MORE ISDEV-DBP BOOKS IN THE PIPELINE

The close knit collaboration between the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) continues when ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh handed over another batch of 13 new manuscripts written by ISDEV members to DBP during his one week working framework in Kuala Lumpur recently.

A joint meeting on the ISDEV-DBP book publication between Prof.  Syukri (2nd from right) with Head of General Books Department, Dr. Amran (2nd from left), Editors Tuan Haji Arshad (left) and Puan Rohaida.

Besides submitting the manuscripts, Prof. Syukri also attended a meeting on ISDEV-DBP book publication collaboration with the Head of the General Book Department, Dr. Amran Joned as well as two Editors, Tuan Haji Arshad and Puan Rohaida. The meeting which was held on 21 March 2016 among others, reached a consensus to launch these books by early 2017. It is understood that there are other manuscripts to be submitted. The target of at least 20 books-a-year to be published as expressed by Prof. Syukri at the launch of the first ISDEV-DBP books published in 2014 may indeed be realised. So far the ISDEV-DBP collaboration has published a total of 27 books - 12 launched in 2014 and another 15 in 2015. The topics of the published books ranged from economics, social and political, asset management to general health among others, are all based on the Islamic worldview and episteme.

Aminah Janang - Editor of "Dewan Masyarakat" magazine welcomes written
contributions from ISDEV members.

In addition, Prof. Syukri also held a discussion with the Editor of “Dewan Masyarakat” magazine, Aminah Janang on the contribution of the written articles for the magazines' editorial. This will help ISDEV members to take hold of the opportunity to contribute ideas as well as enhance their writing skills and disseminate ISDEV ideas to the public. 

A sharing moment by Prof. Dato' Dr. Sidek Baba (right) on his Islamic struggles.

In addition to these discussions and meetings, Prof. Syukri also had the opportunity to pay a cordial visit to meet and discuss with a well-known Islamic intellectual figure Professor Dato' Dr. Sidek Baba. Prof. Dato' Sidek who is active in Islamic missionary activities within the Islamic countries as well as countries in the Occident. Prof. Dato' Sidek shared his experience as well as his fervour for Islam with Prof. Syukri. It is therefore not surprising that Prof. Dato' Sidek was conferred the Anugerah Perdana Maulidul Rasul 1429H at the National Level during Malaysia's Maulidul Rasul Celebrations on March 9, 2009.

A NAS A WEEK - 18 JUMADA AL-AKHIRAH 1437

Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing (in prayer), fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, (like one who does not)? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only they will remember (who are) people of understanding [al-Zumar, 39:9].

LATEST ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE UPCOMING WAPI-9

Related to the previous announcement on the Workshop Antarbangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam ke - 9 (WAPI-9) and The 8th International Conference on Islamic Development (ICID-8) Medan, Indonesia, which is scheduled to be held on 8-12 May 2016, kindly be informed that all participants including lecturers are required to fill in the form Borang Kelulusan Timbalan Naib Canselor (TNC) ke Luar Negara as well as to complete the information needed for the WAPI-9 database. The form and the WAPI-9 database can be downloaded as attached in the link below:

Borang Kelulusan TNC ke Luar Negara

WAPI-9 Database:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pK4uhao3VKwGSZZvuMkw_cA5-q1XckrsCSlXo5Ep8Tg/viewform?edit_requested=true

The completed form of Borang Kelulusan TNC ke Luar Negara have to be submitted to ISDEV General Office no later than 1 April 2016 in the box provided by the Secretariat of WAPI-9.

Meanwhile for the WAPI-9 Database, all participants (both students and lecturers) are requested to complete all the information needed in the database to facilitate matters related to WAPI-9. All information provided is strictly confidential and is to be used solely for the purpose of WAPI-9.

For further details participants may refer to Dr. Azrin Ibrahim (Chairman WAPI-9, ext: 4606) or Mohd Syahmi Mohd Miswan (RISDEV student, +60136343694).

Please also take note that the date of submission of the full paper is on 15 April 2016 (Friday) and the completed approved paper is to be sent by email to wapi92016@gmail.com.

DR. SHUKRI RECEIVES USM EXCELLENT SERVICE AWARD

A dedicated and definitely productive academician -Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi

ISDEV Senior Lecturer Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi had been awarded by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the Excellent Service Award 2016 (APC). 

He received a certificate and RM1000.00 cash. The award ceremony was held at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra (DTSP), USM, on 21 March 2016.

Dr Shukri is a systematic academician who is also a prolific researcher and writer. His writing repertoire on Islam especially on tasawwur (Islamic worldview) is expansive ranging from chapters in books, published books as well as indexed journals. Besides writing and embarking in researches as well as establishing networking, he could still find the time, space and patience to guide his postgraduate students, both RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) and MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students under his supervision.

The hard work and at times the long hours put in by Dr. Shukri as an esteemed member of ISDEV are in  recognition of  the efforts he has been making for the sake of ISDEV and Islam. It is ardently hoped that with the receipt of this prestigious award, it has inspired and motivated other ISDEV members to more efficiently and more exceptionally perform excellently in their assigned tasks.

Congratulations Dr. Shukri! Keep up the outstanding work.

  

A NAS A WEEK - 11 JUMADA AL-AKHIRAH 1437

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The seekers of two concerns are never satisfied: the seeker of knowledge and the seeker of the world.” [Source: al-Muʻjam al-Kabīr 10239, Grade: Sahih (authentic)].

Malik ibn Anas, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “It is not befitting for anyone with knowledge to give up learning.” [Source: Jāmi’ Bayān al-‘Ilm 423].

THE AWESOME POWER OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“The Power of Acknowledgement” was the title of the monthly Director's Tarbiyyah delivered by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh held on 4 March 2016 at Dewan Kuliah A, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The session was well attended by ISDEV lecturers, staff and students that day.

Prof. Syukri began his Tarbiyyah by reminiscing and sharing his experiences as an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Arabic Language and Islamic Civilisation (FBATI), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam recently. According to him, this time around he was required to assess the programme offered by FBATI. He felt that as an External Assessor, he was able to carry out all the assigned tasks to him successfully, could in all probability be singled out, due to the power of acknowledgement. Definitely it is only Allah SWT that ordains things to happen. However the people around nonetheless play an important role in ensuring the successful completion of the task at hand.

Prof. Syukri was all smiles as he is grateful for the accomplished tasks as the External Assessor of FBATI, UNISSA.

For example, in his efforts to examine the History and Islamic Civilisation programme under FBATI that was less well received among students, he did not just take the simple and direct approach of meeting the dean and the top management of FBATI, but also took the initiative to hold a meeting with each and every academic staff personally as well as conduct group discussions to listen to the feedbacks, problems and challenges faced by the faculty members. By doing this, the FBATI members regardless of grade and status felt that their views and comments were appreciated as their opinions were taken into account in the process of evaluating the programme. When appreciation was felt, any efforts made and tasks carried out became much easier to achieve.

A farewell photo taken during after the breakfast sponsored by YM Pehin as a token of appreciation
to Prof's efforts throughout his stay in Brunei. 

In addition, Prof Syukri was also deeply touched by the hospitality extended by UNISSA to him and especially by ISDEV Advisory Council, Yang Mulia Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Raja Dato Seri Laila Jasa Hj Awang Abdul Rahman Hj Abdul Karim who sponsored his accommodation and meals throughout his stay in Brunei Darussalam. According to Prof Syukri, such hospitable attitude should be exemplified by ISDEV members as the esteemed members of UNISSA knew and appreciated whoever wanted to help them and fight for Islam, they no longer thought about the impending challenges. In fact they did their best to ensure that Prof Syukri's tasks were successfully completed and objectives accomplished. They truly appreciated each and every human endeavour that strives to glorify Islam.

Some of ISDEV brothers at Dewan Kuliah A attending the Director's Tarbiyyah.

Similarly in ISDEV. Mutual respect and appreciating one another at each and every level is applicable too.There is no need for egocentric propensities to simply say thank you to those who have given a helping hand in easing one's affairs. This means it is not necessary that only students thank the lecturers, but likewise lecturers can also express their thanks to students without feeling degraded or loss of their dignity and ego when the students have helped them in any matter. The same applies to the administrative staff of ISDEV. There is not a need to celebrate luxuriously to show appreciation. It suffices to just be grateful and appreciate them for each of their tasks even though what they are doing is just a small thing. However if these simple acts of helping a hand are for the common good as well as help to ease our affairs, words of gratitude such as a simple "Thank You" should be expressed to them. If such work ethos are followed by all ISDEV members, definitely ISDEV administrative staff will be much happier to work thus simultaneously producing quality work that is of benefit to ISDEV and Islam.

A RISDEV student seeks to clarify further during the Question and Answer session. 

That’s how the “Power of Acknowledgement” plays and it is of importance in our lives. If we appreciate the people who have helped us, definitely all our matters can be easily accomplished because there is no hesitation for people around us to offer their help to us. At the same time, they also feel contented that their efforts and their work are appreciated. The Director's Tarbiyyah ended with a Question & Answer session that day.  

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON THE UPCOMING 9TH WAPI

The Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will be organising, for the ninth consecutive year, an annual academic trip to Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia on 8-12 May 2016. This academic trip is designed as follows:-

1. For all RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) and MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students as part of the graduating fulfilment to actively participate in the Workshop Antarbangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam ke - 9 (WAPI-9) and The Eighth International Conference on Islamic Development (ICID-8) which will be held within the above date. 

2. For members from other than ISDEV, all are cordially invited and warmly welcomed to participate. There is no specific theme for this WAPI-9 thus participants are free to write their papers based on their research interests which centres on Islam. 

3. The participation in various activities such as congregational prayer, tazkirah and tarbiyyah, visitation of tourists' attraction places as well as sight seeing to institutions of Islamic learning. These activities will be conducted together with the intention to increase one's faith and piety and for the fraternity to bind closer ties and understanding between  the participants.

As the first step, ISDEV members have to submit their approved abstracts and full papers as per the schedule stated below. Approved abstracts and full papers refer to the prior approval given by their supervisors as endorsed. The date of submission of abstracts and full papers of WAPI-9 are as follows:

Abstract submission dateline        : 18 March 2016

Full paper submission dateline     : 12 April 2016

The paper must be written according the format as follows:

Font :  Arial

Size  :  11

Spacing :   1.5 spacing

Length  :  Not more than 15 pages

Document :  Microsoft Word

Any updates will be notified from time to time. For further information, kindly refer to Dr. Azrin Ibrahim via email, azrin_azs86@yahoo.com or telephone at 604-653 4606.

All the attention and cooperation given of by all are greatly appreciated.

A NAS A WEEK - 6 JAMADIL AKHIR 1437

And He has subjected for you the night and day and the sun and moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason [al-Nahl, 16:12].

PROF. SYUKRI IN BRUNEI: EXCITING OUTCOMES AWAIT

ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh has completed his tasks as Adjunct Professor at Fakulti Bahasa Arab dan Tamadun Islam (FBATI), Universiti Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam recently. He went and stay there for almost a month starting from 1 until 26 February 2016 and expressed his gratified satisfaction as he was able to complete all the assigned tasks within the stipulated time.

Prof. Syukri at his office at FBATI, UNISSA.

According to Prof. Syukri, the main purpose he was there this time was in part to fulfil his assigned responsibilities as an External Assessor to the History and Civilisation of Islamic programme offered by FBATI at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This programme is said to be less well received among students as the programme is fully taught in Arabic while most students were not able to grasp the Arabic language well. The lack of lecturers who are well versed in this language has further aggravated this challenge faced by FBATI.

Attending a meeting as External Assessor at FBATI, UNISSA.

As the External Assessor to FBATI, Prof. Syukri was assigned to tackle this main challenge. He took the initiatives to hold a meeting with each and every academic staff personally as well as held a discussion in a group. Various discussions and meetings were conducted throughout his tenure there. Finally, stemming from the results collated from various meetings and discussions, he suggested that the programme goes through a branding transformation by offering the Islamic Development Management Programme. Should this suggestion gain acceptance from the higher management and authorities, ISDEV is willing to give a helping hand to FBATI in the realisation of this new programme to be offered to students in the future upon obtaining the required approval.

Prof. Syukri and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria conducting an academic writing workshop
for the academicians and students of UNISSA.

In addition, Prof. Syukri also conducted an academic writing workshop for the academicians and students of UNISSA together with Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari. The purpose of this workshop is to raise the standards of writing among the workforce of FBATI and UNISSA in order to produce quality articles for researches and publications. To keep the interests in writing at bay, definitely such workshops will be held again in the near future.

A group photo at the end of the academic writing workshop. 

Prof. Syukri also attended several meetings that seals further the close-knit cooperation between ISDEV and UNISSA. Among them, there will be a dual-way students' exchange programme through an annual Socio-Academic Laboratory programme at UNISSA (known as MASSA@ UNISSA) as well as at USM (known as MASSA @ USM). These programmes will take place twice a year. For this year, 20 students from UNISSA will participate in MASSA @ USM this coming July 2016.

Prof. Syukri also had the opportunity to examine the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between ISDEV and FBATI that is scheduled to be sealed on 6 April 2016 at the Regional Conference on Hajj Best Practice 2016. It is expected that the MoA will be signed by the Rector of UNISSA and the top management of USM.

Serious discussion on the proposed publication of Encyclopedia of Negara Zikir.

One of the outcomes of the MoA was a research collaboration on Negara Zikir in Brunei Darussalam. Such collaborations are realised through matching grants and publications of the outcomes as well as collaborative research on the proposed publication of Encyclopedia of Negara Zikir Volume 3 - Development. Moreover, what is more interesting as a result of this MoA, is not only the benefits gained by the two institutions but also to the students involved as industrial trainings and community engagement of UNISSA students in Malaysia and USM students in Brunei, were also stated in the MoA.

With the staff of UNISSA who had tremoundously helped Prof. Syukri fulfil his tasks. 

It was clear that not only in meeting the demands of his work as Adjunct Professor at UNISSA alone, but Prof. Syukri had managed to successfully bring positive outcomes that are beneficial to all parties. It is expected that the opportunities provided through a variety of programmes for both students and lecturers of these two institutions, especially ISDEV, could be fully utilised by all members of ISDEV as an avenue to appreciate all the efforts and hard work that had been carried out by ISDEV beloved Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

Thus to all ISDEV members, do grab the opportunity that has been laid out before you. Explore and create your unique experience and memories that last a lifetime through your proactive involvement in such programme.

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR 5 RISDEV STUDENTS!

The year 2016 has thus far seen an average of at least 5 RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research Mode) candidates either defending their PhD thesis proposal or the final draft of their PhD thesis for the ISDEV Graduate Discourse programme. A logical consequence of the high intake of RISDEV students pursuing their PhD at ISDEV currently.

The latest ISDEV Graduate Discourse was held on Friday 4 March, 2016 which saw four RISDEV students who were prepared to proceed to the next level of their PhD theses endeavours. The progamme was held at Dewan Kuliah A of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), immediately after ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh delivered the Monthly Director's Tarbiyyah.

Another RISDEV student was deliberately scheduled to defend his PhD thesis proposal much earlier, on 25 February 2016, to coincide with the “Majlis Sambutan Lawatan KUIM” with the aim of getting the undergraduates of KUIM to have a feel of a life as a RISDEV student at ISDEV.

Back on her feet - familiarity with her research is evident as Murni conversantly presented her final draft.

The first RISDEV student who presented her final draft PhD thesis on 4 March was Murni Yusoff. She is currently under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari and has been pursuing her research on “An Islamic Perspective on Relationship Marketing Approach in Malaysian Takaful Companies”. 

Lenny Luat too shows her prowess on Islamic Human Management while presenting her final draft.

Later on, Lenny Luat took her turn to present her final draft thesis on “Strategi Pengurusan Insan Menerusi Program Latihan: Kajian Kes Strategi Transformasi Insan, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)" (Islamic Human Management Strategies Though Training Programme: Case Study on Islamic HumanTransformation, Unviersiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Lenny undergoes her PhD mission under the supervision of ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad. 

Raising a question - part and parcel of intellectualism-in-training at ISDEV.

Before the programme ended for Jumaat prayer, both candidates were evaluated after the Question and Answer session was opened to other RISDEV and MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed Mode) students. It was a truly vibrant session, an indication that intellectualism is much alive and glaringly present, as ISDEV students requested for clearer understanding, providing comments and views on how it could further be improved to the two RISDEV students who presented that day.

For Murni Yusoff, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad evaluated her thesis while Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari evaluated Lenny’s thesis. 

Khairul Bariyah is ever ready to provide a positive response to the questions, feedback and comments given.

The afternoon session continued with the third candidate, Khairul Bariyah Othman defending her PHD thesis proposal on “Konsep Niat Berteraskan Islam dalam Tingkah Laku Kepatuhan Zakat Pendapatan: Satu Analisis dalam Kalangan Muslim di Pulau Pinang” (The Concept of Islamic-based Intention in Behaviour Compliance of Income-based Zakat: An Analysis within Muslims in Pulau Pinang). She is currently supervised by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad and her proposal was evaluated by Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi. 

Less than a year as a RISDEV student, a diligent Farahdina shows her preparedness in defending
her PhD thesis proposal.

Farahdina Fazial then presented her proposal on “Potensi Insitusi Pondok dalam Membiayai Pembangunan Wakaf Lestari di Negeri Kedah”  (The Potentials of Pondok Institutions in Financing Sustainable Waqf Development in the State of Kedah). Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari supervises her PhD research and writings while  Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan evaluated her proposal.

Abang Mohd Razif presenting his proposal druing "Majlis Sambutan Lawatan KUIM".

Meanwhile Abang Mohd Razif Mohd Muis defended his PhD thesis proposal during the 'Majlis Sambutan Lawatan KUIM' in the ISDEV Graduate Discourse slot that was held to give the KUIM entourage a hands-on experience on what it is like to study at ISDEV. He presented on "Program Latihan dalam Pengurusan Insan di Institusi Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam" (Training Programme in Islamic Human Management at Islamic-based Development Institutions) and he is under the supervision of Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad. His proposal was evaluated by Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi. 

All the candidates finally received the good news to proceed accordingly for their theses proper. Murni and Lenny had both been given the mandate to submit their PhD theses after all the corrections as suggested are carried out while the remaining 3 RISDEV students received the endorsement to proceed further with their PhD research proper. 

Congratulations to all five candidates!

A NAS A WEEK - 28 JAMADIL AWWAL 1437

Huraith Ibn Qabisa reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: The first actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; but if they are lacking, then he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers then the Lord the Exalted will say: See if My servant has any extra prayers which can complete what is defective in his obligatory prayers. Then the rest of his actions will be judged in the same way [Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 413, Grade: Hasan].

ANOTHER 2 ARTICLES PUBLISHED

A new article by ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi has been published recently. The article appears in the Journal of Business Management and Economic, Vol. 4 No. 1 (2016). 

Meanwhile, ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad’s paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on Education and Social Sciences (INTCESS2016) Turkey recently, was also published in the proceedings of the conference. 

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

Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi (2016). Ummah Economic Remedy: Between Islamic Economics and Islamic Political Economy. Journal of Business Management and Economic, 4(1), 38-46 

Fadzila Azni Ahmad (2016). Strategic Human Management Practices in Islamic Development Institutions in Malaysia: An Islamic Worldview Analysis. Proceedings of INTCESS2016 3rd International Conference on Education and Social Sciences, 10-18. 

WELCOME HOME, PROF. SYUKRI!

Almost a month in Brunei Darussalam on the demands of work as Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Arabic Language and Islamic Civilization (FBATI), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) beloved Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh had safely arrived in Kuala Lumpur on 26 February 2016. It is back to work as usual at ISDEV, USM for Prof Syukri.

His stint to recently fulfil his duties as an Adjunct Professor served as a second visit for Prof. Syukri. His first visit was in July 2015 which saw him welcoming and seeing to the initial needs and welfare of the 22 ISDEV postgraduate students who participated in the "Makmal Sosio-Akademik ISDEV-UNISSA Pertama" programme or also known as "MASA@UNISSA" then. 

Accompanied by his beloved wife and son, Prof. Syukri safely arrived
at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before heading back to Pulau Pinang.

As an Adjunct Professor, Prof Syukri contributed not only in the form of ideas, energy and expertise to the development, performance and excellence of the FBATI, but also provided the impetus as well as a variety of compact frameworks which had been set up for FBATI use as it gears up to be a faculty of excellence that glorifies Islam. Definitely ISDEV members eagerly awaits to listen to the experience and ukuhuwwah (networking) established that will be shared by Prof. Syukri in the near future in shaa Allah.

To Prof. Syukri, Welcome Home from all of us, ISDEV members.