A NAS A WEEK - 16 SHA'BAN 1429H

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. The Believers must (eventually) win through. [al-Mu'minuun, 23:1]

A NAS A WEEK - 10 SHA'BAN 1429

Narrated Abu Umamah: The Prophet (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said: Those who are nearest to Allah are they who are first to give a salutation. [Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 41: General Behaviour (Kitab al-Adab), Hadith No. 5178]

AGE NO BARRIER FOR COUPLE - THE STAR, 5 AUGUST 2008

AGE NO BARRIER FOR COUPLE

By Ann Tan

RETIRED teacher Ismail Shafiee, 68, does not intend to stay idle during his retirement years and has taken up the challenge of a master’s degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

“My wife Salmiah Mohamad and I do not want to stay at home, watching television and waiting to die,” he quipped when asked why he was continuing his studies at his age.

The couple, who enrolled for a master’s degree in Islamic development management, were among 1,566 postgraduate students taking their oaths at USM’s Dewan Tunku Syed Putra on Saturday.

The couple obtained their first degrees in social science last year. Ismail said he did not enter university when he was young because his priority then was for his children to study until university level. “Now that all my seven children are university graduates, I have finished my ‘family agenda’ and it’s time to pursue my own dream,” he said.

Salmiah, 64, also a retired teacher, said age should not be a barrier for them since getting knowledge is a lifelong process. “When I was young, I was offered a place at university but it was too far from my home so I did not go,” Salmiah said. “When I was in my 30s, I applied to study at USM twice but failed to get in. Then about four years ago, when USM offered a senior citizens’ lifelong learning programme, we decided to apply.

“We also hope to be an inspiration for the young who stopped after their first degree,” she said. Asked whether they had problems following the classes and communicating with their younger course-mates, they said their experience in the education field helped a lot and they could cope with the pressure. However, Ismail said initially they had problems memorising the notes. They also admitted that they were not so skilful in using computers.

USM vice-chancellor Professor Tan Sri Datuk Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said the university was targeting to take in 10,000 postgraduate students by 2010.“We are also aiming to be recognised as an Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) university, which will take this university to a higher level challenge in the global arena,” he said.Dzulkifli said the university was giving incentives for master’s and PhD students who excelled academically.“The university will give them a monthly allowance of RM1,500 to RM3,000 based on their academic performance,” he said (The Star, 5 Ogos 2008, Ms M4, Events)

PREPARING FADZILA AZNI FOR PHD DEFENSE

ISDEV will be preparing its Management Committee Member Fadzila Azni Ahmad (right) for her PhD defense through a mock viva to be held on Friday 15 August 2008. The Chairman of the mock viva will be ISDEV Director Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh while Dr Mohd Zaini Abu Bakar and Dr Zahri Hamat will act as "examiners". The title of her PhD thesis is "Management Methods of Islamic Development Institutions in Malaysia".

Such a mock viva is a normal practice at ISDEV aimed to familiarise graduate students supervised by ISDEV members with viva atmosphere and prepare them with all sorts of answers to questions that may be asked by the real examiners in the real viva.

The real defense is expected to be held on 26 August 2008 at 9.30 am at Institute of Graduate Studies.

A NAS A WEEK - 3 SHA'BAN 1429

They said: "Glory to Thee: of knowledge we have none, save what Thou hast taught us: in truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom." [al-Baqarah, 2: 32]

MARLINA EKAWATY - OUR NEW PHD CANDIDATE

Islamic Development Management Programme (PPI) has another new graduate student, Marlina Ekawaty (left) - a lecturer from Universitas Briwajaya, Malang, Indonesia. She has registered recently as a PhD candidate to work on a research tentatively entitled "Optimizing of Zakat to Increase Public Prosperity". She will be working with Dr Zahri Hamat and Associate Professor Dr Abdul Fatah Che Hamat.

A NAS A WEEK - 25 RAJAB 1429H

Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab from Said ibn al-Musayyab from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A strong person is not the person who throws his adversaries to the ground. A strong person is the person who contains himself when he is angry" [Hadith from Malik's Muwatta', Book No. 47: Good Character, Hadith No. 47.3.12]

ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME HAS 33 GRADUATE STUDENTS NOW

With the establishment of Islamic Development Management Programme (PPI) at the School of Social Sciences recently, eight graduate students (MA and PhD by Research) supervised by ISDEV members were now moved from Development Planning and Management Programme to the new Programme. They were Fadzila Azni Ahmad, Muhammad Tahir, Ekarat Sitisan Fahad, Ahmad Azrin Adnan, Mohd Salleh Abdullah, Raziah Md. Tahir, Suhrawardi and Sukiman. The move were done in order to provide suitable administration, training and guidance for the students.

Apart from the eight students, four new graduate students - Farid Wajdi, Ali Mukti, Datuk Khairil Anwar and Marlina Ekawaty - had registered as new graduate students in the Programme, while another one who had been offered a place, Al-Umry, will be registered soon. Five other applicants for the Programme had also been accepted and will be offered letters of acceptance by Institute of Graduate Studies soon, totalling 18 research students altogether in the Programme.

Beginning July 2008, the Islamic Development Management Programme also manages the Master of Islamic Development Management (Mixed Mode) programme which has 15 students. Such a number of students - 33 altogether - is encouraging indeed, especially for a new Programme such as Islamic Development Management Programme. Enquiries and statements of interest for both the research and mixed programme of the Islamic Development Management Programme are still continously flowing in.

One of the intellectual discourses held for the graduate students

RAZIAH MD. TAHIR REGISTERED AS A PHD STUDENT

Raziah Md. Tahir (left) of the College of Arts and Sciences of Northern University Malaysia has registered as a PhD student of the Department of Islamic Development Management at the School of Social Sciences and appointed as a Research Associate of ISDEV. She is working on the Micro-Credit System of the Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) with special emphasis on the analysis of the "Islamicity" of the AIM's micro-credit system. She is working with Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Dr Zakaria Bahari.

DR ZAHRI HAMAT RECEIVED OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD 2007

Dr Zahri Hamat (left) has been announced as one of the recipient of Outstanding Educator Award of the School of Social Sciences for 2007. He is the second ISDEV member being awarded with the Award, apart from Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh who had been awarded with the Award for fifth consecutive year. The Award was based on their teaching performance as evaluated by students.

A NAS A WEEK - 18 RAJAB 1429

Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and reject not Faith [al-Baqarah, 2:152]

SUHRAWARDI & AZRIN GIVEN GREEN LIGHT TO PURSUE THEIR PHD RESEARCHES

After presenting their PhD Research Proposals on 11 June 2008, Suhrawardi (right) and Ahmad Azrin Adnan (left) were given green light by their Committee of Assessors to pursue their researches. Suhrawardi got the nod to pursue his research on Cash Waqf of Persyarikatan Muhammadiyah of Northern Sumatera, while Azrin on Choice Determinants of Islamic Banking Among Muslim Consumers in Terengganu.

Suhrawardi is currently a Deputy Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) in Medan, Indonesia, while Azrin was a Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Business and Financial Management of the Universiti Darul Iman (UDM) in Terengganu. Both are working for their PhD under the supervision of Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Dr Zakaria Bahari.

A NAS A WEEK - 11 RAJAB 1429H

Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab from Ali ibn Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Part of the excellence of a man's Islam is that he leaves what does not concern him."

[Hadith from Malik's Muwatta', Book No. 47: Good Character, Hadith No. 47.1.3]

A NAS A WEEK - 4 RAJAB 1429

O ye who believe! If ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly. [Muhammad, 47: 7]

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY, NADIA

ISDEV supporting staff Nadia was 22nd years old on 1 July 2008. A feast was held at ISDEV to celebrate her birthday and a special prayer was said by ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow Dr Muhammad Abdullah. A birthday cake was presented by ISDEV Management Committee Member Fadzila Azni Ahmad while foods and fruits were prepared by ISDEV Research Associate Raziah Md Tahir in conjunction with the receipt of payment for her first article on riba' appeared in Dewan Ekonomi. The celebration was done soon after ISDEV Study Session Series on the Methodology of Hadith for Beginners delivered by Dr Muhammad Abdullah.

Nadia cutting her birthday cake witnessed by Fadzila Azni Ahmad while other male ISDEV members (background) are waiting in the next room

15 MASTER OF ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STUDENTS REGISTERED

Out of 21 successful applicants of the Master of Islamic Development Management (MISDEV) programme, 15 have registered yesterday, Thursday 3 July 2008. Such a number is considered as encouraging in view of the fact that this is the first time the programme is offered. The number is at par with other older Master programmes at the School of Social Sciences and in some cases, may be higher than some of them. This excludes the possibility of late registration by the rest of the successful MISDEV applicants as the registration duration is stretched until 18 July 2008.

During the registration yesterday, the students have been introduced to the programme lecturers and briefed by programme Coordinator Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, apart from having breakfast with them and other senior graduate students (by research).

Some of the new students registering for the programme

Briefing by programme Coordinator Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh

Some of male students

FIRST BATCH OF MASTER OF ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STUDENTS REGISTERING FOR THE PROGRAMME

Tomorrow morning, Thursday 3 July 2008, a total of 20 first batch students of the Master of Islamic Development Management are expected to register for the programme. They have been accepted to pursue their graduate study in the field of Islamic Development Management that has been pioneered and initiated by ISDEV. Such a number of students applying and being accepted for a programme that being offered for the first time is encouraging indeed.

The registration will start at 8.30am at ISDEV. This will be followed by breakfast and a briefing and dialogue. Lecturers of the programme as well as graduate students (by research) of the Islamic Development Management Section are expected to join the new students.

The classes of the Master of Islamic Development Management programme will start on the week of Monday 7 July 2008.

A NAS A WEEK - 26 JAMADILAKHIR 1429

Narrated AbuUmamah: The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: If anyone loves for Allah's sake, hates for Allah's sake, gives for Allah's sake and withholds for Allah's sake, he will have perfect faith.

[Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 40: Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah), Hadith No. 4664]

FARID WAJDI REGISTERED FOR HIS PHD

Farid Wajdi of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) is now officially a PhD student of Islamic Development Management Programme at the School of Social Sciences. He registered as a postgraduate student on 11 June 2008 after being accepted to pursue his PhD study on Law, Administration and Implementation of Halal Logo in Northern Sumatera, Indonesia. Farid will be working with ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Management Committee Member Dr Zakaria Bahari.

Pic: Farid Wajdi at ISDEV after registering as a PhD student.

VISITORS FROM PUNJAB UNIVERSITY, PAKISTAN

The visitors in a discussion with ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh

On 18 June 2008, three lecturers from the Department of Islamic Studies, University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan paid a courtesy visit to ISDEV. They were Dr Saad Siddiqui, Dr Muhammad Hammad Lakhvi and Dr Imtiaz Ahmad.

Dr Saad Siddiqui, who is specialising in Research Methodology in Hadith, has been accepted as ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow and will be at ISDEV for a year beginning from October 2008 until October 2009. He will be the second ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow from Pakistan. The first was Dr Muhammad Abdullah from Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan who had joined ISDEV in March this year.

The visit by Dr Saad Siddiqui and his friends to ISDEV was made in conjunction with an international social sciences and humanities graduate conference held in Universiti Sains Malaysia.

From left to right: Lokman, Professor Syukri, Dr Saad Siddiqui, Dr Muhammad Hammad, Dr Muhammad Abdullah, Dr Imtiaz and Mohd Salleh

ISDEV MONTHLY GRADUATE SUPERVISION FOR JULY 2008

ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision for July 2008 will be held on 18 July 2008 (Friday) at 10.30 am at ISDEV, immediately after PhD Proposal Presentation by Mohd Salleh Abdullah. Attendance of all graduate students supervised by ISDEV members is compulsory. Others are also welcome.

PHD PROPOSAL PRESENTATION ON WAQF BY MOHD SALLEH ABDULLAH

ISDEV Research Associate Mohd Salleh Abdullah will be presenting his PhD proposal on 18 July 2008 (Friday) at 9 am at ISDEV. The title of his research is The Management of Waqf Development in Penang: A Case Study of Delivery System of Benefits to Maukuf Alaih. He is working with ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Management Committee Member Dr Zakaria Bahari.

All are cordially invited.

A NAS A WEEK - 19 JAMADILAKHIR 1429

Verily, when He intends a thing, His Command is, "Be", and it is! [Yaa Siin, 36:82]

STUDY SERIES ON METHODOLOGY OF HADITH POSTPONED TO 1 JULY 2008

Due to unavoidable circumstances, ISDEV Study Series on the Methodology of Hadith for Beginners by Dr Muhammad Abdullah will be postponed to TUESDAY 1 JULY 2008 at 3 pm at ISDEV, instead of 24 June 2008 as previously scheduled.

The title of this fourth Series is Introduction to Hadith Literatures.

Many apologies from ISDEV Study Series Secretariat for any inconveniences that may arise from this postponement.

PROF MUHAMMAD SYUKRI SALLEH AWARDED EXCELLENT SERVICE AWARD & OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD 2007

ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh was recently awarded with two awards by the University, firstly the Excellent Service Award and secondly the Outstanding Educator Award for the year 2007.

The first award was given to him on the basis of his academic and administrative performance while the second on the basis of his teaching performance. He was the recepient of the later for the fifth consecutive year since the award was introduced in 2003.

Congratulation, Prof.

ISDEV RECEIVED GUESTS FROM UNIVERSITAS JAYABAYA AND UNIVERSITAS ISLAM JAKARTA

On Tuesday 17 June 2008, ISDEV received guests from two Universities in Jakarta. They were Professor (Emeritus) Dr. H. R. Taufik Sri Soemantri M and Drs Mulyadi Amir, the Rector and Deputy Rector I of Universitas Jayabaya, Jakarta, respectively, and Dr Marhamah Syarief, the Deputy Rector (Academic and Students Affairs) of Universitas Islam Jakarta.

The representatives of both universities were at ISDEV to explore the possibility of co-organizing an international conference in Jakarta, sending their staff to pursue postgraduate studies at ISDEV and arranging academic staff and students exchange programme between ISDEV and their universities.

From left to right, sitting: ISDEV Director Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh & Universitas Jayabaya Rector Professor (Emeritus) Dr H.R. Taufik Sri Soemantri M; standing: Universitas Jayabaya Deputy Rector I Drs Mulyadi Amir & Universitas Islam Jakarta Deputy Rector (Academic and Students Affairs) Dr Marhamah Syarief.

FADZILA AZNI AHMAD APPOINTED AS A LECTURER OF ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

ISDEV Research Associate Fadzila Azni Ahmad has been appointed as a lecturer of Islamic Development Management Programme of the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia beginning 1 April 2008. The Islamic Development Management Programme was established recently following the approval of the University of the Master of Islamic Development Management (Mixed Mode) programme initiated by ISDEV. Fadzila Azni is the first lecturer appointed to the Islamic Development Management Programme.

Fadzila Azni Ahmad is currently at her final stage of her PhD, awaiting to defend her thesis entitled Management Methods of Islamic Development Institutions in Malaysia. She was appointed as the lecturer in view of her outstanding accomplishment in research, writings and publications as well as her commitment in the field of Islamic Development Management since it was introduced at ISDEV 12 years ago. She also has eight years experience as a part-time lecturer at the School of Distance Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Welcome to the field Fadzila Azni!

A NAS A WEEK - 12 JAMADILAKHIR 1429H

Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: He who does not thank Allah does not thank people.

[Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Kitab No. 41: al-Adab, Hadith No. 4793]

A NAS A WEEK - 5 JAMADILAKHIR 1429H

[7] Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it! [8] And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it.

[al-Zalzalah, 99:7-8]

MOHD LOKMAN HAKIM JOINED ISDEV FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING

Mohd Lokman Hakim bin Syed Sultan, a final year Bachelor of Economics student from Northern University Malaysia (UUM), joined ISDEV yesterday, 2 June 2008. He will be with ISDEV for four months, until 2 October 2008, to do his practical training.

While at ISDEV, Lokman will be exposed to various methods of internet research, trained to produce at least writings for popular media, taught to use multi-media equipments available at ISDEV and participating in all ISDEV academic and social activities.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT ISDEV, JUNE 2008

11 June 2008 (Wednesday), 9.00 am -10.30 am
PhD Proposal Presentation by Suhrawardi, New Approach to Waqf Development: The Potentials of Cash Waqf of the Persyarikatan Muhammadiyah of North Sumatera Region





11 June 2008 (Wednesday), 10.30 am - 12.00 pm
PhD Proposal Presentation by Ahmad Azrin bin Adnan, Choice Determinants of the Islamic Banking System Among Muslim Consumers in Terengganu: A Study in the Context of Islamic Consumer Behaviour





All the above events will be held at Meeting Room C05, ISDEV, USM, Penang.
All are cordially invited.

A NAS A WEEK - 27 JAMADILAWWAL 1429

Yahya related to me from Malik that he heard that Luqman al-Hakim made his will and counselled his son, saying, "My son! Sit with the learned men and keep close to them. Allah gives life to the hearts with the light of wisdom as Allah gives life to the dead earth with the abundant rain of the sky."

[Hadith from Malik's Muwatta', Book No. 59: Knowledge, Hadith No. 59.1.1]

HADITH METHODOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS

ISDEV STUDY SERIES
HADITH METHODOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS NO.3

COLLECTION AND COMPILATION OF HADITH II
DR. MUHAMMAD ABDULLAH
(Gomal University, Pakistan / ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow)

TUESDAY, 27 MAY 2008 3.00 – 4.30 PM
MEETING ROOM, C05 (ISDEV, SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES)

All are cordially invited.

ISDEV POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW FROM PAKISTAN

ISDEV is now hosting its third post-doctoral fellow from abroad. The two previous fellows were Dr Lala Kolopaking from Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) and Dr Irsyad Lubis from Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), both from Indonesia.

Now, beginning 21 March 2008, ISDEV is having Dr Muhammad Abdullah from Department of Islamic Studies, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. He will be with ISDEV for a duration of one year, until February 2009.

A scholar in Hadith, Dr Abdullah is carrying out a research entitled The Doubts Of Orientalists on Authenticity of Hadith And Its Impact On The Movement of Negation of Hadith In The Sub-Continent.

He is also conducting a Study Series of 12 lectures on Hadith Methodology for Beginners at 3.00 to 4.30 pm on every fourth Tuesday of every month at ISDEV. The Study Series is opened to all.

A NAS A WEEK - 20 JAMADILAWWAL 1429

They said: "Glory to Thee: of knowledge we have none, save what Thou hast taught us: in truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom." [al-Baqarah, 2:32]

GRADUATE DISCOURSE: FADZILA AZNI AHMAD

Fadzila Azni Ahmad has completed her PhD thesis. But, as normal practice of ISDEV, before she is allowed to submit the thesis for examiners' evaluation, ISDEV requires her to present it first at ISDEV Graduate Discourse.

The main aim of the Discourse is to help her rescrutinizing and doing the final polishing so that the thesis could be submitted in the best quality possible, hence entailed with an excellent result. For this, the Graduate Discourse is scheduled to be held tomorrow, Friday 23 May 2008, at 10.00 am at ISDEV. The thesis, entitled Management Methods of Islamic-Based Development Institution in Malaysia will be reviewed by Dr Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar and Dr Zahri Hamat.
All are cordially invited.

A NAS A WEEK - 13 JAMADILAWWAL 1429

Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.

[Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 41: Kitab al-Adab, Hadith No. 4815]

A NAS A WEEK - 6 JAMADILAWWAL 1429

Of Him seeks (its need) every creature in the heavens and on earth: every day in (new) Splendour doth He (shine)! [Ar-Rahmaan, 55:29]

ISDEV LECTURE SERIES VI

ISDEV LECTURE SERIES VI

MISUNDERSTANDING OF ISLAMIC BANKING

By DATO' WAN ISMAIL WAN YUSOH

(General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Business Development of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad)

14 MAY 2008 (WEDNESDAY)

10.00 AM

TRAINING ROOM, INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES (IPS), USM

All are cordially invited

A NAS A WEEK - 28 RABIULAKHIR 1429H

Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi from Abdullah ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said from the mimbar when mentioning sadaqa and refraining from asking, "The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one which expends, and the lower one is the one which asks."

[Hadith form Muwatta' Malik, Book No. 58: Sadaqah, Hadith No. 58.2.8]

A NAS A WEEK - 21 RABIULAKHIR 1429H

[10] If it were not for Allah's grace and mercy on you, and that Allah is Oft-Returning, Full of Wisdom, (ye would be ruined indeed).

[al-Nuur, 24:10]

A NAS A WEEK - 14 RABIULAKHIR 1429H

Narrated AbuSalamah; AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: The believer is simple and generous, but the profligate is deceitful and ignoble.

[Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 41: Kitab al-Adab, Hadith No. 4772]

A NAS A WEEK - 7 RABIULAKHIR 1429H

[39] That man can have nothing but what he strives for

[al-Najm, 53:39]

A NAS A WEEK - 30 RABIULAWWAL 1429

Narrated Abu Umamah: The Prophet s.a.w. said: I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right, a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking, and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good.

[Hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud, Book No. 41: Kitab al-Adab, Hadith No. 4782]

A NAS A WEEK - 23 RABIULAWWAL 1429H

We have indeed created man in the best of moulds [at-Tiin, 95:4]

A NAS A WEEK - 16 RABIULAWWAL 1429H

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the, removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is the branch of faith.

[Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book No. 1: The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman), Hadith No. 56]

A NAS A WEEK - 9 RABIULAWWAL 1429H

[45] Nay, seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: it is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit.

[al-Baqarah, 2:45]

A NAS A WEEK - 2 RABIULAWWAL 1429

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Charity is obligatory everyday on every joint of a human being. If one helps a person in matters concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it, all this will be regarded charity. A good word, and every step one takes to offer the compulsory Congregational prayer, is regarded as charity; and guiding somebody on the road is regarded as charity."

[Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Book No. 52: Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad), Hadith No. 141]

A NAS A WEEK - 25 SAFAR 1429H

Such (is his state): and whoever holds in honour the Symbols of Allah, such (honour) should come truly from piety of heart.

[al-Hajj, 22: 32]

A NAS A WEEK - 18 SAFAR 1429H

Narrated Abdullah bin Masud: I asked Allah's Apostle, "O Allah's Apostle! What is the best deed?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I further asked, what is next in goodness?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." I did not ask Allah's Apostle anymore and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.

[Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Book No. 52: Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad), Hadith No. 41]

A NAS A WEEK - 11 SAFAR 1429H

[7] Let the man of means spend according to his means: and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.

[al-Talaaq, 65:7]

A NAS A WEEK - 4 SAFAR 1429H

Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab: Allah's Apostle said, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for Allah and His Apostle, then his emigration was for Allah and His Apostle. And whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for."

[Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Book No. 2 (Belief), Hadith No. 51]

A NAS A WEEK - 26 MUHARRAM 1429H

[69] And those who strive in Our (Cause), We will certainly guide them to Our Paths: for verily Allah is with those who do right.

[al-'Ankabuut,29:69]

ISDEV MAIN ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY 2008

Second Islamic Development Management Seminar: Islamic Research Methodology to be held at Institute of Graduate Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang on 6 February 2008 beginning 8.00 am until 5.00 pmProfessor Muhammad Syukri Salleh will talk on "Popular Versus Academic Writings" at February Graduate Supervision on 15 February 2008 beginning 9.30 am until 12.00 pm at ISDEV

Professor Osman Mohamad will talk on "Psychographic" at ISDEV In-House Seminar on 22 February 2008 beginning 9.30am until 12.00 pm at ISDEV

Dr Zakaria Bahari, leading ISDEV research team on Islamic Capital Market research project, will have his first member of the team to present their findings at the first of the ISDEV four-series In-House Seminar on Islamic Capital Market on 29 February 2008 at ISDEV beginning 9.30am until 12.00 pm

Four main events will take place at ISDEV this month, February 2008. Firstly, on Wednesday 6 February 2008 beginning from 8.30 am until 5.00 pm, there will be Second Seminar on Islamic Development Management themed Islamic Research Methodology. A total of 21 papers will be presented by scholars from USM and other universities throughout Malaysia. Secondly, on Friday 15 February, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh (ISDEV Director) will be speaking on `Popular Versus Academic Writings' at ISDEV Monthly Graduate Supervision, beginning from 9.30 am until 12.00 pm. The lecture is hoped to enable graduate students in particular and other participants in general to differentiate between popular writings and academic writings. Thirdly, on Friday 22 February, Professor Osman Mohamad (School of Management) will deliver a talk on `Psychographic' at ISDEV In-House Seminar, also beginning from 9.30 am until 12.00 pm. The talk is related to the approach of a new ISDEV research project on Islamic Consumer Behaviour. And fourthly, on Friday 29 February, a member of ISDEV research team on `Islamic Capital Market' led by Dr Zakaria Bahari (School of Social Sciences) will begin the first of a four in-house seminar series on Islamic Capital Market, also from 9.30 am to 12.00 pm. The seminar series is meant to provide an opportunity for the team members to present their findings and to others especially ISDEV members to response as well as to benefit from the presentation. The first event will be held at Institute of Graduate Studies while the last three events will be held at ISDEV, School of Social Sciences. All are cordially invited to all the events.

A NAS A WEEK - 19 MUHARRAM 1429H

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the nights."

[Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Book No.2: Belief, Hadith No. 38]

ATURCARA SEMINAR PENGURUSAN PEMBANGUNAN ISLAM II: KAEDAH PENYELIDIKAN BERTERASKAN ISLAM, 6 FEBRUARI 2008

Persiapan bagi Seminar Pengurusan Pembangunan Islam II: Kaedah Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam yang akan diadakan pada 6 Februari 2008 bermula 8.30 pagi hingga 5 petang di Bilik Latihan, Institut Pengajian Siswazah, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang sudah hampir selesai. Penyertaan sebagai pembentang telah ditutup, tetapi penyertaan sebagai peserta masih dibuka. Sila hubungi Nadia di talian 04-653 3422 atau emel malissa_nadia@notes.usm.my bagi pendaftaran penyertaan.

Aturcara Seminar tersebut adalah seperti berikut:

6 Februari 2008

8.00 pagi : Pendaftaran Peserta

8.45 pagi : Majlis Perasmian
oleh Prof. Dato’ Muhammad Idiris Salleh
Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan dan Inovasi)

9.00 pagi : Ucap Utama
Kaedah Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam: Keperluan, Kedudukan Dan Hala Tuju
oleh Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh

Pengerusi: Dr Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar

10.30 pagi : Kudapan
11.00 pagi : Sesi Selari 1

Sesi Selari 1A - Falsafah Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam

Pengerusi : Dr. Zahri Hamat

1. Penyelidikan dan Pengkaryaan : Analisis Kritis Terhadap Prinsip, Kaedah dan Gaya (PKG) Pengkaryaan dan Terbitan Ilmiah di Malaysia oleh Hasrom Haron
2. Falsafah Penyelidikan Konvensional: Satu Analisis oleh Dr. Reevany Bustami & Dr. Ellisha Nasruddin
3. Sorotan Karya Lazim oleh Dr. Nor Malina Malik

Sesi Selari 1B – Kaedah Penyelidikan Dalam Tradisi Keilmuan Islam

Pengerusi : Dr. Zakaria Bahari

1. Tradisi Penyelidikan Cendekiawan Islam Silam oleh Dr. Atikullah Haji Abdullah
2. Metodologi Penyelidikan Ulama Nusantara dalam Penulisan Perubatan Melayu: Kajian Terhadap Manuskrip Kitab Tib Pontianak oleh Faisal @ Ahmad Faisal Abdul Hamid & Nurulwahidah Fauzi
3. Penyelidik dan Penyelidikan: Satu Tafsiran Islam Semasa oleh Ir. Ahmad Jais Alias & Nor Azaruddin Husni Nuruddin

Sesi Selari 1C – Pembentukan Kaedah Penyelidikan Islam

Pengerusi : Dr. Fatan Hamamah Yahya

1. Prinsip-prinsip Asas Ilmu Penyelidikan Dalam Islam oleh Ahmad Kilani Mohamed, Dr. Nurullah Kurt & Normala Hashim
2. Research In Fiqh Muamalat-Islamic Banking: Tribulations and Discoveries oleh Syahidawati Haji Shahwan
3. Falsafah Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam : Satu Tinjauan Awal oleh Dr. Noor Shakirah Mat Akhir

1.00 tengah hari : Makan Tengah Hari dan Solat Zohor
2.30 – 4.30 petang : Sesi Selari 2

Sesi Selari 2A – Kritikan Terhadap Penyelidikan Lazim

Pengerusi : Dr. Noor Shakirah Mat Akhir

1. Sorotan Karya daripada Perspektif Islam oleh Dr. Fatan Hamamah Yahya
2. Kaedah Penyelidikan Berteraskan Islam dalam Kajian Penghayatan Agama oleh Nor Salimah Abu Mansor
3. Objektiviti Menurut Perspektif Islam oleh Khalif Muammar A. Harris & Adibah Mukhtar
4. GDP As Economic Welfare Indicator: An Overview oleh Prof. Dr. Abdul Ghafar Ismail

Sesi Selari 2B - Ke Arah Pembentukan Kaedah Penyelidikan Islam

Pengerusi : Zainab Wahidin

1. Teknik Delphi dalam Penyelidikan Pendidikan Berteraskan Islam oleh Zaharah Husin
2. Reka Bentuk dan Penyelidikan Kuantitatif dan Kualitatif oleh Dr. Nailul Murad Mohd. Nor
3. Teknik Pungutan Data: Temubual Eksekutif oleh Dr. Khariah Haji Mokhtar
4. Kualiti Responden Dalam Penyelidikan: Tinjauan Awal Kes Periwayatan Hadis oleh Dr. Zahri Hamat dan Zul-kifli Hussin

Sesi Selari 2C - Ke Arah Pembentukan Kaedah Penyelidikan Islam

Pengerusi : Dr. Mohd Farid Mohd Sharif

1. Improving the Content Analysis Method in Historical Study Using Islamic Research oleh Dr. Hussain Othman
2. The Concept of e-Dakwah and Its Application in Islamic Malaysian’s NGOS oleh Muhamad Faisal Ashaari
3. Manhaj al-Sya’rawi dalam Mentafsir Ayat-ayat Mengenai Kisah Ashabul Kahfi oleh Yuseri Ahmad
4. Kaedah Penyelidikan Konvensional vs Kaedah Penyelidikan Islam: Satu Sintesis oleh Dr. Zakaria Bahari & Dr. Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar

4.30 petang : Minum Petang
5.00 petang : Bersurai