A NAS A WEEK - 23 RAJAB 1437

Abu Tha’laba reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me what is lawful and unlawful for me.” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Righteousness is serenity in the soul and peace of mind in the heart. Sin is not serene in the soul and not satisfying to the heart, even if the judge (muftī) gives you approval.” [Source: Musnad Aḥmad 17396; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Ibn Rajab].

CONGRATULATIONS PAK RIDWAN - YOU HAVE MADE IT!!!

RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student, Ridwan Nurdin or also more popularly known as Pak Ridwan among ISDEV members had distinctively defended his PhD Thesis during his viva voce. His PhD Thesis was regarding “Kriteria dan Tahap Kesetiaan Pekerja Perbankan Islam di Banda Aceh, Indonesia” (Criteria and Loyalty Level of Islamic Banking Employees in Banda Acheh, Indonesia).

Pak Ridwan in action - full of spirit and confidence throughout his viva voce.

His viva was held on 24 May 2016 at C06, Social Science Conference Room, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Besides his main supervisor, Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari, and his co-supervisor Associate Professor Dr. Norzarina Mohd Zaharim, ISDEV members including RISDEV and MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-mode) students also attended his viva to give him their support as well as take the opportunity to have a feel of what it is like to be in an actual viva voce.

The chairperson for the Board of Examiners was Prof. Dr. Nor Hashimah Hashim from the School of Education, USM. In the meantime, Professor Dr. Joni Tamkin Borhan from Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya (UM) was the External Examiner. The two Internal Examiners consisted of Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad and Dr. Zahri Hamat while Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh sat as ISDEV Director.

After performing solat hajat at Masjid Al Malik Khalid, USM

The examiners were satisfied with both his written thesis and viva voce and had unanimously agreed to award him with a 'Grade 2'. It is truly and ardently believed that apart from the efforts of the candidate and all parties involved, the do'a (supplication) as well as solat hajat before the viva from all ISDEV members had added to the blessings of such blissful news.

Congratulations Pak Ridwan!

POSTGRADUATES STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITAS MEDAN AREA VISIT ISDEV

A full housed DPU where both delegates from UMA and ISDEV members assembled.

On 12 May 2016, 56 delegates from Universitas Medan Area (UMA), Indonesia were at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to participate in the “Academic Visit and Intellectual Discourse on Islamic-based Development” organised by the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), USM.

Dr. Warjio (standing) giving a short speech to thank ISDEV for hosting his team from UMA.

The programme was held at University Conference Hall (DPU), USM with Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi serving as Chairperson for the entire programme. The programme started at 2.30 pm and as a tradition in ISDEV, Dr. Mohd Syakir led the participants with the recitation of Asma al-Husna followed by the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah (The Opening). Later on, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh as well as the head of the UMA's delegations, Dr. Warjio, were each invited to give a simple opening speech.  

Wanting to know more - the delegates from UMA were very attentive throughout the programme.

The delegates from UMA were led by ISDEV Alumni, Dr. Warjio. The delegates consisted of 29 postgraduate students from Magister Administrasi Publik (Master in Public Administration), and 27 postgraduate students from Magister Agribisnis (Master in Agrobusiness), as well as six lecturers from both programmes. 

Dr. Mohd Shukri (far left) presenting his paper whilst Prof. Syukri (centre) and Dr. Warjio (right) look on.

Without wasting time, the Chairperson then invited Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi to deliver the public lecture on Islamic based-Development entitled "Strategi Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam di Malaysia" (Islamic-based Development Strategies in Malaysia). In his lecture he presented an overview of the first two principles in Islamic-based development that is man as the actors of development who are carrier of the development worldview. On the surface Islamic-based development and conventional development look similar but the idea of man in conventional development as homo economicus (economic man) departs in totality the concept of man in Islamic-based development.

A gift specially meant for ISDEV from UMA presented by Dr. Warjio (right) to ISDEV Director, Prof. Syukri.

A very lively and engaging questions and answers session took place just after Dr. Mohd Shukri ended his lecture. The programme ended with both institutions exchange souvenirs as well as group photos for mementos.

A NAS A WEEK - 16 RAJAB 1437

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous [al-Baqarah, 2:183].

MOVING FURTHER FORWARD WITH "LANGKAHAN ISDEV"

“Langkahan ISDEV” was the title of ISDEV Monthly Tarbiyyah Pengarah (Director’s Tarbiyyah) delivered by ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. This time, the tarbiyyah took place on Friday, 13 May 2016 at Dewan Kuliah A, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The programme started at 9 a.m. with Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad serving as Chairperson throughout the entire programme. 

The slide presentation prepared by Prof. Syukri showing the 3 great strides ISDEV have partaken.

Without wasting time, Prof. Syukri started the Tarbiyyah Pengarah by recalling ISDEV beginnings which started only with the status of a research project. However with only a few years and with the many successes that ISDEV have achieved, ISDEV gained the status of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in 2014 simultaneously setting a target to be a regional and international reference centre in the near future.

According to Prof. Syukri, these successes were achieved through a variety of ways. Among them is through internationalisation within ISDEV itself. If ISDEV wants to achieve its goal of becoming a regional referral centre, then it should start at ISDEV. Such a start included ISDEV's ability to take in academic staff, students and guests such as Visiting Professor to work hand-in-hand in spearheading ISDEV to its objective. In addition to this, academic visitations that are organized by ISDEV, collaborations with various institutions and forging closer ukhuwwah amongst ISDEV alumni are also used as a step towards ISDEV internationalisation.

Prof. Syukri addressing ISDEV members during the monthly Tarbiyyah Pengarah.

These achievements have already been proven through various parties. Many collaborations, visiting staff, students and guests in attendance at ISDEV are able to materialize due to the internationalization stride from both internal and external aspects of ISDEV. For example, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Kolej Universiti Islam Malaysia (UIM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) are steps in the internationalization of ISDEV within Malaysia, while institutions such as Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Brunei Darsussalam (UNISSA), Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Universitas Medan Area (UMA), fellows from Pakistan, guests form Norway are some of the steps taken to thrust ISDEV beyond Malaysia towards global internationalization.

Happy Teachers' Day to all ISDEV lecturers.

Prof. Syukri also reminded that in order to realize the goal of ISDEV becoming a regional and international referral centre, "Langkahan ISDEV" (ISDEV Milepost) should be adopted. However, each of these strides will be successful if ISDEV members play their respective roles. ISDEV members must be knowledgeable, innovative in thinking, always conscious of their physical appearance, characters, faith and obedience. If all of these values are applied, in shaa Allah ISDEV will continue to create successes, be recognized and achieves the goal of becoming a regional and international reference centre.

Celebrating Teachers' Day together - Prof. Syukri (right) jesting with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria (left).

Meanwhile, just after Prof. Syukri ended the Tarbiyyah Pengarah, ABI members (ISDEV Associate Members) came out with a surprise specially dedicated to him and generally to other ISDEV lecturers as well in conjunction with Teachers' Day celebration that falls on 16 May every year. A simple multimedia presentation about Prof. Syukri was aired and everyone was amazed with the production made by ABI. As a symbolic gesture to this celebration, Prof. Syukri was invited, as well as the other seven ISDEV lecturers , to cut the pulut kuning.

One of ISDEV students, sad and in tears on the recent demise of Allahyarham Dr. Kasyful Mahali when
Prof. Syukri made a special mention on Allahyarham who had magnanimously served ISDEV. 

At the same time, even though everyone was in a cheerful mood and ambience, Prof. Syukri took the opportunity to invite everyone present to recite al-fathihah for ISDEV Alumni, Allahyarham Dr. Kasyful Mahali who had just passed away on 9 May 2016. 

MUSMULIADI, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT

Another RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student, Musmuliadi Kamaruding received the endorsement to proceed with the submission of his PhD thesis. Musmuliadi presented the final draft of his PhD thesis during the ISDEV Monthly Supervision for the month of May, 2016 at Dewan Kuliah A, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The programme was well attended in which Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad served as Chairperson throughout the entire programme.

An expert on Crowd Management in the making - Musmuliadi.

Musmuliadi started his presentation on the blessed Friday morning, 13 May 2016 by introducing briefly his research on “Pengurusan Kepadatan Manusia: Kajian Kes Konsep Pengurusan Kepadatan Jemaah Haji Tabung Haji di Mekah” (Crowd Management: Case Study on Tabung Haji Haj Pilgrims Crowd Management Concept in Mekkah). With only 15 minutes to present his final PhD draft, Musmuliadi in his full spirit successfully presented and explained his findings with utmost clarity, confidence and calmness exhibiting undoubted familiarity with his research topic.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria Bahari giving his comments and views.

Questions, comments, views and ideas were welcomed both from students and lecturers of ISDEV right after he finished his presentation. He took all these feedback and suggestions in stride as he knew such inputs would definitely allow him to improve his PhD thesis before submitting for viva voce. His main supervisor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh also posed him a question and gave some comments on how he could further improve his thesis.

Dr. Fadzila Azni announcing that Musmuliadi's final draft PhD thesis had been endorsed for submission proper.

After a detailed evaluation, Musmuliadi finally received the good tidings from his evaluator, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad that his final draft of PhD thesis was accepted and could be submitted to the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), USM for viva voce after he had made all the necessary amendments as recommended.

Not wanting to miss a beat - all eyes and ears were in rapt concentration listening to Dr Fadzila Azni's lecture.

The programme then continued with ISDEV Monthly Supervision on ‘Panduan Teknikal dalam Penulisan Tesis’ (Technical Guidelines in Thesis Writing) delivered by Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad. All students took this opportunity to listen and grasp carefully the explanations on the technical aspects of thesis writing. The lecture covered  some aspects on margins and pagination standards as well as the preferred referencing style by IPS, since these technicalities are important and useful in guiding students with their thesis writing.

A NAS A WEEK - 7 SHA'BAN 1437

Amr ibn Al-‘As reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would embrace the worst people with a cheerful face and kind words, and by that he would soften their hearts. The Prophet would embrace me with a cheerful face and kind words until I thought that I was the best of people.

Source: al-Shamā’il al-Muḥammadīyah 334

Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Al-Haythami

FROM ENTERTAINERS OF THOUGHTS TO HARBINGERS OF ISLAM

ISDEV Monthly Tarbiyyah Pengarah (Director’s Tarbiyyah) for the month of April took place on Friday, 29 April 2016 at University Conference Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The programme started at 9 a.m. with Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi serving as Chairperson throughout the entire programme. 

Introducing the topic for this month's Tarbiyyah Pengarah.

For this month, Prof. Syukri chose a topic on “Daripada Pelayan Fikiran kepada Penyambung Perjuangan” (From Entertainer of Thoughts to Harbingers of Islam). Prof. Syukri addressed ISDEV members on how to continue to strive for Islam even though there will come a time to bid farewell to ISDEV, yet the perseverance to continue with ISDEV ideas and thoughts remains. 

According to him, ISDEV can be symbolized as a new, innovative and creative thinking factory. Just look at the various fields of research carried out by the students. Although there may have been similar studies embarked upon, nonetheless the researches carried out at ISDEV endeavours to do something different with views from differing perspectives. Hence the ability to produce creative and up-to date researches. In fact, these ideas have also been recognised to be a notch above the rest in view that many of ISDEV students obtain the 'Scale of 1' (The highest grade in viva voce) in their viva voce as well as receiving awards for excellence in writing their theses.

Prof Syukri in his address to ISDEV members on the two important groups.

To be the 'servants of mind' that entertains the thoughts, there are two groups that play a very important role in ISDEV namely the lecturers and students. The lecturers impart knowledge and guide students, while the students gain knowledge and apply them simultaneously continuing to strive to stay true with ISDEV thoughts.

There are ISDEV Alumni members who until now still continue to strive for ISDEV ideas and thoughts such as Muslihah, Azlyn and Atikah who are currently serving as lecturers in Islamic Development Management Programme  at Kolej Universiti Islam Melaka (KUIM), Professor Dr. Ab Aziz Yusoff who is now the Vice-Chancellor of University College Bestari, Setiu Terengganu and many other alumni members who continue with their ISDEV ideas and thoughts that they bring along with them wherever they go.

A newly registered RISDEV student introducing himself.

However, Prof Syukri added that there was no doubt that such alumni members who continue with ISDEV ideas and thoughts were small in numbers and that it was also possible that some of them were in opposition to this idea. However, this is not an obstacle to ISDEV to continue to fight for its ideas because ISDEV is confident that every individual who strives for Islam in ISDEV has been chosen by Allah SWT. ISDEV is positive that not necessarily striving for ISDEV thoughts could only be done openly, but there may be among ISDEV members who strive within the confines of their abilities and powers.

Prof Syukri (3rd from left) with ISDEV members who celebrated their birthdays recently.

The program ended with a surprise made by ABI (ISDEV Associate Members) representatives to celebrate the birthdays of all ISDEV students that fell in the month of January to March, 2016. The gifts were presented by Prof. Syukri himself to the students.

THE ACADEMIC TRIP TO IKSIM, UIM & USIM

MISDEV15.2 (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode - batch 2015/2016 February Intake) students had successfully organised an academic trip to three re-knowned Islamic-based Development Institutions in Malaysia. They are the Institute for Strategic Studies Islam Malaysia (IKSIM), Universiti Islam Malaysia (UIM) as well as Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). 38 delegates from the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) consisting of ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV lecturers as well as RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduates by research) students joined in this trip that began on 24 April and ended on 26 April 2016. This trip also was part of the fulfilment of the coursework for SIW505-Epistemology and Islamic Tasawwur.

A session that involves the soul and mind  - tazkirah  (short spiritual reminder) after the congregational subh prayer
as a prelude to the day's activities.

The delegates departed from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on the morning of the 24th and arrived at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at 5.00 pm. Upon arrival, they were given the accommodation and all of them took the chance to relax and freshen up before continuing with the next day's activities.

Listening to the welcoming speech by IKSIM representative.

On the second day, ISDEV delegates began their visit to IKSIM and was greeted by IKSIM representative. Here, they were given some explanations on IKSIM as well as the chance to listen to the IKSIM representative on the current issues related to the challenges of the Malaysian ummah especially in Malaysia. They were not idly listening as ISDEV members' views and opinions were sought and welcomed to be shared throughout the session. 

Group photo of ISDEV delegates at UIM's Library.

The next activity continued with the visit to UIM located at Cyberjaya. The delegates were greeted by UIM President, Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Mohd Yusof Noor. In his simple welcoming speech, he told the delegates generally about UIM. According to him, UIM is the first university in Malaysia set up by the Conference of Rulers. It is a university founded through the activation of Kolej Islam Malaya (Malaya Islamic College) that was based on charitable funds and waqf, first introduced in 1955. The establishment of UIM is seen as a continuity to the traditions of charitable funds and waqf. UIM currently is offering short term courses in Islamic Studies and Islamic Banking. The delegates also had a chance to visit UIM’s library named CIMB Islamic- Primary Islamic Finance Library. They were told that all the materials available at that library are focused on Islamic Finance.

ISDEV lecturers with FKP's lecturers at USIM.

Visiting USIM become the last agenda of the academic trip. In USIM, ISDEV entourage was divided into two groups in which ISDEV lecturers and students were separated. ISDEV lecturers attended a discussion and meeting with the lecturers of the Faculty of Leadership and Management (or FKP) while ISDEV students, led by Dr. Azrin Ibrahim gathered with the students of FKP to have a two-way discussion. ISDEV representative took the opportunity to share with FKP students on what it entails to be a student of ISDEV. The same was done by the FKP representative. In the meantime, one of the FKP's postgraduate students took the opportunity to present his thesis proposal before both ISDEV and FKP students. A Question and Answer session was held immediately after the presentation. Comments and views were suggested to him on how he could further improve the thesis. 

The delegates left USIM to return to USM at 5.00 pm. All of them confessed to having had a good time throughout the trip as they had gained valuable experience and countless benefits that they could hold onto to help them through their life as a postgraduate student.

A NAS A WEEK - 2 SHA'BAN 1437

And it is not (possible) for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world - We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter - We will give him thereof. And we will reward the grateful [Ali 'Imran, 3:145].

THE 10th IDMAC: CALL FOR PAPERS

The Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) with the cooperation of Penang State Mufti Office will organise the 10th ISDEV International Islamic Development Management Conference (IDMAC 2016) with the theme "The Management and Application of Falak Syar'ie in Contemporary Hijri Calendar".  The 2-day conference is scheduled to be held on 27 until 28 July 2016 and will convene at Universiti Conference Hall (DPU), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

The deadline for the submission of abstract is 27 May 2016. Abstract could be emailed to idmac2016@gmail.com.

Further details of the conference are available at https://idmac10.blogspot.my or contact Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan at shahirakram@usm.my or via telephone at 604- 653 2661 / 5812 / 5813.

38 GRADUANDS OF ISDEV

Four MISDEV14 students sitting at the first row in the hall while waiting for their names to be called. 

34 MISDEV14 (ISDEV Postgraduates by Mixed-mode) students had succeeded to complete their studies in Master of Social Science (Islamic Development Management). The 2014 batch students received their scrolls before the Pro Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) during USM 53rd Convocation Ceremony  held at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra (DTSP) on 30 April 2016.

The lead representative of MISDEV14 students, Ustaz Afnan Hamimi. 

Their hardwork, perserverence amidst the struggles to complete their studies within the three semesters were gratefully realised.

ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh strikes a pose with some of the graduands.

The same goes to the four RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduates by Research) students, Dr. Kasyful Mahalli, Dr. Khatijah Othman, Dr. Mutiara Dwi Sari, as well as Dr. Shereeza Mohamed Saniff,  who had succeeded to complete their studies at the PhD level. All four had amazingly received Grade ‘1’ in their viva voce with each of them receiving nominations for the "Best Thesis Award" at least at the university's level.

MISDEV14 graduates with ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr. Wan Norhaniza (right).

Parents, family, friends and loved ones as well as ISDEV lecturers joined in the joyous moments of these 38 ISDEV graduands. Many photos were snapped that day to capture the momentously joyous occasion of that day. 

Prof. Syukri (centre) acceeding to some of the graduands' requests to capture their jubilant moment
with him after the ceremony. 

May their success bring inspirations and drive to others to study hard and achieve excellence in the pursuit of knowledge for the benefit of the ummah and Islam.

Congratulations to all 38 ISDEV graduates!

A NAS A WEEK - 24 RAJAB 1437

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” 

In another narration, the Prophet said, “Be merciful to the people of the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.”

[Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1924; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to At-Tirmidhi].