RESEARCH WORKSHOP BY ISDEV LECTURERS @ UniSHAMS

The participants at the research workshop conducted by ISDEV lecturers.

On  17 January, 2019, four ISDEV lecturers were in Kuala Ketil, Kedah Darul Aman to fulfill the invitation from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'azam Shah (UniSHAMS). They were there to conduct the Bengkel Penyelidikan Kualitatif (Qualitative Research Workshop).

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zakaria.

The research workshop was well attended by the 50 postgraduate students including UniSHAMS lecturers who were pursuing their studies at the PhD level. The four lecturers were ISDEV Director, Dr Shahir Akram Hassan, ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, Associate Professor Dr Zakaria Bahari and Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad. 

ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr Wan Norhaniza.

Assoc. Prof Dr Zakaria lectured on the Structure of a Thesis while Dr Wan Norhaniza's lecture was on Research Design.

ISDEV Director, Dr Shahir Akram.

Dr Shahir Akram presented on Data Collection and Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad spoke on Data Analysis Introduction to Atlas.ti. All lectures were conducted in the Malay Language.

A ANAS A WEEK - 22 JAMADIL AWWAL 1440

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “O Allah, benefit me with what you have taught me, teach me what will benefit me, and increase my knowledge. All praise is due to Allah in every circumstance and I seek refuge in Allah from the condition of the people of the Hellfire.” [Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3599. Grade: Hasan (fair) according to At-Tirmidhi]

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ وَأَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ حَالِ أَهْلِ النَّارِ

[3599 سنن الترمذي كِتَاب الدَّعَوَاتِ ثلاثة لا ترد دعوتهم الصائم حتى يفطر والإمام العادل ودعوة المظلوم]

[قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ]

Source (Credit To):

https://abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2013/01/24/hadith-on-knowledge-o-allah-teach-me-what-will-benefit-me-and-benefit-me-from-what-i-learn/

 

ISDEV PLAYS HOST TO STUDENTS FROM NORWAY

An all meaningful engagement between ISDEV members and her guests from Norway.

The Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) was host to 37 undergraduate students led by Professor Dr. Levi Geir Eidhamar from the University of Agder, Norway. They were here at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on Tuesday, 22 January, 2019 for the 11th Annual Lecture Series on Contemporary Islam in Malaysia. It was part of the students' learning experience to know and understand about various religions that exist in this world. 

The Norwegian students diligently writing down some notes from the lecture.

For 11 consecutive years, Prof Levi has continuously brought his students to ISDEV to have an insight and learn more about Islam as a religion and the issues that Muslims are facing contemporaneously especially here in Malaysia. As usual, there were two lectures lined-up for ISDEV guests from Norway as well as for ISDEV members.

Ustaz Dr Mohammad Nidzam, a TV personality as well.

The first lecture was given by Ustaz Dr Mohammad Nidzam bin Abdul Kadir from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) who is the author of "Fiqah Hubungan Etnik". His session started a little after 9:30am, after the usual opening with the nasyeed of the 99 beautiful names of Allah SWT followed by the recitation of Ummu al-kitab al-Fatihah and a doa recital. Dr Mohammad Nidzam, who appears regularly on various TV religious programmes, spoke on the "The Fiqh of Ethnic Relations" to the audience.

A very captivating and engaging talk by Tuan Haji Kamarudin.

The second lecture was by Tuan Haji Kamarudin bin Abdullah, President and Founder of Islamic Propagation Society International (IPSI). With a title on "An Islamic Insight on the Unity of Mankind", a seasoned speaker and well-known Islamic figure in disseminating information and the truth about Islam, himself being a revert to Islam at the age of 18, was able to get the audience involved by sharing his knowledge and experience. His organization, IPSI, also made it a point to distribute to everyone from Norway a copy of "The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an".

The halaqah-like session held in the masjid.

After lunch, ISDEV guests from Norway were then brought to Masjid Al Malik Khalid, USM to witness how do Muslims go about with their obligatory prayers in a jema'ah (congregationally). Zuhur was at 1:32pm that day and so they arrived at the masjid well before time. The male students had a halaqah-like session after seeing how the Muslims establish their solat zuhur.

A RISDEV student (left) helping one of the students with the headscarf.

In the meantime, the female students were helped in donning the headscarf and some even wore the jubah (long dresses) that were provided by RISDEV (ISDEV postgraduate by research) students. Prof Levi commented that ISDEV had "made a fantastic programme, and I really look forward to come back next year! Thanks on behalf of all the students". The feeling is so mutual, Prof Levi. ISDEV too looks forward to hosting you, with your new batch of students, for the 12th time, in shaa Allah (with Allah SWT will) next year.

Inspired by Surah al-Hujurat verse 13: From different cultures and religions - a way to get to know one another better.

ISDEV GRADUATE DISCOURSE: ALIF GETS THROUGH

All smiles for Ahmad Nazrul Alif, wearing a blue shirt, before defending his PhD research proposal

This month's ISDEV Graduate Discourse took place on Friday 18 January, 2019 at ISDEV Resource Room. At 9:30am sharp, after the usual opening with the nasyeed of the 99 beautiful names of Allah SWT followed by the recitation of Ummu al Kitab, al-Fatihah, RISDEV (ISDEV postgraduate by research) student, Ahmad Nazrul Alif bin Yahya, presented his PhD proposal before ISDEV members.

A much relieved Alif when he received the final verdict.

Ahmad Nazrul Alif's research interest is on the Mekanisme Bantuan Rakyat Dari Perspektif Tasawur Ekonomi Islam (The Public Assistance Mechanism from the Islamic Economic Worldview Perspective). Dr Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, ISDEV Deputy Director, is his supervisor while Dr Murni Yusoff evaluated his written proposal PhD thesis. 

Some female RISDEV students took  the opportunity to ask Alif to clarify his PhD research endeavours further.

After receiving much input both from other RISDEV students and ISDEV lecturers, Alif was grateful when he received the good tidings that he could proceed to embark on his PhD research proper. However all suggestions, comments and amendments given that day were to be rectified after due consultation with his supervisor.

Congratulations Alif.

A NAS A WEEK - 15 JAMADIL AWWAL 1440

"There has already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met (in combat): one was fighting in the cause of Allah the other resisting Allah; these saw with their own eyes twice their number. But Allah doth support with His aid whom He pleaseth. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see."  ^{352   353} [Translation of Ali 'Imran, 3:13 by Abdullah Yusuf Ali].

Notes:

352 - This refers to the battle of Badr in Ramadhan in the second year of the Hijra. The little exiled community of Makkan Muslims, with their friends in Madinah had organised themselves into a God-fearing community, but were constantly in danger of being attacked by their Pagan enemies of Makkah in alliance with some of the disaffected elements (Jews and Hypocrites) in or near Madinah itself. The design of the Makkans was to gather all the resources they could, and with an overwhelming force, to crush and annihilate Muhammad and his party. To this end Abu Sufyan was leading a richly-laden caravan from Syria to Makkah. He called for armed aid from Makkah, The battle was fought in the plain of Badr, about 150 kilometers south-west of Madinah. The Muslim force consisted of only about 313 men, mostly ill-armed, but they were led by Muhammad, and they were fighting for their Faith. The Makkan army, well-armed and well-equipped, numbered over a thousand and had among its leaders some of the most experienced warriors of Arabia, including Abu Jahl, the inveterate foe and persecutor of Islam. Against all odds the Muslims won a brilliant victory, and many of the enemy leaders, including Abu Jahl, were killed.

353 - It was impossible, without the miraculous aid of Allah, for such a small and ill-equipped force as was the Muslim band, to defeat the large and well-found force of the enemy. But their Faith, firmness, zeal, and discipline won them divine aid. Enemy prisoners stated that the enemy ranks saw the Muslim force to be many times larger than it was.

Compare Translations:

Source (Credit To):

http://www.alim.org/library/quran/ayah/compare/3/13

A FANTASTIC SHARING SESSION BY USTAZ WAN ZIKRI

A gem of sharing session by Ustaz Wan Zikri Qamaruddin.

ISDEV was bestowed with one exceptional guest on Tuesday 8 January, 2019 for the weekly Tuesday Study Session. ISDEV had a pleasant surprise when Ustaz Wan Zikri Qamaruddin agreed to fulfil the invitation by ISDEV Founder, Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, to drop by at ISDEV that day after the zuhur congregation prayers. Ustaz Wan Zikri was brought to ISDEV Rseource Room at 3:00pm for the sharing session with ISDEV members after the usual opening made by the Chairperson of that day, Dr Azrin Ibrahim.

Some of ISDEV (male) students that were fortunate to hear first hand Ustaz Wan Zikri's account of his past.

Ustaz Wan Zikri started the session by sharing about his past and the routes he took to learn in depth the Arabic Language and Islam generally. That passion to learn and know about Islam and to fill in the void he felt within him post SPM days at MRSM, brought him to a few countries in the Middle East such as to Egypt and Jordan. After obtaining his bachelor degree, he came back with a strong commitment to give back to MRSM and thus applied for a job. Alhamdulillah he was offered a position, and the rest, they say is history. 

Rapt in attention to ensure that all the formula Ustaz Wan Zikri shared are stored safely.

As the current Director of the Ulu Al-Bab Centre is Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Perak Ustaz Zikri also shared a few formula by using acronyms. The four roles that all Muslims must play which is AADK ('Abid, 'Alim, 'Dai and Khalifah), the formula towards memorizing the Quran (BIFFAS), DUIT (Do'a, Usaha, Istiqamah and Tawakkal) and many more. 

All smiles as everyone agreed it was truly a great sharing session.

He made special mention that the 8 January, 2019 marked the 20 years that the IMTIAZ School of Excellence (the first to introduce the Ulu Al-Bab education system) was established with seven students back then. These pioneers of the school are known as the Ashabul Al-Kahfi. 

Dr Wan Norhaniza, ISDEV Deputy Director, presenting a token of appreciation to Ustaz Wan Zikri.

A truly inspiring sharing session that somehow one needs to be there to capture it all. Truly, as well, a wonderful sharing session.Thank you Ustaz Wan Zikri.

HANDOVER CEREMONY - CONGRATULATIONS DR SHAHIR AKRAM

3 generations of ISDEV Directors.

On 4th January, 2019, ISDEV fraternity bears witness to the Handover Ceremony of ISDEV directorship from Associate Professor Dr Zakaria Bahari to its new Director, Dr Shahir Akram Hassan. The ceremony started at 10:00 was held at ISDEV Resource Room with Live Streaming that was posted in ISDEV USM Facebook.  

A rather relaxed Assoc. Prof. Dr Zakaria throughout the handover ceremony.

Dr Sukainah, as the then Deputy Director of  ISDEV, was the first to be invited to give her speech. It was then followed by ISDEV 2nd Director, Associate Professor Dr Zakaria to be followed by his inaugural speech as the newly appointed ISDEV Director, Dr Shahir Akram Hassan.  

ISDEV's gratitude to Dr Fadzila Azni's unwavering commitment as ISDEV Deputy Director.

In his speech as the current Director of ISDEV, Dr Shahir Akram spoke of three things. The first was for ISDEV members to establish solat hajat (the prayer of specific invocation) three nights in a row. Second was to secure, upgrade and maintain foundational acts of worship (ibadah asas) especially on the five obligatory prayers a day. The third was for ISDEV members to move based on clusters or the six areas of specialisation that Dr Shahir has identified. Dr Shahir also announced the establishment of the Majlis Syuyuh (equivalent to the Council of Elders) whose members are Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Assoc. Prof. Dr Zakaria Bahari.

Dr Shahir Akram Hassan - current ISDEV Director.

After Dr Shahir's speech, ISDEV Founder and its 1st Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh was invited to give his. Prof. Syukri started his speech by stating his observation of the calm and cool atmosphere of the handover ceremony. Alhamdulillah no conflict and no tensions felt. He iterated his support and confidence in Dr Shahir leading ISDEV who, to Prof Syukri, has all the three qualities of an 'Abid (a servant), an 'Alim (the one with knowledge) and a Da'i (the one who invites to Islam).

A lovely gift from ISDEV students for Assoc. Prof Dr Zakaria.

After that it was time to present tokens of heartfelt gratitude to both Assoc. Prof Dr Zakaria Bahari and Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad from ISDEV academic staff, supporting staff as well as ISDEV students. ISDEV members were treated to a buffet lunch after the ceremony ended.

A surprise cake from ISDEV students for both Assoc. Prof. Dr Zakaria and Dr Fadzila Azni.

Thank you Assoc. Prof. Dr Zakaria Bahari and Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad. Congratulations Dr Shahir Akram Hassan.

A NAS A WEEK - 7 JAMADIL AWWAL 1440

Abu Burda reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sent Mu’adh and himself to Yemen and he said, “Make things easy and do not make things difficult. Give glad tidings and do not repel people. Cooperate with each other and do not become divided.” [Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2873, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1733. Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

عن أبي بردة أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بَعَثَهُ وَمُعَاذًا إِلَى الْيَمَنِ فَقَالَ يَسِّرَا وَلَا تُعَسِّرَا وَبَشِّرَا وَلَا تُنَفِّرَا وَتَطَاوَعَا وَلَا تَخْتَلِفَا

2873 صحيح البخاري كتاب الجهاد والسير باب ما يكره من التنازع والاختلاف في الحرب وعقوبة من عصى إمامه]

[1733 صحيح مسلم كتاب الجهاد والسير باب في الأمر بالتيسير وترك التنفير

Source (Credit To):

https://abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2013/12/11/hadith-on-dawah-give-glad-tidings-make-it-easy-and-remain-united/

IT'S THE MAJLIS RESTU ILMU FOR MISDEV 17.1

The male students seeking blessings and doa (prayers )from ISDEV lecturers.

It is time to bid farewell to MISDEV17.1 (ISDEV Postgraduate Mixed-mode) students as this semester comes to a close. True to ISDEV traditions, the juniors, MISDEV17.2 students, have successfully organised the Majlis Restu Ilmu (Knowledge Blessing Ceremony) on Friday 28 December, 2018 at 11:30am to signify the near to completion of MISDEV17.1 students Mixed-mode Master's programme at ISDEV.

Dr Fadzila Azni, ISDEV Deputy Director then, giving her sisterly reminder to MISDEV17.1 students.

The simple and humble ceremony was held at ISDEV Resource Room. It started with a short speech by the then ISDEV Director, Associate Professor Dr Zakaria Bahari followed by a gentle reminder from the then ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad as well as a fatherly advise from ISDEV Founder Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh. For MISDEV17.1, Tuan Haji Tawfeek Badjenid, as the cohort's representative gave a speech of utmost gratitude to ISDEV lecturers and gratefulness to Allah SWT as they were close to completing their studies.

MISDEV17.1 representative, Tuan Haji Tawfeek or fondly known as "uncle" to his course mates.

After all the words that flow freely from the hearts of lecturers and students, it was time for MISDEV17.1 students to get hold of all ISDEV lecturers, who have touched not only their minds through the paradigm shifts that this master programme offers but also their hearts with the realisation that there is still so much to be done and can be done to strive to glorify Allah SWT. It was an emotional moment as all students sought blessings as well as forgiveness before proceeding to the next stage of their lives - post Master in Islamic Development Management.

Fi Amanillah MISDEV17.1 students. Praying that you are always in Allah SWT care.  Aamiin.

THE FINAL TARBIYAH FROM ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR ZAKARIA

Associate Professor Dr Zakaria Bahari

28 December, 2018 was the last Friday for the year. It also signified the last Friday that Associate Professor Dr Zakaria held the helm of ISDEV as its Director. Before relinquishing his task as the Director of ISDEV on 1 January, 2019, the monthly Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV was held on that day. 

The Reminder - Back to the Self

In his final Tarbiyah Pengarah ISDEV, Associate Professor Dr Zakaria reminded ISDEV academic staff, supporting staff as well as all students on the importance of striving to excel (mujahadah) and the need to reflect upon (muhasabah) where one is to be able to go to a higher level. He shared on the accomplishments of ISDEV in meeting with the standards set by the top management of the university and the challenges to be faced especially by the new management of ISDEV. At the end of the day, he reminded that the final and everlasting abode is the Hereafter. So in whatever we do, be mindful at all times of the call of our everlasting abode - the Hereafter.

A NAS A WEEK - 1 JAMADIL AWWAL 1440

Thou wilt indeed find them of all people most greedy of life even more than the idolaters; each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years; but the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment for Allah sees well all that they do [Translation of al-Baqarah, 2:96 by Abdullah Yusuf Ali].

Compare Translations:

Source (Credit To):

http://www.alim.org/library/quran/ayah/compare/2/96

"YES" TO THE NEXT STAGE FOR 5 RISDEV STUDENTS

Ibrahim Ghani from Nigeria presenting his PhD proposal.

From the back to back ISDEV Graduate Discourse programme that took place on 27 December 2018 and 28 December 2018, five RISDEV (ISDEV by Research Mode) students received the consent to proceed to the next stage of their theses. The programme was held at ISDEV Resource Room, ISDEV Building (D04), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). 

A quantitative type of research, Muhammad Syukri Jalil shared his PhD research findings.

On the first day, three students presented their research interests. The first was Muhammad Syukri Jalil presenting his draft PhD thesis. His research focus was on the ability of tenants to pay rental of waqf properties in Pulau Pinang and was evaluated by Dr Murni Yusoff.  

A short and very concise presentation on her PhD proposal regarding institutional conflict and the RICO-II model.

Then next in line was Ghani Ibrahim whose proposed PhD research was on the impact of the Islamic financial development with the economic growth of Malaysia. He hopes that his PhD research endeavours could one day help to spur the Islamic financial system back in his country, Nigeria. Dr Azreen Hamiza Abdul Aziz evaluated his proposed PhD thesis. The last to present, for that day, was Norhafiza Abdul Halim on the field of institutional conflicts and the RICO-II (Rahim Organisational Conflict Inventory) model. Dr Shahir Akram Hassan evaluated her proposed PhD thesis.

Nurul Suhada presented her qualitative cum theoretical research on food security

For the second day, Nurul Suhada Ismail presented her draft PhD thesis on food security. Her draft PhD thesis was evaluated by Dr Azreen Hamiza Abdul Aziz.

Nur Aida with presenting her proposed PhD research on the fishermen of Malaysia's knowledge regarding falak. 

Then came Nur Aida Athira's turn to present her PhD thesis proposal on ethno-falak and maritime activities in Malaysia. Her PhD proposal was evaluated by Associate Professor Dr Fatan Hamamah from the School of Distance Education (PPPJJ), USM who also serves as ISDEV Research Fellow.

ISDEV students attending the ISDEV Graduate Discourse programme.

Congratulations to all five RISDEV students!

MIND YOUR REFERENCING FORMAT - THE APA STYLE

The title slide of Dr Wan Norhaniza's lecture.

Just a day after the season's holidays for Christmas, commonly known as Boxing Day, it is back to serious academic writing for ISDEV members. On Wednesday 26 December, 2018, ISDEV Resource Room was packed with ISDEV lecturers and students, all eager to take in some pointers on the latest format in citing and referencing while writing their dissertations and theses. 

All set to start the when Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad (holding the microphone) started the session with the invitation to ISDEV members to begin with the recitation of Ummu al kitab - Surah Al-fatihah. 

The lecture was well delivered by ISDEV lecturer, Dr Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan. Her lecture, on the APA Style (6th edition) for Dissertation and Thesis in ISDEV, was truly beneficial as it helped to quell some uncertainties that was hovering in the minds of the academicians and students alike. The  chairperson throughout the session was Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad.

The students were so absorbed with the lecture on the APA style.

The Q&A session was definitely lively and vibrant as students took the opportunity presented to ask some pertinently pragmatic questions on some of the doubts they faced when citing the materials in their text as well as in the reference list. Alhamdulillah overall the talk was well attended and received. It is definitely hoped there will be no more technical glitches pertaining to referencing and citing in ISDEV students' dissertations and theses. ISDEV students's are reminded to be vigilant and to mind their writing format at all times. May Allah SWT be pleased with the efforts rendered forth. Aamiin.