ISDEV RECEIVES A RM10,000 BOOST FROM MAINPP

 Dr. Mohd Shukri (right) receiving the cheque while YDP MAINPP, YB Dato' Salleh Hj Man (centre) looks on.

On Friday, 12 Ramadhan 1437H coinciding with 17 June 2016, ISDEV Senior Lecturer, Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi represented ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, to Hari Wakaf Pulau Pinang 2016 organized by Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang (MAINPP).

Hari Wakaf is an event in which MAINPP, from the benefits of waqf funds administered and managed by MAINPP, contributes monetarily to the well-being and continuity of community work endeavours for the benefits of the ummah especially in Pulau Pinang. The contributions are given mostly to the masajid through the masjid's committee, religious educational institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The ceremony which started at 5:00pm was held at Masjid Abdullah Fahim, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang.

Head of Waqf Department - Ustaz Fakhruddin Abdul Rahman (right).

On the occasion of this Hari Wakaf by MAINPP, a cheque totalling RM10,000 was handed over to Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi for the benefit of ISDEV. It is expected that this contribution presented by MAINPP for ISDEV will in particular facilitate the development and research in ISDEV as well as assist its students in achieving their goals of becoming outstanding students not only in this temporal life but also the afterlife, in shaa Allah. 

Thank you MAINPP for the contribution from the benefits of its waqf funds that is extremely valuable to ISDEV. Alhamdulillah.

A NAS A WEEK - 22 RAMADHAN 1437

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would seek seclusion (al-i’tikāf) in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan and he would say, “Seek the Night of Decree during the last ten nights of Ramadan.” 

In another narration, the Prophet said, “Seek the Night of Decree in the odd nights among the last ten nights of Ramadan.”

[Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1916, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1169, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

FAMILY TIES @ ISDEV IFTAR RAMADHAN 1437H

Getting the venue ready for the Majlis Berbuka ISDEV.

Love and brotherhood is very much emphasized at the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV). In conjunction with the Blessed Month of Ramadhan, ISDEV took the opportunity to strengthen family ties by holding an Iftar (the breaking of fast) which was held on June 16, 2016 at Lantai Seni, Kompleks Cahaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia. It has become a must-event in the annual programme of ISDEV and so when Ramadhan is here, ISDEV members look forward to the Majlis Berbuka Puasa ISDEV organised by ISDEV Associate Members (ABI). It also provides the opportunity for ISDEV students whether RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students or MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students to do good and help one another to complete the required preparations so that everyone present can have a peaceful breaking of fast.

Before the breaking of fast - guests were gathered for dua' and dzikir.

The programme began at 6.45 pm with the recitation of dua' (supplication) and dzikir (chants to glorify Allah SWT). The Guest of Honour for this year's Majlis Berbuka Puasa ISDEV was Deputy Vice Chancellor of Student Development Affairs and Alumni USM, Prof. Dato' Dr. Adnan Hussein. ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh gave a warm welcome to Prof Dato' Dr Adnan and his family and declared that Prof Dato' Dr Adnan was one of the meritorious top management members of USM who continuously supported ISDEV since before its inception until now. In fact, he is the person who should be given a lot of merit in collecting ISDEV Waqf Education.

After breaking the fast with something light and establishing the solat fard Maghrib congregationally, ISDEV members went about to fill their plates with the delectable spread served at the buffet table. Seen here is Prof Syukri (centre) with Dr Mohd Shukri (right).

As the call by Azizan Sarayon to solat fard Maghrib was heard, all guests broke their fast with dates and drinks as well as with some light meals such as bread, fruits and some Malay traditional kuih muih. Then, all those present established the Maghrib prayer which was led by Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan. After that, everyone present enjoyed the delectable dinner spread prepared by the caterer of ABI's choice.

A sight to behold - the nawafil solat tarawikh done congregationally.

After the call to solat fard Isya' was made by Abang Mohd Razif Abang Muis, President of ABI, it signified the invitation to establish the Isya' prayers in congregation. Thereafter the nawafil solat Tarawih prayers were performed led by Ustaz Taha (PU Taha).

Lovely Just Lovely - The cuteness of innocence as ISDEV members pose for a photo with their adorable children.

ISDEV Iftar is not meant to only strengthen the relationship among students, lecturers and support staff in ISDEV but is extended even to ISDEV family members. It is an event where ISDEV members get the chance to introduce their family members and invite them to be part of the extended family of ISDEV. Thus a family member of ISDEV member becomes an ISDEV member too - he or she is an integral part of ISDEV. Thus the feeling of ISDEV as one is truly and can be felt that night. Every ISDEV member exhibited a glow of happiness that night and it is hoped that their every family member of an ISDEV member would be able to support the struggles at ISDEV simultaneously be able to understand the struggles of their family member with ISDEV.

Bidding Farewell the Islamic Way: A RISDEV student greets Dr Fadzila Azni before leaving the hall at the end of
Majlis Berbuka Puasa ISDEV

The programme ended at about 10.30 pm. ISDEV is indeed grateful to all those who had helped out in bringing the programme to be a success. Members of ABI and all ISDEV students - RISDEV, MISDEV15.1 and MISDEV15.2 were instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the programme. 

Thank you all and continue to have a blessed Ramadhan!

A NAS A WEEK - 15 RAMADHAN 1437

Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful [al-Israa', 17:27].

OF FINAL PhD DRAFT, MOCK VIVA & VIVA VOCE @ ISDEV

Asma al-Husna recitation at 9.30 a.m in C05 room marked the start of the Mock Viva presentation by Mohamad Salleh Abdullah. His PhD title is on "Sistem Penyampaian Wakaf Berteraskan Islam: Satu Kajian Teoritis" (Islamic-based Waqf Delivery System: A Theoretical Study). Eight ISDEV lecturers attended this Mock Viva including Mohamad Salleh's main supervisor, ISDEV Director Prof. Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and co-supervisor, Prof. Madya Dr. Zakaria Bahari, the latter is currently undergoing sabbatical with Universitas Medan Area (UMA), Medan, Indonesia.

At C05 where Mohamad Salleh's mock viva convened.

Questions and comments from all lecturers and postgraduate students that ensued immediately after his presentation had helped him to improve in the defence of his thesis. It had definitely given him the confidence to face his viva-voce scheduled for the next day in the morning of 16 June 2016.

After Mohamad Salleh's mock viva , another RISDEV (ISDEV postgraduate by Research) student, Mohd Zulkifli Mohammad received the endorsement to proceed with the submission of his PhD thesis after presenting his final draft PhD Thesis on "Andaian Ketidak-Terhadan Kehendak Manusia Dalam Ekonomi Islam Arus Peranan: Analisis Berdasarkan Tasawur Islam". (Assumption on Man's Unlimited Wants in Mainstream Islamic Economics: Analysis based on Islamic Worldview).

Mohd Zulkifli presenting the final draft to his PhD thesis at C05.

After being fielded with questions and comments from both students and lecturers of ISDEV in which he was able to answer all them well, Mohd Zulkifli received the good tidings from his evaluator, Dr. Mohd Shukri Hanapi that his final draft was accepted and eligible to be submitted. However, Dr Shukri reminded that Mohd. Zulkifli needed to make all the necessary amendments as recommended before it could be submitted to the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), USM for viva voce.

Mohamad Salleh in action during his viva proper - stressing a point to defend his PhD thesis.

The next day on 16 June 2016, the struggles of Mohamad Salleh, who embarked in his studies on a part-time basis, juggling work with studies for eight years to complete the thesis finally ended with his viva voce.  His viva was held at Mc Clintock Viva Room, IPS Building, USM at 9.50 a.m.

All for one - commemorating the solat hajat performed for Mohamad Salleh's viva later that morning.

However as usual, which has now become a tradition in ISDEV, a solat hajat performed congregationally prior to a student's viva was held at Masjid al Malik Khalid, USM. There was no exception for Mohamad Salleh that day.

Mohamad Salleh with his Borad of Examiners.

The chairman for his viva was Professor Dr. Hairul Nizam bin Ismail from the School of Education Studies, USM while his External Examiner was Profesor Madya Dr. Patmawati binti Ibrahim from the Department of Management and Technology, Faculty of Technology Management and Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM). His two Internal Examiners were Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad from ISDEV and Dr. Zahri Hamat from the School of Social Sciences. His main supervisor Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and his co-supervisor Profesor Madya Dr. Zakaria Bahari were also present.

Rather a tense moment during Mohamad Salleh's viva as everyone was all ears listening to Mohamad Salleh's
defence of his thesis.

During his viva, comments and suggestion from the examiners were well received by Mohamad Salleh as he positively agreed to the comments given. At the end of his viva, he thanked all those present, especially his supervisor and co-supervisor after it was announced that all examiners were satisfied with his defence of his thesis. He had passed his viva voce.

PU TAHA: LET'S ACTUALIZE TAQWA THIS RAMADHAN

A very humble and down-to-earth TV personality, PU Taha (left). 

Every Tuesday afternoon, ISDEV fraternity will gather for a class known as "Tuesdays Teachings" in which is slotted a tazkirah (short reminders) session followed by a lecture session. On 7 June, 2016 which coincided with the second day of Ramadhan, ISDEV welcomed PU Taha to touch the hearts of ISDEV members to share the reminders on Ramadhan Kareem. Besides being a popular TV personality, PU Taha is also a RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student who is currently pursuing his PhD under the supervision of ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. 

In the overwhelmingly packed meeting room of C05, Tuesdays Teachings for that day was chaired by Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi. PU Taha was given the honour to take up the two sessions for that class. He used the opportunity to remind all ISDEV members present that day about fasting that could make one a cautious man - a man of taqwa (piety). He then referred to taqwa as defined and understood by the scholars of Islam. However all discourses and discussions are unanimous in stating that taqwa is essentially a feeling of deep conviction of knowing that Allah SWT sees us every time at all times.

PU Taha said that for man to achieve such a state there is a need to remove barriers (sins) existing within oneself and istighfar (repent). Then, discard those mazmumah (unwanted despicable) traits that are found within oneself such as riak (insolant), ujub (self-conceit), takabbur (egocentric). This requires three main actions. First, a lot of dzikir (remembrance of Allah through verbal chants). Second is reciting al-Quran (with translation as well as with people who can criticize our mistakes in reading) and thirdly is plenty of charity.

After the completion of the Question and Answer session with PU Taha, Tuesdays Teachings was finally closed with important announcements by ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad on upcoming ISDEV events such as ISDEV Graduate Discourse, upcoming mock viva and viva voce, Tarbiyyah Pengarah for the month of June as well as the Iftar ISDEV programme.

A NAS A WEEK - 8 RAMADHAN 1437

Abu Kabsha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “I swear by Allah regarding three qualities about which I will tell you, so preserve them: the wealth of a servant is not decreased by charity, Allah will increase the honor of one who patiently endures oppression, and a servant does not open a door of begging except that Allah will open for him a door of poverty” [Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2325; Grade Sahih by al-Tirmidhi].

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR - SEMESTER END EXAMINATIONS!

Examinations have become the level measurement of excellence in academic struggles. Although it is Ramadhan and obligatory fasts are observed by all Muslims all over the world, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students have to face the impending SEMESTER-END EXAMINATIONS. Starting this week from 6 June, 2016 until 24 June 2016, all USM students have begun to face the final exams for the Second Semester Academic Session 2015/2016.

ISDEV students MISDEV15.1 and MISDEV15.2 (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students are not exempted from this gruelling academic exercise.

MISDEV 15.2 students in rapt concentration while attempting the
Islamic Epistemology and Tasawwur  (SIW505) exam questions.

MISDEV15.1 students registered to be accepted as students of ISDEV in September last year attempted their final exam for this semester. It is the second such examinations for them as they are now in their second semester. However for MISDEV15.2, it signifies their first academic acumen and tenacity in answering the examination questions as they had enrolled in the Master in Social Science (Islamic Development Management) programme only this semester.

ISDEV aims to provide knowledge to make every student outstanding so that in turn these students are poised and ready to glorify Islam at all times, in shaa Allah. Every student enrolled in ISDEV aspires to glorify Islam for the sake of Allah SWT. Their struggles should focus on achieving Mardhatillah (pleasures of Allah SWT).

To all MISDEV15 students, all the very best for your examinations. It is prayed and hoped that all MISDEV15 students will pass with flying colours. Aamiin.

"Oh God! Make useful for us what You have taught us, teach us knowledge that will be useful to us. 

Oh God! We ask you for the understanding of the prophets ,the messengers and those nearest to You. 

Oh God! Make our tongue full of your remembrance and consciousness of my heart with You. 

Oh God! You do whatever you wish, and you are our availer and protector and best of aid. "

RAMADHAN KAREEM

The family of ISDEV wishes all a happy and blessed Ramadhan. Let us all strive to attain the Sawm Khusus al Khusus  (The Most Specific Fast) and be among those who are al-Muttaquun (the Pious). May all our prayers be accepted by Allah SWT and we are showered upon by Allah SWT blessings throughout this blessed month, Aamiin. 

Ramadan Mubarak!!!

"Dear Allah, please accept our fasts in this blessed month of Ramadhan".

A NAS A WEEK - 1 RAMADHAN 1437

They ask you about the sacred month - about fighting therein. Say, "Fighting therein is great (sin), but averting (people) from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and (preventing access to) al-Masjid al-Haram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater (evil) in the sight of Allah. And fitnah is greater than killing." And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able. And whoever of you reverts from his religion (to disbelief) and dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and those are the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally [al-Baqarah, 2:217].

9TH WAPI: AN ACADEMIC CUM FUN FILLED TRIP TO MEDAN

A total of 78 passionate ISDEV delegations consisting of ISDEV lecturers and students with some family members were flown to Medan, Indonesia on 15th May 2015. The academic trip was led by ISDEV Director Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV Lecturer-in-Charge, Dr. Azrin Ibrahim as well as the Programme Director who is a RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student, Mohd Syahmi Mohd Miswan.

Reinforcing the ukhuwwah forged for the past 9 consecutive years between ISDEV and UMSU

The five-day academic trip was jointly organized by ISDEV and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU). The 9th International Workshop on Islamic Development (9th WAPI) was held on the first day trip 16th May 2015 followed by the 8th International Conference on Islamic Development (8th ICID) for the next day. A total number of 141 participants (70 participants from Malaysia and 71 participants from Indonesia) presented their working papers at the 9th WAPI.

ISDEV Director, Prof. Syukri delivering the inspiring opening speech on "Mentoring Pengajian Tinggi"

The workshop started with the opening ceremony by the Rector of UMSU, Dr. Agussani MAP and a Keynote Address by ISDEV Director, Professor. Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. During the opening ceremony, Dr Agussani MAP said, the cooperation between UMSU with ISDEV has been running for the past 9 consecutive years. The organizing seminars and workshops enabled the improvement on the quality of human resources which was considered very important in promoting academic quality, especially at UMSU. This in turn had directly helped the society in general through the Islamic-based development programme.

Prof. Syukri shared and highlighted the basic mentoring points observed at ISDEV. Some of the key points are:

1. One school, one thought.

2. Develop the theory and conceptual framework from purely Islamic roots.

3. Use Islamic Research Methodology.

4. Deliver the knowledge to student by way of heart-to-heart (Qalbu)

5. The ultimate aim is to achieve Mardhatillah.

A group photo in one of the concurrent sessions.

There were two concurrent sessions during the 9th WAPI held in the morning and afternoon sessions. The participants were divided into 14 seminar rooms with 8 themes. The themes were on Islamic Human Development, Islamic Development, Islamic Banking Finance and Business, Islamic Business and Education, Islamic Education, Islamic Sciences, Zakat and Wakaf, and Islamic Politics. At the end of the workshop, ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, with ISDEV lecturers and students had a chance to view from the Observatorium Ilmu Falak (OIF) UMSU which is located at the 7th floor of Postgraduate Building of UMSU.

Prof Syukri delivering his presentation on "Islamic Development Monitoring".

The academic gatherings continued with The 8th International Conference on Islamic Development (8th ICID) the next morning at Garuda Plaza Hotel, Medan. It was held at the Ballroom of Garuda Plaza Hotel, Medan with the theme on "Islamic Controlling Management". The 8th ICID presented six speakers and was divided into two sessions. The first session was moderated by Zainuddin Gayo and saw three speakers Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (ISDEV, USM) who presented on “Islamic Development Monitoring”, Dr. Farid Wajdi (UMSU and Indonesian Judicial Commissioner) who presented on “Development Management Law” and Rudianto, MSi (UMSU) who presented on “Supervisory Function of Islamic Mass Media”.

Photo session for "Just us - the ladies" at 8th ICID.

The second session of 8th ICID continued with three more papers presented by Dr Azrin Ibrahim on “Pengawasan Islami Berasaskan Hisbah” (Islamic Supervision Based on Hisbah), Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad on “Pengawasan Pengurusan Dalam Institusi Pembangunan Islam” (Management Supervisory in Islamic-based Development Institutions) and Dr. Prawidia. The afternoon session was moderated by Dr. Widya Hastuti.

Prof Syukri being interviewed by journalists after 9th WAPI and 8th ICID respectively

The conference was attended by 300 participants including both ISDEV and UMSU students and lecturers. Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UMSU, Dr Muhammad Arifin Gultom, Secretary of the Rector, Gunawan, Chairman of Muhammadiyyah Kota Sumut, Prof. Hasyimsyah Nasution, Muhammadiyah activists, BPH UMSU Dalail Ahmad, and Chairman of the OIF, Dr. Arwin July Hang Butar-Butar also attended this event.

Tazkirah session given by ISDEV Alumni members - Prof Dr Sukiman (right) and Dr Warjio (left).

The trip was also packed with both intellectual and spiritual inputs. ISDEV members also performed the Subh prayers and Jama’ of Maghrib and Isya’ prayers congregationally followed by tazkirah session from ISDEV Alumni in Medan. 

ISDEV Associate Members (ABI) gave a pleasant surprise and celebrated Teacher’s Day with all ISDEV lecturers on the night of 16th May 2016 right after the tazkirah by Dr. Warjio. ISDEV lecturers had shown the right path by moulding the students towards becoming a better person. May Allah SWT bless these Murabbi with iman, health, wealth and give them goodness and rewards both here on Earth and Hereafter. Aamiin Ya Rabb al 'Alamiin. Thank You Teachers!

A cake specially ordered for ISDEV lecturers in conjunction with Teacher's Day.

In the fourth day, ISDEV delegates visited some famous tourist attractions such as Istana Maimun, Medan, the famous ‘Pasar Ikan’ or ‘Pajak Ikan’ and a few book stores to fulfil the enthusiasm of travelling in Medan.

Istana Maimun at the background of this group photo.

The last day of the trip, ISDEV delegates visited an ISDEV Alumni member's house (Anjung ISDEV), Allahyarham Dr. Suhrawardi for lunch to strengthen the ukhuwwah (brotherhood) amongst ISDEV members and the late Dr. Suhrawardi family especially his wife Puan Latifah.

Having a relaxed time at Puan Latifah's abode.

ISDEV delegates returned to their hometown on 19th May 2016 and touched down at Pulau Pinang International Airport at 8.45 pm. The five-day academic cum spiritual trip was a true success. Alhamdulillah, it allowed and enabled all the delegates to strengthen their ukhuwwah (brotherhood) with one another as reminded to us Surah al-Hujurat verse, 13 which bears the followingtranslations:-

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of your in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” 

(Surah al Hujurat, 49:13)

All smiles before flying back to Pulau Pinang.

PROF SYUKRI SPEAKS AT ICEST 2016

The banner on ICEST 2016 welcoming the participants.

ISDEV Director, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh  was one of the three invited speakers at the International Conference of Engineering, Social Sciences, and Technology (ICEST 2016) which convened at Gelanggangg Mahasiswa, University of Sumatera Utara, Medan Indonesia. ICEST 2016 was held from 23 till 25 May 2016.

With the other two Invited Speakers - USM Registrar, Prof. Dato' Abdul Aziz Tajuddin (left), Prof. Syukri (2nd from left), and USM Alumni from Indonesia, Prof. Nawawi Lubis, M.Phil, Ph.D (2nd from right).

With the theme on "Exploring ASEAN Economic Community Potential through Research of Computer, Environment, Social Science, Engineering and Technology” the conference was organized by Universiti Sains Malaysia Alumni Association (Ikatan Alumni USM, Universiti Sumatera Utara, Indonesia). 

The opening slide to Prof. Syukri's speech.

Prof. Syukri was given the honour as one of the invited speakers to address the participants at the conference. He took the opportunity to address the participants on ‘Islamic Development and Research for ASEAN Economic Community”.

Prof Syukri with the Consul General of Malaysia in Medan, Amizal Fadzli Rajali.

The participants of this conference included academics and students of University of Sumatera Utara, Indonesia as well as students from Malaysia. ICEST 2016 had three concurrent sessions - Environment, Engineering & Technology, Social Science and Computer. The participants also had the opportunity to explore the natural calmness of Lake Toba as part of the trip scheduled by the conference organizers. However Prof. Syukri was not able to join in the trip as he had to come back to Malaysia due to his tight schedule.