SAFAR TO TERENGGANU

Backdrop for the inaugural speech at University College Bestari, Terengganu

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh deliver his first inaugural speech entitled "Ke Arah Universiti Keusahawanan Berasaskan Waqaf" as an adjunct professor at University College Bestari (UCB), Terengganu on 12th April 2017. In his trip to Terengganu, Prof Syukri with one ISDEV lecturer and 9 RISDEV students started the 3 days journey on 10th April 2017.

Students and lecturers who participated in Safar to Pantai Timur

ISDEV lecturers who participated in "Safar ke Pantai Timur" were Prof. Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan while nine RISDEV students were Mohd Shahmi Mohd Miswan, Abang Mohd Razif Abang Muis, Mohammad Zulfakhairi Mokhtar, Wafdi Auni Mohamed, Kamarulariffin Ithnan, Mohd Haidzir Auzir, Azizan Sarayon, Noor Husna Mohd Shafie and Nurul Syahidah Roslan. 

Ta'aruf session - ISDEV member with UCB Top Management

The first programme was the 'PhD Sharing Experience' with UCB staff. The programme was held at Canselori Building from 10.00am until 12.00pm. Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, lecturers, officers were also participated in the sharing session. The aims of this programme is about sharing knowledge on the selection of research topic, understanding the supervisor and how to build momentum to pursue PhD.

One of ISDEV traditions - 'Tazkirah Subuh'

Small reunion between ISDEV existing member and ISDEV Alumni

On 12 April 2017, the last day of the safar, ISDEV members get the opportunity to meet and strengthen the ukhuwwah with ISDEV Alumni at Bukit Panorama, Kuala Terengganu. Among those who attended the gathering were Prof. Madya Dr. Azrin Adnan, Dr. Suraya Ismail, Dr. Mutiara Dwisari and Dr. Wan Anisah Endut. All of them were ISDEV Alumni from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UnisZa).

Kudos to ISDEV team! 

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A NAS A WEEK - 5 SHA'BAN 1438

'Aisha said: The Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) came to me when a woman was sitting with me. He said: Who is she? I said: She is a woman who does not sleep but prays. He said: Do such acts which you are capable of doing. By Allah, Allah does not grow weary but you will grow weary. The religious act most pleasing to Him is one the doer of which does it continuously. (And in the Hadith transmitted by Abu Usama [the words are]: "She was a woman from Banu Asad.") [Sahih Muslim Book 004, Hadith Number 1717].

DIRECTOR'S TARBIYYAH: UKHUWAH IS THE CORE TO ISDEV STRENGTH

Ukhuwah Asas Kekuatan ISDEV - The tittle for this monthly supervision Director's Tarbiyyah chosen by Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari

The ISDEV Director's Tarbiyyah was held on 31st March 2017 at Lecture Hall A (DKA), School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. It is the usual gathering of ISDEV fraternity to meet once a month for the ISDEV monthly supervision. More than 50 ISDEV members consisting of ISDEV lecturers and students attended this monthly gathering.

Ukhuwah Asas Kekuatan ISDEV (Ukhuwah is the core to ISDEV strength) was the topic chosen by ISDEV Director, Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari for his second Director's Tarbiyyah. The simple yet meaningful topic was delivered to ISDEV fraternity that passionately pinpoints all the positive values that should be possessed by ISDEV member in order to seek the pleasure of Allah SWT.

ISDEV member focusing on the Tarbiyyah Pengarah delivered by Associate Dr. Zakaria Bahari

For this particular tarbiyyah, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria stressed the importance of ‘ukhuwah’ (brotherhood) 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 ukhuwah.

One of the slide of Ukhwah topic

Some of the important points from the tarbiyyah that should be possessed by ISDEV members as characteristics are:

1. Tauhid (Solely depends to Allah SWT)

2. Knowledgeable

3. Trustworthy

4. Responsible

5. Sincere

6. Obedience to the leader

7. Welfare of the family

8. Ukhuwah/ Silaturrahim

9. Patient

A NAS A WEEK - 27 RAJAB 1438

Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al- Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing [al-Isra, 17:1].

WORKSHOP ON QIBLAH DETERMINATION

Ar-Risalah Fi Ta'yin Al Qiblah

Penang State Mufti Department came to ISDEV with pleasure to share their ilm (Knowledge) regarding 'Hisab dan Praktikal Arah Kiblat'. On 11th April 2107, Penang State Mufti Department agreed to held a one-day workshop on Falak where the contents of the workshop included of Introduction to Qiblah, Calculation Method using formula, Practical Method of Floor Plan and Practical Method using Compass. The workshop is taken place at ISDEV open library at Building D04. 

We have certainly seen the turning of your face. (O Muhammad), toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you (believers) are, turn your faces towards it (in prayer). Indeed, those who have been given the Scripture well know that it is the truth from their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what they do. (Al-Baqarah (02) : 144)

ISDEV students participated in calculating the right direction of qiblah

Learning about Qiblah is important because it gives us a sense of unity, uniformity, and discipline. If there were no Qiblah, we would pray as isolated groups with no connection to one another. Qiblah gives us a focus, a common sense of purpose, and direction. The instruments needed to determine the right Qiblah are traditional book logarithms, scientific calculator, coordinate geographies such as GPS, Google Earth, Mekah coordinate, and also compass. 

Instruments needed to determine the right qiblah

Practical - Falak crew show the right way to ISDEV lecturers (Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan and Dr. Shukri Hanapi) on how to calculate and mark the qiblah 

A NAS A WEEK - 20 RAJAB 1438

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “A man suffered from thirst while he was walking on a journey. When he found a well, he climbed down into it and drank from it. Then he came out and saw a dog lolling its tongue from thirst and licking the ground. The man said: This dog has suffered thirst just as I have suffered from it. He climbed down into the well, filled his shoe with water, and caught it in his mouth as he climbed up. Then he gave the dog a drink. Allah appreciated this deed, so he forgave him.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, is there a reward for charity even for the animals?” The Prophet said, “In every living being there is a reward for charity.” [Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5663, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2244; Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

ASTRONOMY TAFAQQUH 2017 - MODULE 1

ISDEV entourage with Penang Mufti, Dato' Dr. Haji Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor (centre) and Dr. Mat Rofa Ismail

On Monday, 20th Mac 2017, Penang Mufti Department invited ISDEV to join their Module 1 on Astronomy Tafaqquh (Tafaqquh Ilmu Falak) that was held at Dewan Auditorium A, 5th Floor, Komtar, Penang. This program was divided into 4 series which included 2 modules in it. The first module was focusing on Tafsir Ayat Kauniyah and Daurah Kitab Falak. The program was conducted by YBhg. Dr. Mat Rofa Ismail who were also the guest speaker for the program. He delivered his talk on Sejarah Pengembangan Ilmu Falak di Nusantara.

After the tea break that morning, YBhg. Dr. Mat Rofa Ismail led a program with three subtopic concentration. The first subtopic is on Falak Islami while the second subtopic is on Falak Ulama Melayu. The third and the final focus is on Alam Kosmos. The conclusion achieved from the focus discussion on the subtopics shows that the early activity of astronomy in Baghdad was to measure the radius of the earth. As for now, the knowledge about astronomy has developed into a modern science which needed all Muslim scholar concord either in ilm (knowledge) of quantum physics, astrophysics, trigonometry or others.

YBhg. Dr, Mat Rofa Ismail explaining on the four seasons occurrence

The program also included a book launched written by YBhg. Dr. Mat Rofa Ismail entitle Biografi Agung Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khatib Al-Minankabawi. The book launched is transpired from the world Islamic leader, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khatib especially on his knowledge of the modern sciences of astronomy and economy. 

Participants of the Tafaqquh Ilmu Falak 2017 

The participants for the program were from Kedah Mufti Department, Perlis Mufti Department, Perak Mufti Department, Akademi Pengajian Islam Kontemporari (ACIS), Pusat Islam Universiti Utara Malaysia, Muzium & Galeri Tunku Fauziah Univeristi Sains Malaysia and Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV) Universiti Sains Malaysia. ISDEV representatives was led by Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan with three ISDEV students, Nur Aida Athirah, Siti Arinah and Mohd Hulaimi together with an ISDEV alumni, Dr. Mohd Syahmir  Alias participated in the one-day program that provided so much information and understanding on astronomy. We are looking forward for the second module soon.

Dato' Dr. Haji Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, Penang Mufti received a token of appreciation from Dr. Mat Rofa Ismail

A NAS A WEEK - 13 RAJAB 1438

Say, "O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." [al-Zumar, 39:10]

A NAS A WEEK - 8 RAJAB 1438

Aisha reported: She asked the Prophet, “Have you encountered a day harder than the battle of Uhud?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Your tribes have troubled very much, and the worst was the day of Aqaba when I presented myself to Ibn Abd Yalail ibn Abd Kulal and he did not respond to what I intended. I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and I could not relax until I found myself at a tree where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me. I looked up and saw Gabriel in it. He called me saying: Allah has heard your people’s saying to you and how they have replied, and Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people. The Angel of the Mountains greeted me and he said: O Muhammad, order what you wish, and if you like, I will let the mountains fall on them.” The Prophet said, “No, rather I hope that Allah will bring from their descendants people who will worship Allah alone without associating partners with him.” [Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3059, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1759; Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

SEMINAR ON FATWA EDUCATION AND ASTRONOMY

Presenter of the seminar - Ustaz Muhaidir Hj Joll, Ustaz Dr. Engku Ahmad Fadzil Engku Ali and Ustaz Hj Hanafiah Abdul Razak

Nine strong entourage from ISDEV consisted of two ISDEV lecturers and seven ISDEV students participated in the "Seminar Pendidikan Fatwa dan Falak Peringkat Negeri Pulau Pinang" on 16th March 2017 at Pusat Islam, UiTM Pulau Pinang, Permatang Pauh Campus. This program was organized by Penang Mufti Department with cooperation Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Pulau Pinang. The aim of the seminar is to strengthen the role of the Penang Mufti department in carrying out the task to disseminate the understanding and results of Irsyad law and fatwa. 

ISDEV strong entourage: ISDEV students and Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan  participated in the seminar

Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan and Dr. Shukri Hanapi represent two ISDEV lecturers while Nik Liyana Mustapa @ Nik Daud, Noor Hamizah Johari, Nor Arini Abdullah, Halimatus Sa'adiah Yusoff, Nur Aida Athirah Sulaiman, Muhamad Shakir Abdul Sahood and Ahmad Hulaimi Ishak are the seven ISDEV students participated in the seminar. 

In action - Ustaz Hj Hanapiah Abdul Razak presented his paperwork at the seminar

Three paperwork presented on the one day seminar. The first paper work was presented by Ustaz Muhaidir Hj Joll regarding "Kekeliruan Umat: Inilah Jawapannya". The Second presenter was Ustaz Dr. Engku Ahmad Fadzil Engku Ali with his topic entitle "Pegangan Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah di Dalam Perkara-perkara Khilafiah". While the last presenter, Ustaz Haji Hanafiah Abdul Razak  presented his paper on "Isu-isu Falak Semasa".

Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan, Muhamad Shakir Abdul Sahood and Ahmad Hulaimi Ishak took a picture with Ustaz Anuar Ariffin (Third - Left), Ustaz Syeikh Mohd Firdaus Mohd Khalil (Third - Right) and UstazMohd Jais Anuar Ahmad (second - Right)

Indeed, within the one day seminar, ISDEV members did not only merely attend the seminar only but also gained so much information, knowledge and understanding on the Fatwa education and astronomy. The seminar is packed with presentation that was beneficial to ISDEV astronomy research team. Kudos!   

6 RISDEV STUDENTS PRESENTED AT ISLAC 2017

RISDEV students gain new knowledge and experience through their participation in academic seminars.

Six RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students recently attended the International Seminar on Islamic Jurisprudence in Contemporary Society 2017 (ISLAC 2017). They presented their working papers at the two-day ISLAC 2017 which started on 4 until 5 March, 2017 at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu. 

RISDEV students getting ready to present their papers.

The six RISDEV students each presented their papers according to the specific theme as follows:

Issues in Medicine, Islam and Human Rights 

1) Noor Hidayah Samsudin: " Keadilan Dalam Kepimpinan Sebagai Kaedah Motivasi Pekerja"

Islam and Environmental Conservation; Islam and Terrorism/War

2) Nurul Suhada Ismail: "Isu Perundingan Dalam Sekuriti Makanan Analisis Dari Persektif Tasawur Islam"

Shariah Index and Its Implementation and Maqasid Shariah in Islamic Law

3)Nurul Farhana Yahaya: "Perwatakan Mazmumah Pelaku Pembangunan: Analisis Berdasarkan Tamthiliyyat (Perumpamaan) Terpilih Dalam Al-Quran" 

4)Norashikin Ahmad: "Prinsip Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam (PBI): Analisis Berdasarkan Maqasid al-Syariah"

Maqasid Shariah in Islamic Law

5)Siti Mastura Muhamad: "Keperluan Tingkat Fiqh kepenggunaan Berasaskan Maqasid Syariah" 

Islam and Gender and Islamic Family Law

6)Yusma Fariza Yasin: "Peranan Wanita Dalam Ketenteraan: Analisis Kisah-kisah Terpilih Dalam Kitab Rahiq al-Makhtum"

RISDEV students with ISLAC Director, Prof. Dr. Engku Ahmad Zaki Engku Alwi.

The aims of ISLAC-2017 are to discuss the ideas of social harmony that is manifested in every aspect of human life through Islamic law and contemporary issues from the perspective of Islamic law as the proof of its significant role and relevancy across the changing time and place in all aspects of human life, in line with the niche of the Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies. It also highlight the uniqueness of Islamic jurisprudence as a catalyst of ummah wasatiyyah to ensure their lives to be more harmonious. At the same time, it explore the glory of Islamic law at all levels including the State of Terengganu as well as establish local and international academic network.

Prof. Muhammad Syukri with Ustaz Hanis and Dr. Azrin Ahmad

In the evening, RISDEV students took the opportunity to have dinner together with one of ISDEV Alumni, Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Azrin Adnan at his home. In the same vein, ISDEV Founding Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh pays a visit since he was in Terengganu to attended a meeting. Prof Syukri did not miss the opportunity to meet the six RISDEV students who presented at ISLAC-2017 as well as ISDEV Alumni members in Terengganu and students from University College Bestari.

Prof. Muhammad Syukri together with University College Bestari students.

A NAS A WEEK - 20 JUMADA AL-THANI 1438

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - the Most Merciful will appoint for them affection [Maryam, 19:96].

A NAS A WEEK - 14 JUMADA AL-THANI 1438

Abu Dharr reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, instruct me.” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “I advise you to be mindful of Allah Almighty, for it will beautify all of your affairs.” I said, “Tell me more.” The Prophet said, “You must recite the Quran and remember Allah Almighty, for you will be mentioned in heaven and you will have light upon earth.” I said, “Tell me more.” The Prophet said, “You must observe long periods of silence, for it will drive away Satan and help you in the matter of your religion.” I said, “Tell me more.” The Prophet said, “Beware of too much laughter, for it will deaden the heart and take away the light on your face.” I said, “Tell me more.” The Prophet said, “Do not fear the blame of any critic in the matter of Allah.” [Source: Shu’ab al-Imān 4582]

LENNY CONTINUES THE TALLY OF SUCCESS IN VIVA VOCE

Lenny presenting her thesis during mock viva session at ISDEV open library.

Alhamdulillah, on 2 March, 2017, Lenny a/p Luat one of RISDEV students (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research Mode) sat for her mock viva at ISDEV open library for her Ph.D thesis entitled "Strategi Pengurusan Insan Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Kajian dari Perspektif Islam" (Human Management Strategy of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Study from the Islamic Perspective). Questions and comments from all lecturers and postgraduate students that ensued immediately after her presentation had helped her to improve in the defence of her thesis. It had definitely given her the confidence to face her viva-voce scheduled for the next day in the morning of 3 March, 2017.

After performing solat hajat at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid USM.

A tradition in ISDEV, a solat hajat performed congregationally prior to a student's viva was held at Masjid al Malik Khalid, USM. The routine of performing the solat hajat congregationally amongst ISDEV members is done together with a focused intention to seek Allah SWT help in order to guide the candidate for her viva voce later.

In action - Lenny during her viva voce  at the conference room, C23, PPSK

During the viva voce session, Lenny confidently explained and calmly answered all the questions. Despite her obstacles, coming all the way from Sibu, Sarawak, all comments and suggestions from the examiners were well received by Lenny as she positively agreed to the comments given. At the end of her viva, she thanked all those present, especially her supervisor, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad and co-supervisor, Dr wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, after it was announced that all examiners were satisfied with her defence of her thesis.

Lenny Anak Luat with her Board of Examiners

The viva started at 2.30 p.m. and the Chairperson for the viva was Professor Dr. Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan Abdullah from School of Educational Studies, USM. The External Examiner was Professor Dr. Abdullah @ Alwi Hj Hassan from ASIA e-University, while her two Internal Examiners were Associate Professor Dr. Zakaria Bahari and Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh. Lenny Anak Luat finally was able to breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing the great good news that she had been awarded Grade 2 for her PhD Thesis.

Congratulation Lenny, You Made It!

DR SHAHIR ATTENDED THE CP5P COURSE

Dr Shahir Akram Hassan (centre) with some of the participants and one of the speakers,
 Dr. Nurul Fadly Habidin (3rd from left).

Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan, one of ISDEV lecturers, is active in searching for new knowledge to sharpen his writing skills in terms of research and publication. He decided to join the Kursus Persijilan Cipta Potensi: Penyelidikan, Penerbitan, Perundingan, Pengkomersialan dan Perniagaan (CP5P)) that took place at Tanjung Malim, Perak for three days starting from 21 February 2017 until 23 February 2017. This course was organized by Kaizentrenovation Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the Faculty of Management and Economics, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), Sultan Azlan Shah Campus at Proton City, Tangjung Malim.

Dr. Shahir Akram together with ISDEV Alumni Dr Wan Muhammad Khairul Firdaus (left) and Ustaz Abdul Hanis Embong (behind).

One the many interesting aspects of this seminar is, the session discussed about how to make a research more strategic and more efficient which indirectly could lead to a positive advantage in spreading Islam whether in terms of research writing or publication. This seminar is very much applicable to new lecturers or future lecturers as it exposes them to explore five core requirements that need to be achieved which are research, publishing, consulting, commercialization and business. In addition, this seminar provided descriptions and examples which are realistic to the new lecturers and at the same time it provided an opportune platform for the participants in the seminar to expand their networking base and discuss on possible research cooperation. The participants consisted of lecturers and PhD students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). 

In action - a lecture from Dr Nurul Fadly Habidin.

Dr. Nurul Fadly Habidin, CP5P Program Founder is also a senior lecturer at the Management and Leadership Department, Faculty of Management and Economics, UPSI. His research areas are in Business Engineering and Performance Improvement. These two areas are parts of the components to the development of the lean six sigma and performance improvement systems for Malaysian automotive.

Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan received a certificate from Dr. Nurul Fadly Habidin.

A NAS A WEEK - 6 JUMADA AL-THANI 1438

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful [al-Hujurat, 49:12].

SCALE 1 FOR BACK-TO-BACK VIVA

Pak Isnaini at his mock viva held at ISDEV open library.

Alhamdulillah, the time has finally come. Two RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research Mode) students are getting ready to present their theses in viva after struggling for five to eight years in completing their PhD thesis writing. Two candidates were tested during mock viva that was held at Building D04, ISDEV open library on 23rd February 2017. The first candidate was Isnaini or known as Pak Isnaini and the second candidate was Norhayati Abdullah.

Norhayati Abdullah at her mock viva.

The second candidate that had been tested for mock viva was Norhayati Abdullah. Norhayati took eight years since 2008 to complete her PhD thesis writing titled "Kriteria Penilaian Penarafan Sukuk di Rating Agensi Malaysia (RAM)" (Assessment of Sukuk Rating Criteria in Rating Agency Malaysia (RAM)).

Posing for the camera - ISDEV members after performing Solat Hajat prior to Pak Isnaini and Norhayati Abdullah viva.

Praise to Allah SWT, ISDEV members once again congregated at 8.45 a.m at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid USM to perform the Solat Hajat with intention of seeking Allah SWT help to guide both candidates in their viva which take place in the morning and afternoon sessions.

In action - Pak Isnaini presenting his PhD research

On 24th February 2017, the first candidate of viva-voce took place at Ibn Khaldun room, IPS at 9.30 a.m. Pak Isnaini took 5 years to complete his PhD thesis writing titled "Pelaksanaan Jaminan Akad Pembiayaan Mudharabah Industri Kecil Sederhana di Bank Sumut Syariah, Indonesia Kota Medan" (Execution of Mudharabah Financing Guarantee Agreement of Small Medium Industries in Bank Sumut Syariah Indonesia, Medan). The significant advantage of his research is he has put an effort to develop moral values in order to solely follow Islam regulation in every aspect such as legislative in Islamic finance.

Pak Isnaini with all the examiners after the completion of his viva.

The results of the meeting with all the examiners did not take much time to decide and awarded Pak Isnaini with Scale 1, which is the highest scale in a viva voce. His viva was conducted by Professor Dr. Abdul Gani Kanesan Abdullah (School of Educational Studies, USM) as the Chairman. The External Examiner was Profesor Dr. Joni Tamkin Borhan from University of Malaya (UM), and two Internal Examiners were Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad (USM), and Dr. Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi (USM).

In action - Norhayati Abdullah defended her thesis with confidence.

In the afternoon, the viva voce continued with the second candidate who is under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria Bahari and co-supervisor Dr. Zahri Hamat. Norhayati created another triumphant moment when her PhD thesis was not only awarded with a Scale 1 but her thesis was also nominated for the Best Thesis Award which was decided and agreed to by all the examiners.     

Norhayati with all the Board of Examiners.

The Board of Examiners comprise of the chairperson, Professor Dr. Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan Abdullah from School of Educational Studies (USM), while the External Examiner was Professor Dr. Joni Tamkin Borhan from University of Malaya (UM) and two Internal Examiners who were Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad from ISDEV.

Congratulations Isnaini and Norhayati!

ISDEV MEMBERS AT THE INSTITUTE OF ISLAMIC UNDERSTANDING MALAYSIA (IKIM)

All seats taken up - the conference in session at IKIM Grand Hall.

In conjunction with the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) Silver Jubilee celebrations, an International Conference on Religion and Civilisational Sustainability took place at IKIM Grand Hall, Kuala Lumpur on 20 February until 21 February 2017. Five ISDEV members consisting of one ISDEV Lecturer, Dr Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan and ISDEV Honorary Lecturer, Dr Shereeza Mohamed Saniff together with three RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) students, Raudha Md Ramli, Nurul Suhada Ismail and Syaidatana Siti Aishah Ab Aziz attended the said event.

YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak delivering his officiating speech.

The international conference was officially opened by YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia. In his opening speech he congratulated IKIM on the celebration of its 25th Anniversary and expressed his hopes and confidence that IKIM is poised in providing a correct information on Islam to the general public in Malaysia specifically and the world in general. 

ISDEV delegates at the International Conference Religion nd Civilisational Sustainability

On the first day, the conference started with the welcoming speech and First Keynote Address by the Director-General of IKIM, YBhg. Datuk Prof. Dr. Azizan Baharuddin. In her address she was evidently grateful of the good turn out and the participation of non-Muslim members in the audience. She was passionate about her topic on "Religion & Civilisational Sustainability: Guardianship of The Environment in The Context of Religious Sciences" and expressed the dire need of the Muslims especially its leaders and scholars to play a more proactive role in bringing sustainable issues from the viewpoint of Islam to the forefront especially at the global level. There is a need to let the global players on sustainability hear the voice of Islam. In her opinion, as echoed by the two speakers after her Keynote Address, Professor Odeh Rashed al-Jayyousi and Dr Eric Winkel, Islam does provide a solution on sustainability issues but the challenge is to let it be known at the global platform.

Backdrop - Datuk Prof. Dr. Azizan delivering her welcoming speech during the opening ceremony.

On the second day of the conference, two sessions took place. Session II was conducted by Dr. Shaikh Mohd Saifuddeen Shaikh Mohd Salleh while Session III was conducted by Dr. Mohd Sani Badron. The program started with the Second Keynote Address by Prof. Dr. Yusef Waghid regarding "Education for Sustainability: Religious and Civilisational Framework". Prof. Dr. Yusef Waghid is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy of Education in the Department of Education Policy Studies at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. His research focuses on analytical inquiry democratic citizenship, cosmopolitanism and education within the genres of teaching and learning, educational policy, African higher education, and religious ethnics.

ISDEV delegates with one of the panelists, Prof. Odeh Rashed al-Jayyousi.

The international conference on religion and civilisational sustainability was organised by IKIM with the following objectives:

1. To promote mutual understanding between people of different faith traditions in understanding the link between religion and sustainability/sustainable development.

2. To provide a platform for scientists, people of faiths, and policy makers to discuss and engage in various issues concerning science and the complex interrelationships between science, religion, and socio-economic development. 

3. To provide the religious understanding/ dimension for sustainability solutions in an important aspect of civilization.

Prof Odeh Rashed al-Jayyousi stressing on a poignant point to Dr Shereeza and Raudha.