief Academy (IRA) United Kingdom on 22 October 2015. This MoU sees these two institutions committing to improve research collaboration and program training as well as organization of conferences and academic laboratories.

ISDEV Director Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (right) witnessing the signature of USM representative, Professor Dato' Dr. Mohamad Bin Jantan,  Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation).

Based in Birmingham, the Strategic Business Unit of IRA was established in 2013 to provide leadership and development needs based on Islam. According to ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, the MoU was signed as one of the many parts of his working trip to the United Kingdom which started from 17 until 24 October 2015.

During the visit, Prof. Syukri had the opportunity to meet and discuss with Shakil Butt, IRA Director, Human Resources & Organisation Development, Islamic Relief Worldwide, IRA Managing Director, Dr. Hossam Said, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide Dr. Mohamed Ashmawey and IRA Research and Development Manager, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano.

Diligence - having a discussion to detail the nature of ISDEV-IRA collaboration, chaired by IRA Research and Development Manager, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano

According to him, the meeting was focused and discuss on exchanging the interests and areas of relevant research as well as co-organize the upcoming 10th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2016) with the theme "Towards Islamic Sustainable Development".

Furthermore, the meeting also reached an agreement for both institutions to be involved in the development of "Faith-Based Development" of the UK-based Development Studies Association, the organizing of a training on “The use of Islamic Research Methodology” course, internship for ISDEV undergraduate and postgraduate students, creating an ISDEV Visiting Fellows portfolio at IRA as well as research collaboration through the sharing of information on relevant research grants.

A moment to capture at the front office of IRA

With the establishment of this MoU between ISDEV and IRA, it hopes that ISDEV students will seize the opportunity provided to venture out to gain experience as well as expand their research horizons at the international level simultaneously bringing ISDEV to the international arena in general and Islam specifically. 

A NAS A WEEK - 27 MUHARRAM 1437

[al-An'am, 6:82]

A POSITIVE NOTE ON INGRAW 2015

With the collaboration of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the cooperation of all ISDEV 10th INGRAW committee members, the 10th ISDEV International Graduate Workshop 2015 (INGRAW 2015) was successfully organized as scheduled. The conference was held from 27 till 28 October at the University's Conference Hall (DPU) with more than 100 participants attending. The workshop started with the meeting of both the minds and hearts with the main intention of invoking on Allah SWT pleasures through the various working papers that were presented and commented upon. The two Keynote Addresses delivered during INGRAW 2015 had undoubtedly moved and touched the hearts and minds of all those present to be better researches for the sake of Islam.

The 10th INGRAW 2015 in session at DPU, USM

The first keynote address was delivered by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, Acting Deputy Director of ISDEV, with the title “The Realisation of Islamic Intellectual Traditions in Graduate Studies”. Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad delivered her keynote address explaining the common issues, knowledge in Islam, people in knowledge in Islam, Muslim scholars and the realization of knowledge through Adab. She acknowledged some of the common challenges faced by students such as thesis submission, emotional and psychological stress, funding and students services. However understanding these main issues in the realisation of Islamic intellectual tradition in graduate studies is the role of man, which lies upon us all. However, she noted that all the issues could be overcome with the realization of knowledge through adab, consisting of adab with Allah SWT, teachers, knowledge and sources of barakah. 

Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad delivering the First Keynote Address.

Dr Fadzila Azni added that, adab is important in seeking knowledge with no prejudice towards others; showing respects to others and punctuality in managing time. In addition, she also shared the journey of knowledge by some notable classic Muslim scholars through the intellectual tradition in the early history of Islam such as Imam Al-Shafi’i and Imam Al-Ghazali as well as the story of seeking knowledge dating back from Prophet Musa r.a. and Al-Khidir r.a. Students kept the interest displayed with some pertinent questions and views on the topic of the day during the question and answer session before the concurrent sessions began after the refreshment break.

The Three Problematic Graduate Topics that all Graduate Researchers  on Islam need to steer away from.

On the second day, Director of ISDEV, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh was given the honour to address the participants at the workshop. He took the opportunity to address the participants by posing a topic which was apparent in the title “Topic Construction of Postgraduate Research”. Prof Syukri started delivering his keynote address posing the three most frequent problematic graduate topics detected by supervisors of graduate research and examiners. Firstly, topics are found to be flat as the research was not stimulating and not sufficiently thought provoking. Second topics which are found to be answerable; simplistic and portraying answers in advance. Third is the tendency to the following of trends which bears semblance of close imitation to past research topics.

ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan poses a question.

In response to these three problematic research topics, Prof. Syukri emphasised that in constructing a topic in Islamic research, there were three research philosophies that should be followed. The three research philosophies are firstly the expansion of new knowledge; secondly un-stereotyped and thirdly the research endeavoured must be a step beyond by focusing on extraordinary research that hinges on new topic with new results. He acknowledged that the way of Islamic postgraduate research should be by way of excavating the knowledge from ‘Ilmu Yaqeen and Haqqul Yaqeen. ‘Ilmu Yaqeen refers to the digging of new theoretical knowledge backed by proofs obtained from empirical studies, scientific and practical domain. In the meantime Haqqul Yaqeen refers to encapsulating the truth by integrating daruri and nadhari knowledge with aql and naql proofs.

Group photo for the 10th INGRAW 2015.

The journey of wisdom shared through the second keynote address ended with a question and answer session. The session ended with a positive note by Prof. Syukri. It truly was both an honour and privilege to all participants to have had a chance to listen to these keynote addresses. The 10th INGRAW ended at 1.30 pm with a simple lunch for everyone to enjoy.

THE 10TH CHAPTER OF INGRAW

Overly full housed at University Conference Hall (DPU), Universiti Sains Malaysia

Alhamdulillah. ISDEV with the cooperation of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), successfully co-organised the 10th ISDEV International Graduate Workshop 2015 (INGRAW 2015) at the University Conference Hall (DPU) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The two days conference was held with the focused aim to provide the platform for research students either at the Master or PhD level to present and share their researches to fellow participants.

The presenters' enthusiasm display passion to their research while presenting the papers at INGRAW 2015

Two Keynote Addresses were delivered at INGRAW 2015. Acting ISDEV Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad was the first Keynote Address speaker who talked on "The Realization of Islamic Intellectual Traditions in Graduate Studies". Dr Fadzila had also officiated the opening of INGRAW 2015. The second Keynote Address was delivered on the second day of the conference by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh on “Topic Construction of Postgraduate Research”.

The seriousness and commitment exhibited by the resource persons in giving their feedback on the papers written and presented by the presenters of INGRAW 2015.

INGRAW 2015 saw a total number of 90 papers presented ranging from topics on “Human Development” to “Poverty and Politics” and from “Islamic Banking and Financing” to “Waqf and Trustee”. The presenters comprised of postgraduate students from ISDEV and other universities including universities from Brunei Darussalam (Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali –UNISSA) and Indonesia (Universitas Muhammadiyyah Sumatera Utara –UMSU). Other than that, presenters from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) were also assembled at DPU to share their postgraduate researches which were related to Islam.

The Session Chairs in action while the participants pro-actively listened to the presentations

The opportunity for these postgraduate students to present their research papers proved the readiness of students to openly discuss their research and ideas in return for feedback, comments, debates and even criticism on how best they could improve their research endeavours and theses writing. For some presenters the opportunity to present their research before a reviewer and an audience had definitely helped them to inject some level of confidence and perhaps erase some fear of public speaking within themselves.

Books by ISDEV members were on sale during INGRAW 2015.

Meanwhile, all participants were satisfied with the professionalism displayed by all the members of the Organizing Committee of INGRAW 2015 as all the three concurrent sessions of the workshop ran effortlessly and efficiently. The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for INGRAW 2015, Dr Azrin Ibrahim, had successfully mobilized every member in her team to ensure the smooth running and implementation of the 10th chapter of INGRAW. Due to some health challenges faced by the chairperson to be physically present throughout INGRAW 2015 however, the high commitment and tightly knit cooperation displayed by the committee members throughout the two days event were evidently displayed which contributed greatly to the success of INGRAW 2015.

A NAS A WEEK - 20 MUHARRAM 1437

Ibn Abbas reported: Concerning the verse, “You are the best nation raised up for the people,” (3:110) he said, “They are those who emigrated with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, from Mecca to Medina.” [Source: Musnad Ahmad 3311; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Ahmad Shakir].