A NAS A WEEK - 1 JUMADA AL-THANI 1438

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would say upon exiting the lavatory, “All praise is due to Allah who has removed the harm and given me health.” [Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 301; Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Ash-Shawkani].

ACADEMIC MISSION IN BANDA ACEH

(From left to right) Dr Fadzila Azni, ISDEV lecturer, with two RISDEV students, Norazilawati and Fazleen upon their arrival at the Sultan Muda International Airport in Banda Aceh.

Dr. Fadzilah Azni Ahmad carried an academic trip mission to Banda Aceh for five days with two RISDEV students Norazilawati Md Dahlal and Fazleen Md Ali from 15 February 2017 until 20 February 2017. The academic program started on 16 February held at Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis (Faculty of Economic and Business), Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh.

Alhamdulillah, ISDEV delegates at Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh.

In Dr. Nizam's office - one of ISDEV Alumni members at the Faculty of Economics and Business.

ISDEV delegates conducted a 'Kuliah Tamu'.

ISDEV delegates conducted a 'Kuliah Tamu' (Guest Lecture) and the first presenter was Dr. Fazilah Azni where two topics were chosen was on 'Falsafah Pemasaran Berteraskan Islam: Tasawur' (The Philosophy of Islamic-based Marketing: Islamic Worldview) followed by 'Prinsip Asas Pengurusan Bisnis Berteraskan Islam' (Basic Principles of Islamic-based Business Management). Her lecture was then followed by the second presenter, Norazilawati regarding 'Perilaku Komsumen Halal'  (Halal Consumption Behaviour). The last lecture of the day was by Fazleen which was focused more on Retail Marketing.

A group photo at the end of the Focus Group Discussion.

The next day, on 17 February, both RISDEV students were involved in a focus group discussion with lecturers from the Faculty of Economics and Business together with ISDEV Alumni members. The presentation consisted of parts of their PhD research. Norazilawati presented her PhD thesis finding regarding 'Penilaian Semula Konsep Pengurusan Kualiti Makanan Halalan Tayyiban' (Re-Evaluation of the Halalan Tayyiban Food Quality Management Concept) while Fazleen presented her draft PhD thesis proposal regarding 'Pengurusan Jaringan Bekalan Hijau Berteraskan Islam'  (Islamic-based Green Supply Chain Management).

ISDEV Alumni, Dr.Teuku Meldi Kesuma (left) and lecturers from Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh giving some tips, ideas and suggestions of improvement on their PhD writings.

ISDEV lecturer with ISDEV Alumni conducted a lecture regarding "Pengurusan Insaniah Berteraskan Islam"
(Islamic-based Quality Human Management).

ISDEV delegates took the opportunity to explore the historic sites at Banda Aceh.

On 19 February 2017, it was time to explore and know about Banda Aceh pre and post tsunami. ISDEV delegates had the opportunity to visit and explore historic sites which were cruelly inundated by the colossal tidal wave, the tsunami on 26 December, 2004. The four places they were brought to visit were:

1. Kapal PLTD Apung

2. Museum Tsunami Aceh

3. Kapal Tsunami Lampulo

4. Pantai Lampuuk and Masjid Rahmatullah

ISDEV delegates ready to take off and fly back to Pulau Pinang.

A GLIMPSE OF WAQF ISDEV ROAD TOUR 2016

The ISDEV Education Waqf poster.

Wakaf Pendidikan ISDEV (ISDEV Education Waqf) was launched in 2015. As part of the endeavour to share with the USM fraternity to be an integral part of the benevolent act on a regular basis (istiqamah) as highly recommended in Islam, through Waqf, a special task force, the Waqf ISDEV Team was set up. One of the main objectives of the Waqf ISDEV team was to conduct a road tour to all Schools and Centres within USM to enlighten all staff of USM on the existence of Wakaf Pendidikan ISDEV (Waqf ISDEV) as well as to encourage and remind them to reap the benefits of contributing to waqf as the rewards of waqf spans not only in this life but continues until the Hereafter. For the year 2016, four Waqf ISDEV Road Tour were successfully completed with a very promising outcome. Alhamdulillah.

Waqf ISDEV team at the School of Management.

Waqf ISDEV team at the School of Social Sciences.

The first trip of the Waqf ISDEV Road Tour 2016 started with the School of Management and School of Social Sciences. It was done on 20 May 2016. This tour aims to educate and inform USM staff of what Waqf ISDEV is all about and the purpose of its launch. Waqf ISDEV is an endowment scheme operated by the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) while the fund is under the direct purview of USM Foundation under its endowment fund branch. The concept of this Waqf ISDEV is based on Mutasyarak (Waqf group) as managed by MAINPP.

ISDEV Waqf team at the Graduate School of Business

Waqf ISDEV team at the School of Communication.

The second trip of the Waqf tour was at the Graduate School of Business and School of Communication which took place on 24 May 2017. The purpose of collecting Waqf fund is to utilize the fund fully for the welfare of Islam and the distribution of its revenue or usufruct (Manfaat) will be used for ISDEV research, in addition to utilizing the fund for Muslims through social assistance, education, natural disasters, health, human capital development and so on. They are two ways in collecting the Waqf ISDEV fund. The first is through the purchase of Waqf ISDEV Coupons (in the denominations of RM5. RM10 and RM50 per piece). The second is through monthly salary deductions of USM staff who had voluntarily opted to be included in this scheme.

Waqf ISDEV Coupons

Waqf ISDEV team at the School of Art.

The third Waqf tour was at the School of Art which was on 27 May 2016. Based on the Waqf tour conducted, 61 USM staff had voluntarily opted to join in the monthly deduction salary scheme to contribute regularly towards Waqf ISDEV. Within the first three months, just from this salary deductions, the collection stood at RM 3,980.00.

Waqf ISDEV team at the School of Mathematical Sciences

The last Waqf tour in the year 2016 was at the School of Mathematical Sciences which was on 7 July 2016. As of 7 July, 2016 based on the two methods of collection for Waqf ISDEV,  the collection stood at RM 70,675.00. Alhamdulillah, as of 16 February, 2017 the Waqf ISDEV collection figure has increased to RM 87,505.00.

 For further information on Waqf ISDEV, you can directly contact:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria Bahari                                 Mrs. Nurul Farhana Che Hasan
ISDEV Director                                                          ISDEV Social Research Officer
04- 653 2656/3422                                                   04- 653 2799

Thank you dear participants of Waqf ISDEV! May Allah SWT reward your generosity in this world as well as in the Hereafter. Aamiin.

A NAS A WEEK - 22 JUMADA AL-AWWAL 1438

So when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy [al-A'raaf, 7:204].

THE 9TH ANNUAL LECTURE SERIES ON CONTEMPORARY ISLAM IN MALAYSIA

This is for keeps - a group photo of the Norwegian students with the two invited speakers and ISDEV members. 

On 8 February 2017, a total of 14 undergraduate students from Agder University, Norway, were at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to participate in the 9th Annual Lecture Series on Contemporary Islam in Malaysia organized by ISDEV. It was an annual occasion resulting from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between USM and Agder University in 2007.

Guests from Adger University of Norway, Prof. Levi Geir Eidhamar with the panels Dr. Mohd. Fauzi of IKSIM and Prof. Dr. Mohd Omar, School of Technology Industry, USM.

The first session started with the topic on 'The Contemporary Issues of Islam in Malaysia" delivered by Professor Omar Abd Kadir, from the School of Industrial Technology, USM. In his speech, he elaborated the meaning of Islam which is derived from the Arabic root word meaning "peace" and "submission". It is the same Arabic root word that gives us "Assalaamualaikum", ("Peace be open you"), the universal Muslims greeting. He added that Islam teaches that one can only find peace in one's life by submitting to Almighty Allah SWT in heart, soul and deeds.

In action - Dr. Azreen Hamiza the MC for the event.

In the second session, there were two topics discussed on the "Issues Pertaining to the Special Position of the Bumiputra" and "Conversion to Islam in the Context of Human Rights Within Malaysia" by Dr Mohd Fauzi Shaffie, the General Manager of Institute for Strategic Studies of Islam Malaysia (IKSIM). In his conclusion of the first topic which is on issues pertaining to the special position of the Malays and other Bumiputra, it may be said that the Malays are, as history has shown, the natives of this region of the world, known as the Nusantara and in particular, this land that we are all presently on, known as Tanah Melayu. Malays were once a great people who built multiple empires that prospered throughout the centuries. On the advent of Western imperialism, in particular British colonial rule, Malays, while still inhabiting this land, were rendered poor economically due to the divide and rule and the import of Chinese and Indian immigrants by the British. The Chinese and Indians became citizens, the Malays in Malaya and subsequently Malaysia, though having a special position under the Federal Constitution, only had 2.4% equity in the economy, which led to the 1969 racial riots. 

Prof. Dr. Mohd Omar and Dr. Mohd. Fauzi in action while the students of Adger University of Norway participated in Q & A session.

Meanwhile, on the second topic for minors whose religions are converted by their converting parents, the position is not straightforward. Conflicting legal decisions have been made on the rights of a parent to unilaterally or otherwise convert the religion of his or her children, and this has been made all the more challenging given that under Article 121(1A), civil courts have no jurisdiction on matters coming within the purview of Syariah courts, which include divorce, custody, and conversion.

WELCOME MISDEV16.2 STUDENTS!

Group photo of ISDEV lecturers with ISDEV new and existing students.

For the second time ISDEV accepted a second batch of intake for its Master in Social Science (Islamic Development Management) programme. A positive indication that this three semesters' mixed-mode course work programme is well known and well received. Thus, ISDEV welcomes the new batch of students on 7 February 2017 at Lecture Hall A (DKA), School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). 11 new students were accepted to pursue their Masters (Mixed-Mode) for the academic year 2016/2017 Semester II. In continuation of ISDEV tradition, this new batch of students is collectively known as MISDEV16.2.

A successful welcome ceremony for MISDEV 16.2 students was conducted by ABI. Eleven students had successfully registered for this semester. As an introduction to ISDEV traditions, the ceremony started with the recitation of the 99 Names of Allah SWT (Asma ul Husna). This welcome ceremony is intended as the platform for new students to get to know better about ISDEV lecturers, administrative staff, and USM itself.

ISDEV Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria delivering his mandate to MISDEV16.2 students.

Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari in his welcoming speech to the new students advised MISDEV16.2 to start with the right intention by being more committed to their studies and at the same time to remember at all times the sacrifices made by their parents in supporting their studies. He also added that, it is a MUST to have parents' blessings in order to succeed in dunia and akhirat.

One of the parents of MISDEV16.2 student asking a question regarding the procedure for the payment of fees.

Haji Osman, father to Rabiatul Adawiyah, one of MISDEV16.2 students, participated in the question and answer session. As a parent, he agreed with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria's speech pertaining to one of the responsibilities of a child, be it a daughter or a son, which is to make her or his parents proud, is to succeed excellently in their studies. Besides that, he also agreed with Dr. Zakaria's statement that the learning process is a continuing process that only ends with the advent of death and with the right ilm (knowledge) coupled with the proper attitude, it can save people from hell in the hereafter.

Assoc. Prof Dr. Zakaria introducing all ISDEV lectures and administrative staff.

In the Ta'aruf Session (or Orientation Programme) for MISDEV16.2 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria gave a brief general overview of the structure of ISDEV, the courses to be attended to by MISDEV16.2 students, introduced ISDEV lecturers and administrative staff as well as the manners and conduct that should be adhered to whilst studying at ISDEV.

MISDEV16.2 students Ahlan Wa Sahlan to ISDEV family!

A NAS A WEEK - 15 JUMADA AL AWWAL 1438

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The believer does not taunt others, he does not curse others, he does not use profanity, and he does not abuse others.” [Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1977]

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR ZAKARIA DELIVERS HIS FIRST DIRECTOR'S TARBIYYAH

As usual, ISDEV fraternity would gather at least once a month to meet for the Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV (ISDEV Director's Tarbiyyah) as well as the ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision. It is his first Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV for Associate Professor Dr Zakaria Bahari since his appointment as ISDEV Director on 1 January, 2017. This month's programme held on Monday, 23 January 2017, took place at Lecture Hall A (DKA), School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. More than 50 ISDEV members consisting of ISDEV lecturers and students attended this monthly meet. This month's supervision was divided into three sessions.

The First Session - The Monthly Graduate Supervision in session.

The first session started at 9.30am with the ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision on the topic of  Past Research & Literature Review. Dr. Shereeza Mohamed Saniff, ISDEV Honorary Lecturer, shared her knowledge and experience regarding this topic. In her lecture, she mentioned that past research and literature review serve four main purposes. First is to identify the existing and non-existing research and literature. Second is to highlight the lacuna or gap in research and literature. Third is to provide the grounds of justification of your research's important and fourth to serve as the platform for the build up of your research's conceptual framework. She stressed that Literature Review is of importance because it represents a systematic reading, knowledge and analysis in identifying the research gap that need to be addressed and resolved. Thus stressing the need for the research to be embarked upon.

Dr. Shahir Akram and Prof. Syukri shared they seven-day experience in Vietnam. 

The second session continued with a sharing session. In this session Dr Shahir and Prof Syukri shared their in doing their research. Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan and Prof. Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh talked about their fieldwork in Vietnam which started from 16 January, 2017 until 22 January. 2017. Their recent represented the second stage of the CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) research fieldwork which was focused to gather more information on Leadership in Islamic Service Management. They have accomplished their mission in collecting the relevant data as well as successfully organising a one-day seminar on Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Leadership Awareness in collaboration with Education Malaysia, Ho Chi Minh City and Islamic Tourism Malaysia.

Part of ISDEV family who celebrate their birthday

Then, a simple birthday celebration took place right after the research experience sharing session. This brief session was conducted by Ahli Bersekutu ISDEV (ABI). For this occasion, the celebration is for ISDEV members who are celebrating their birthdays from the month of September 2016 until January 2017.

Simple yet meaningful - the first Tarbiyah Pengarah by Dr. Zakaria 

The third session started at 11.00am with the “Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV” series delivered by ISDEV New Director, Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria. He began his address with a simple topic but one that has a profound meaning to ISDEV family on Taqwa Asas Kekuataan ISDEV (Taqwa is the core to ISDEV Strength). The topic touched on what is the meaning of Taqwa (Piety), The Characteristics of Those who are Pious, the Advantages of Those who are Pious and the Impact of Piety on ISDEV.

This time Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria stressed the importance of ‘Taqwa’ (piety) as one of the elements to succeed for the Muslims. In supporting his points, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria presented various definition and explained in detail the meaning of Taqwa. Taqwa comes from the root word Waqi', Yaqi, and Waqiyah, which bears the meaning of fear, maintain, preserve and protect. In simple words Taqwa is following what is commanded by Allah SWT and leave what is forbidden.

In addition Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria also capped off his talk with the characteristic of those who are pious. He touched on the 5 Islamic Pillars (Rukun Islam). Before he ended his talk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria shared that by making Taqwa core to ISDEV's strength, it will contribute to a number of positive outcomes such as there is unity and brotherly love, uniformity in thoughts, actions and understanding, diligence, ease of organizing various activities and gaining more knowledge in all form that are being experienced and felt among and within ISDEV members .

CLMV: SEMINAR ON MUSLIM-FRIENDLY HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP AWARENESS

Mission Accomplished - Three ISDEV delegates at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam successfully achieved their mission towards the CLMV research fieldwork. From right, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri, Dr. Azreen Hamiza and Dr. Shahir Akram.

Alhamdulillah, praise is indeed to Allah SWT as three ISDEV delegates safely arrived at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to continue the second stage of the CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) research fieldwork to gather more information on Leadership in Islamic Service Management. Led by Dr Shahir Akram Hassan, the members of the entourage were Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Dr Azreen Hamiza Abdul Aziz. The research fieldwork started from 16 January until 22 January, 2017. Besides ISDEV, this trip also involved the Education Malaysia office as well as Islamic Tourism Centre in organising a one day seminar on Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Leadership Awareness. ISDEV delegates went straight into their data collection endeavours on their very first day - the interview with the owner of Haji Osman Restaurant.

Services providers - Interview sessions with restaurant owners and travel agencies in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. From top, Haji Osman Restaurant, Bismillah Tours and Travel, Musa Kareem Restaurant and Hjh Basiroh Restaurant.

On the second day, three interviews were conducted, all in the afternoon. First was with the owner of Hjh Basiroh Restaurant, followed by the employees of Bismillah Tours and Travel and finally the owners of Musa Kareem Restaurant, Musa Kareem and his wife Sara. There were so much input received from the services providers during the interview sessions. The next session continue later in the afternoon with visit to selected hotels nearby such as Saigon Pink 2 Hotel, Alagon Western Hotel as well Ngan Ha Hotel. The interviews aim to enhance second stage of the CLMV research fieldwork in promoting knowledge transfer with the intention of expanding the information towards Muslim-Friendly hospitality services.

Hoteliers - ISDEV delegates posed after the interview sessions with representatives of Saigon Pink 2 Hotel and Mr. Anthony, the Manager of Alagon Western Hotel, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

The day continued with the visit to Education Malaysia office for the discussion and preparations for the intended Seminar on Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Leadership Awareness with the Director of Education Malaysia, Cik Normala Baharudin. The Education Malaysia office located at the Consulate General of Malaysia was the venue for the seminar held on 18 January, 2017. In addition, ISDEV delegates also held a discussion with Dr Azrul, Director (Research and Planning) Islamic Tourism Centre, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, as the co-organiser for the Seminar on Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Leadership Awareness organised by ISDEV under the CLMV Project.

At Education Malaysia Office - The discussion and preparation for the seminar by ISDEV delegates and Education Malaysia.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Below are some more pictures on the delegates' busy schedule throughout this trip:-

Interview with Encik Abdul Rahman (right), who hails from Pulau Pinang, the owner of Restoran Kampung Pandan.

Contribution of KAFA (Kelas Asas Fardhu 'Ain) books to Ustaz Musa Principal of Madrasah An-Nur who is also the Deputy Village Head of Kampong Anwar, District 8 Ho Chi Minh City, accompanied by his son-in-law, Ustaz Ahmad.

Dr Azrul of the Islamic Tourism Centre, Ministry of Culture and Tourism Malaysia conducting the seminar

ISDEV lecturer, Dr Azreen Hamiza's turn to conduct the one-day seminar.

A group photo with the participants of the Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Awareness Seminar.

Sites visits on hospitality service providers and hospitality-related products inHo Chi Minh City

A NAS A WEEK - 8 JUMADA AL AWWAL 1438

Say, "The knowledge is only with Allah , and I am only a clear warner." [al-Mulk, 67:26]

MURNI AND NORHIDAYAH CONTINUE THE TALLY OF GRADE 1 IN VIVA VOCE

Murni Yusoff posed before her viva voce

Alhamdulillah and praise is only to Allah SWT. The first viva voce for 2017 was held on Tuesday morning on 24 January 2017 at the C23, Conference Room of the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The first session of viva voce was for RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) student who is also ISDEV ASTS (Academic Staff Training Scheme), Murni Yusoff. She had successfully defended her PhD thesis on Relationship Marketing Approach in Malaysian Takaful Companies: An Investigation from Islamic-Based Relationship Marketing Approach. Murni Yusoff has added the tally to ISDEV record of “Excellent PhD Thesis”.

Murni in action during her viva voce with do'a and backing of friends who stayed behind to support and motivate her

Her viva was held in the morning and was smooth flowing throughout. She showed her mastery of the subject and research as she was able to answer the questions posed to her rather matter-of-factly yet in the most relaxed mannerism possible exuding her strong grasp of her research throughout the viva. This had surely impressed her examiners. They also had unanimously agreed to award her with the highest, Scale "1".

Murni's Board of Examiners for her viva voce.

The chairperson for the Board of Examiners was Prof. Dr. Irfan Naufal Umar from the Centre For Instructional Technology and Multimedia (PTPM), USM. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Mustafa Omar Mohammed from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) was the external examiner. Her two internal examiners are Dr. Fadzilah Azni Ahmad and Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh while her main supervisor is ISDEV Director, Associate Professor Dr Zakaria Bahari.

Posing for the camera - ISDEV members after performing solat hajat prior to Murni Yusoff and Hidayah Marzuki viva.

Alhamdulillah, on the same day, once again another RISDEV student added the excellent record to ISDEV when Norhidayah Marzuki was also awarded with a Scale 1 in her viva voce regarding her research on The Method of Leadership and Strategic Planning in Quality Management of Islamic Development Institutions.

Norhidayah, another RISDEV student continues the tally of Grade 1 in viva voce

Norhidayah's viva voce was held in the afternoon on the same day. Hidayah with full of motivation and spirit impressed all the examiners by answering and performing outstandingly in her viva voce. The passion and will to excellently defend her PhD thesis was clearly displayed by her mannerism and determination during the viva. Hidayah who admired both her supervisor Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad and her co-supervisor Dr Mohd Shukri Hanapi, said that they were the reason that influenced her to get Scale 1 as she was determed to follow their steps in conducting a good research.

Calm and energetic was the positive vibe shown by Hidayah Marzuki during her viva voce

The chairperson for the Board of Examiners was Prof. Dr. Jamilah Ahmad from the School of Communication, USM. In the meantime, Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosli who acted as the Acting Director was also the substitute for external examiner since Prof. Dr. Engku Ahmad Zaki Engku Alwi of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) could not be present at the viva with the permission from the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), USM. The two internal examiners were Dr. Zahri Ahmad and Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. The chairperson of the viva voce, Prof. Dr. Jamilah Ahmad, announced that Hidayah passed her viva with flying colours and has added the tally to ISDEV records of “Excellent PhD Thesis”.

Hidayah's Board of Examiners for her viva

Congratulations Murni and Norhidayah!