DR ZAHRI HAMAT NOW A LECTURER AT THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

Former ISDEV Research Associate Dr Zahri Hamat has been appointed as a contract lecturer at the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia for two years beginning 1 September 2007. He is attached to Development Planning and Management Programme at the School, teaching Economics for Development. Simultaneously, he continues to help School of Distance Learning to teach courses in Management Studies.

Dr Zahri also co-supervises Ekarat Sitisan, a Master student working on Potentials for the Establishment of Zakat Fund in Bangkok, Thailand. A couple more PhD candidates from Malaysia and Indonesia who will be working on Zakat are also expected to be co-supervised by Dr Zahri soon.

Currently, Dr Zahri also chairs the Organizing Committee of ISDEV Graduate Workshop III. The Workshop is an ISDEV annual occasion and specially organized for graduates working on Islam related research in universities worldwide. It will be held on 12-13 December 2007. In this Workshop, ISDEV Best Master Thesis Award and ISDEV Best PhD Thesis Award for 2007 will be given away to the winners.

In a very near future, Dr Zahri Hamat will be ISDEV Management Committee Member and will undertake a research with Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh on Zakat Accounting in Southeast Asia. The research investigates zakat accounting practices in Muslim majority countries of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, and Muslim minority countries of Thailand and Singapore. It will be funded by Research University Grant. Another research (consultancy project) on The Impact Study of Zakat Distribution in Penang would also be done by Dr Zahri with Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and Dr Hasanah Abd. Khafidz. It is expected to be funded by Pusat Urus Zakat of the Religious Council of the State of Penang.

NOR AZZAH KAMRI SUBMITTED PHD THESIS ON ISLAMIC CODE OF ETHICS OF TABUNG HAJI

ISDEV Research Associate Nor Azzah Kamri has submitted her PhD thesis. The title is Implementation of Islamic Code of Ethics in Islamic Development Organization: A Case Study of Lembaga Urusan Tabung Haji Malaysia. She has been working with ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Management Committee Member Dr Zakaria Bahari. Viva voce for the thesis is expected to be held sometime in November 2007. When the exact date is confirmed, a mock viva will be held at ISDEV to familiarize and train her to face the real viva voce. After passing her PhD, Nor Azzah Kamri will return to and teach at Akademi Islam, University of Malaya.

A NAS A WEEK - 3 SYAWAL 1428H

[149] Whether ye publish a good deed or conceal it or cover evil with pardon, verily Allah doth blot out (sins) and hath power (in the judgment of values).

[an-Nisaa', 4:149]

A NAS A WEEK - 26 RAMADHAN 1428H

Narrated 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan"

[Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Book No. 32: 'Praying at Night in Ramadaan (Taraweeh)', Hadith No: 237]

`MORALISTIC & ETHICAL OBJECTIVITY' IN ISLAMIC RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

It was realized at the ISDEV In-House Seminar on 28 September that in Islamic Research Methodology, objectivity must be limited to `moralisitic objectivity' or `ethical objectivity' rather than `plain or absolute objectivity' as advocated and used by conventional research methodology. Moralisitic or ethical objectivity here means an objectivity that protects respondents' dignity and self-respect, based on Shari`ah.

That was one of the main discourses articulated during the presentation on "An Analysis of Research Ethics in Conventional Research Methodology" by Dr Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar at the Seminar. Other discourses also include scrutinization on other research ethics proposed by the American Psychological Association (APA), such as limitation of capability and skills, protection of respondents' rights and dignity, avoidance of danger on respondents, protection and avoidance of abusement of respondents' secrecy, honest and unmanipulated presentation of research findings, and acknowledgement to those involved in realizing the research.

The Seminar concluded with an awareness that in Islamic Research Methodology, the factor that motivates a researcher's compliance of research ethical principles is iman, the practical application of the ethics is embedded in the principles of shari`ah, and the ultimate aim is to seek the truth and mardhatillah, the pleasure of God.

A NAS A WEEK - 19 RAMADHAN 1428H

[3] The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

[al-Qadr, 97: 3]

ISDEV ANNUAL IFTAR WELL-ATTENDED

On Tuesday 25 September 2007, Teratai Room at Chancellory was packed with more than 40 ISDEV members and friends attending ISDEV Annual Iftar. Guests of honour were Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Development) Associate Professor Dr Omar Osman and Dean of the School of Social Sciences Associate Professor Dr Ismail Baba.

The occasion was an annual occasion organized in every Ramadhan of the year. It began with iftar (breaking of fast), followed by maghrib prayer, dinner, isyak prayer and finally by tarawih prayer led by ISDEV Fellow Associate Professor Haji Sibly Maros and assisted by ISDEV Research Associate Zubir Idris.

ISDEV is grateful to the organising committee led by Dr Zakaria Bahari and thankful to generous donors who made this occasion possible.

A NAS A WEEK - 12 RAMADHAN 1428H

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We went out on an expedition with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) during Ramadan. Some of us observed the fast and some of us broke it. Neither the observer of the fast had any grudge against one who broke it, nor the breaker of the fast had any grudge against one who had fasted. They knew that he who had strength enough (to bear its rigour) fasted and that was good, and they also found that he who felt weakness (and could not bear the burden) broke it, and that was also good.

[Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book No. 6: 'The Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Sawm)', Hadith No. 2480]

MUSLIMS' CRITIQUES OF CONVENTIONAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

During his talk on "Contemporary Muslims Critiques of Conventional Research Methodology" at ISDEV In-House Seminar on Friday 21 September 2007, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh (left) observed that the Muslims' critiques of the conventional research methodology are still mostly confined to the philosophical underpinnings and almost none is touched on its technical instruments. In fact, he argued, there are limited literatures on Islamic Research Methodology themselves, hence the need to fill the loopholes so as construction of a holistic Islamic Research Methodology could be realized in a comprehensive manner.

Profesor Muhammad Syukri Salleh is the Director of ISDEV and the talk was the fourth series of ISDEV In-House Seminar pertaining to the critiques of conventional and construction of Islamic research methodology.

The next series will be held on Friday 28 September 2007. Dr Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar will speak on "An Analysis of Research Ethics in Conventional Research Methodology".

A NAS A WEEK - 5 RAMADHAN 1428H

[183] O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.

[al-Baqarah, 2:183]

IN-HOUSE SEMINAR: CONTEMPORARY MUSLIMS' CRITIQUES OF CONVENTIONAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

On coming Friday 21 September 2007, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh will speak on "Contemporary Muslims' Critiques of Conventional Research Methodology" at ISDEV In-House Seminar. The talk is the fourth series of the discourse on Islamic Research Methodology, to be held at Meeting Room C05, School of Social Sciences at 9.30 am. Though in-house in nature, the talk is opened to all. All are cordially invited.

A NAS A WEEK - 28 SYA'BAN 1428H

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained.

[Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book No. 6: 'The Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Sawm)', Hadith No. 2361]

A NAS A WEEK - 21 SYA'BAN 1428H

[9] O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): that is best for you if ye but knew!

[10] And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.

[11] But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: "The (blessing) from the Presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain! And Allah is the Best to provide (for all needs)."

[al-Jumu'ah,62:9-11]

A NAS A WEEK - 12 SYA'BAN 1428H

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The rider should first greet the pedestrian, and the pedestrian the one who is seated and a small group should greet a larger group (with as-Salam-u-'Alaikum).

.

[Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book No. 26: 'The Book on Salutations and Greetings (Kitab As-Salam)', Hadith No: 5374]

A NAS A WEEK - 5 SYA'BAN 1428H

[42] Verily Allah doth know of (every thing) whatever that they call upon besides Him: and He is Exalted (in power), Wise.

[43] And such are the Parables We set forth for mankind, but only those understand them who have knowledge.

[44] Allah created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): verily in that is a Sign for those who believe.

[45] Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do.

[al-'Ankabuut, 29:42-45]

A NAS A WEEK - 29 RAJAB 1428

Hammam b. Munabbih reported so many ahadith from Abu Huraira and one out of them is this that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said that Allah thus stated: When My servant draws close to me by the span of a palm, I draw close to him by the space of a cubit, and when he draws close to Me by the space of a cubit, I draw close to him by the space (covered) by two hands, and when he draws close to Me by the space (covered by) two hands, I go in hurry towards him.

[Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book No. 35: 'The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness (Kitab Al-Dhikr)', Hadith No: 6473]

NEW RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: IZWANI SAHARDIN

Izwani Sahardin (right), a doctorate candidate of ISDEV Fellow Dr Fatan Hamamah Yahaya of the School of Distance Education, has been appointed as ISDEV Research Associate beginning 11 July 2007.

Hailed from Acheh Darussalam, Izwani has actively participated in almost all ISDEV activities since 2005. She is currently working with Dr Fatan Hamamah on Food and Culture in Acheh, Indonesia.

Welcome to ISDEV family, Ibu Izwani.

A NAS A WEEK - 23 RAJAB 1428H

[29] It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; then He turned to the heaven and made them into seven firmaments. And of all things He hath perfect knowledge.

[30] Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? Whilst we do celebrate Thy praise and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not."

[al-Baqarah,2: 29-30]

ECONOMIC JIHAD HELD SUCCESSFULLY

As scheduled, the ISDEV Lecture Series IV was successfully held on 1 August 2007. The lecture on Economic Jihad by Tan Sri Dato' Muhammad Ali Hashim, the CEO of JCorp, was heard by a packed audience, amounting to about 600 persons altogether.

The lecture was coorganized by ISDEV and the Islamic Religious Council of the State of Penang (MAINPP). Amongst the VIPs attended at the lecture were MAINPP Head YB Sahabuddin Yahaya and Deputy President of Islamic Trade Hall of Malaysia Dato' Seri Mohd Yusoff Latiff.

Tan Sri Dato' Muhammad Ali began his lecture by defining the concept of and explaining the relationship between economic and business jihad, followed by a discussion on four main issues. The first was on the pertinent role of business jihad in the struggle of the ummah; the second on the business jihad as a means to face the challenge of `westoxication'; the third on the corporate waqf as a main strategy of business jihad; and finally on the fulfillment of the criteria of jihad and measurement of business success.

Some of the scenery of the ISDEV Lecture are as follows.

NEW GRADUATE STUDENT: EKARAT SITISAN

Ekarat Sitisan (right), from Bangkok, Thailand, has registered as a graduate student on 4 June 2007. He is pursuing his Master of Art degree by researching on The Potentials of the Establishment of Zakat Fund in the Muslim Community of Bangkok, Thailand. He is working with ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Management Committee Member Dr Zahri Hamat.