A NAS A WEEK - 23 DZULQA'IDAH 1431H

On the authority of Abu Sa'id (radhi Allah 'anhu), who said that the Messenger of Allah (salallahu 'alaihi wassalam) said: "Let not any one of you belittle himself. They said: O Messenger of Allah, how can any one of us belittle himself? He said: He finds a matter concerning Allah about which he should say something, and he does not say [it], so Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says to him on the Day of Resurrection: What prevented you from saying something about such-and-such and such-and-such? He say: [It was] out of fear of people. Then He says: Rather it is I whom you should more properly fear."[Hadith from al-Tirmidhi, Number 5083, Narrated Abu Dharr, related by Ibn Majah with a sound chain of authorities].

YET ANOTHER ISDEV PhD CANDIDATE- MUHAMMAD TAHIR - SUBMITTED HIS PhD THESIS

ISDEV PhD Candidate Brother Muhammad Tahir has submitted his PhD thesis on 24 September, 2010. The title is “Methods and Pracitice of Tazkiyah an-Nafs in Islamic-Based Development: A Case Study of the Koperasi Pondok Pesantren (KOPONTREN) Daarut Tauhid Bandung, Indonesia (Kaedah Dan Amalan Tazkiyyah Al-Nafs Dalam Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam: Kajian Kes Koperasi Pondok Pesantren (Kopontren) Daarut Tauhiid, Bandung, Indonesia).

He has been working with ISDEV Director Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh and ISDEV Management Committee Member Dr Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar.

Viva voce for the thesis is expected to be held sometime in November 2010. When the exact date is confirmed, a mock viva will be held at ISDEV to train him to face the real viva voce.

Whilst waiting for his viva, Brother Muhammad Tahir, who hails from the island of Sulawesi Indonesia, is currently busy with activities that are spiritual as well as intellectual and physical in nature including writing articles for publication in journals.

Listening to Muhammad Tahir's presentation of his thesis at ISDEV before he was allowed to submit it

ISDEV’S HARI RAYA GET TOGETHER

ISDEV new family member: Brother Khairul's son on ISDEV Director's lap at the gathering

A belated but memorable news!

On Wednesday, 22 September, 2010 ISDEV held a Hari Raya get-together to its fraternity. It was one of the activities organized with the aim to provide the platform for ISDEV members to bind further the ukhuwwah (Islamic brotherhood). It was held at the Banquet Hall of Universiti Sains Malaysia.

ISDEV members and their families gathered at the Hall by 7:00pm and the event started off with performing the Maghrib prayer congregationally. A short tazkirah by ISDEV PhD Candidate Warjio ensued immediately thereafter. As the time for ‘Isya had beckoned members to perform, this was also done congregationally.

Before members were allowed to taste the scrumptious food that had been specially ordered for this occasion, ISDEV lecturers followed by representatives of ISDEV students gave a very short but affable Hari Raya greetings to all those who were present.

Then came ISDEV Director’s, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh, turn to give his Hari Raya message to ISDEV fraternity. He congratulated members who were able to successfully attain the highest level of saum (fast) and thus be rewarded with the celebrations of ‘Eid. As for members who might not be successful in attaining the highest level of saum, he reminded them to supplicate to Allah swt for forgiveness and also to seek Allah’s blessings that they are in a position to meet with Ramadhan next year to strive again for the highest level of saum.

After the Hari Raya greetings, it was bon apetit to all who were present!

ISDEV brothers before the dinner

Brother Warjio delivering a tazkirah after maghrib prayer

Parts of ISDEV sisters listening to Brother Warjio's tazkirah

Time for the foods

Mixed Mode Master students 2010 (MISDEV10) taking the opportunity to record their presence at the gathering

A NAS A WEEK - 16 DZULQA'IDAH 1431H

Narrated Abu Jamra Ad-Dabi: I used to sit with Ibn 'Abbas in Mecca. Once I had a fever and he said (to me), "Cool your fever with Zam-zam water, for Allah's Apostle said: 'It, (the Fever) is from the heat of the (Hell) Fire; so, cool it with water (or Zam-zam water)" [Hadith from the Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 54, Number 483].

AHMAD AZRIN ACED HIS VIVA

The viva session on a tv screen broadcasted in a room outside the viva room

ISDEV PhD candidate Ahmad Azrin Adnan had simply aced his viva. He had successfully with confidence and aplomb defended his PhD Thesis entitled “Penentu Pemilihan Institusi Perbankan Islam Dalam Kalangan Muslim Di Terengganu” (Choice Determinants of the Islamic Banking Institutions Among the Muslims in Terengganu) during his viva which was held on Thursday 23 September, 2010 at the Mc Clintock Room of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS) Building. The viva commenced at 9:55am and ended a mere half an hour later with high accreditation given to Ahmad Azrin for a thesis not only well written but also well defended. The three examiners unanimously agreed that the thesis ought to be nominated for an award both at the university level and the national level.

Before the viva: ISDEV brothers wishing good luck to Azrin after a special solat-ul-hajjat done for him

After the viva: Doa of thanks for Azrin's wonderful success

After the viva: Congratulations from ISDEVgraduate brothers

Azrin's wife (second right) with ISDEV graduate sisters

Associate Professor Dr Abdul Fatah Che Hamat (second left) and Dr Mohamad Zaini Abu Bakar (second right) of ISDEV came to the viva to join other ISDEV graduate students to support Azrin

A feast of thanks held at IPS immediately after the viva

Azrin (right) and his supervisor cum the Director of ISDEV, Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh at the later's office after the viva

A NAS A WEEK - 10 DZULQA'IDAH 1431H

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islâm), enjoining Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. that Islâm orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (and all that Islâm has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful [Aali 'Imraan, 3: 104].

A NAS A WEEK - 3 DZULQA'IDAH 1431H

Malik related to me from Sumayy, the mawla of Abu Bakr from Abu Salih from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Travelling is a portion of the torment. It denies you your sleep, food, and drink. When you have accomplished your purpose, you should hurry back to your family" [Translation of Malik's Muwatta, Book 54, Number 54.15.39].

A NAS A WEEK - 27 SHAWWAL 1431H

Be not, then, faint of heart, and grieve not: for you are bound to rise high if you are (truly)believers [Aali 'Imraan, 3:139].

ISDEV STUDENTS AT THE INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP

Registration

Presenting papers

Thanks to the support received from IPS (Institute of Postgraduate Studies), Universiti Sains Malaysia, a total of 62 working papers were successfully presented at the Workshop Antarbangsa Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam III (WAPI-3). WAPI-3 was held within the grounds of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) on 2nd August, 2010 in Medan, Indonesia. The papers were mostly written and presented by ISDEV postgraduate students. WAPI -3 which is in its third series is an annual event jointly organized by UMSU and ISDEV.

ISDEV MEMBERS TREATED TO HOME-COOKED FOOD

The recent trip of the ISDEV fraternity to Medan, Indonesia was truly amazing. ISDEV members had the chance to taste Medan home-cooked food almost every dinner time whilst they were there from 1 August 2010 until 7 August 2010. Each of ISDEV PhD candidates who hailed from Medan took turn to host the ISDEV delegates who were there for the 7 day 6 night trip.

Brother Dato’ Khairil Anwar was the first to host the dinner at his lovely abode in a place called Gelugor. He had also surprised ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh, with a birthday cake. The next in line was dinner at Brother Farid Wajdi’s abode for dinner. He surprised ISDEV members with delectable home-cooked eel which was, to some, simply too irresistible.

For the fourth night, Brother Heri Kusmonto honoured ISDEV members with dinner at his exquisite residence which was quite a distance from the hurried and bustling life of the third busiest city in Indonesia. Some members who looked forward to be served with the mouth-watering cucumber juice were definitely contented with the luxurious delightful spread.

ISDEV members were brought to Prapart on the fifth night. Dinner was at the great outdoor with the beautiful and scenic Lake Toba in the backdrop. There ISDEV members were treated with “Ikan Bakar” and the delicious king of the fruits durians of North Sumatera.

Back form Prapart, Dr Sukiman, an ISDEV alumni gave a dinner treat at his beautiful house. Besides presenting the appetizing fair with a mixture of Medan and Aceh home-cooked food, there was a presentation by a Marhaban Group and another birthday cake for Prof Syukri (as he is affectionately known) to commemorate his 56th Birthday.

Just before flying back to Penang, ISDEV members were then hosted for lunch at Brother Suhrawardi Lubis’ private residence. His family members especially his wife, Sister Latifah, was all smiles as she saw ISDEV members tasting her home cooked dishes with such enthusiasm. In enjoying the food that had been prepared the ISDEV fraternity was at all times mindful of the adab (the manner and decorum) of being a guest and of eating as exemplified by Rasulullah s.a.w.

ISDEV DELEGATES IN MEDAN FOR A WEEK

ISDEV delegates to Medan, Indonesia

Listening to tazkirah after fajr prayer

ISDEV Delegates at Polonia Airport in Medan

Following the call for the need for Muslims to travel and thereupon see and ponder upon Allah’s creation, ISDEV Director Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salled led the 48 strong ISDEV delegations to Medan, Indonesia. The week long trip which started on 1 August 2010 had been meticulously planned to ensure that ISDEV members were not only physically fed but were also in receipt of intellectual and spiritual inputs.

In terms of the intellectual input for the first three days members attended the following programme which were all held at the main campus of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) in Medan :

2 August, 2010 - 3rd Workshop Antarbangsa Pembangunan Islam (WAPI-3)

3 August, 2010 - PhD Proposal Presentation (ISDEV PhD Candidates)
(Sister Marlina Ekanawaty and Brother Dato’ Khairil Anwar)

4 August, 2010 - Seminar Antarbangsa on the theme “Peran Dakwah Perguruan Tinggi Islam:Model Aplikasi dan Propsek”.

Some of the ISDEV delegates presenting papers at the Workshop

Outing in Prapat [Danau Toba]

In addition to the intellectual input, the members’ spiritual well-being was also taken care of. The mandatory prayers were performed congregationally. Members were also treated with at least two tazkirah (reminder) sessions a day throughout the trip. The tazkirah was delivered by ISDEV PhD candidates from Medan who took turn after every subh prayer and maghrib prayer times.

As for the delegates’ physical necessities in terms of meals provided and prepared for ISDEV members it was nothing less than superb! Every night ISDEV students from Medan play host to these musafirun (travelers) therefore allowing them to taste Medan own home-cooked savoury fair.

Lunch at Pak Suhrawardi's House

ISDEV IFTAR 2010: AN EMOTIONAL GOODBYE TO DR MIFTAH

The Iftar

ISDEV organized its annual Iftar (Break of Fast) programme this year on Friday 20 August, 2010. It was held at the Banquet Hall of USM. It was well attended by ISDEV members and guests who included staff from the School of Social Sciences and the spouses and children of ISDEV lecturers and students. The close knit ties were really felt alive that night as ISDEV members mingled and sealed the bond of brotherhood with one another.

This feeling of Islamic ukhuwwah was fortified with the congregational prayers of the compulsory prayers of Maghrib and Isya’ and followed by the nawafil (recommended) Tarawikh prayers performed at the Banquet Hall. There were three imam (head) for that night, Dr Miftahurrohim, Ustaz Shahir and Ustaz Taha who took turns to lead the congregational prayers. In between the two compulsory prayers, ISDEV members and guests while enjoying the food that had been prepared for this special occasion, the interview made with Professor Syukri and Dr Fadzila Azni on TV3’s Malaysia Hari Ini programme earlier in the day was played on the screen, to the delight of those who missed it.

This was followed with a short ceremony where all the guests who attended the Iftar programme were introduced to the ISDEV fraternity. ISDEV members who had just been blessed with a child for at least the past twelve months were each given a gift by ISDEV Director, Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

However the highlight of the night was the “Majlis Perpisahan” that had been planned for Dr Miftahurrohim, ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow. Before bidding the last farewell to this much revered intellectual who is also a huffaz (memorized the text of the Quran), in quite an emotional speech, Dr Miftah (as he is affectionately known) talked about love and why ISDEV has a special place in him. True to tradition and as a gesture of gratitude, ISDEV presented Dr Miftah with a token of appreciation as well as a farewell cake.

Token of appreciation from ISDEV Director (right) to Dr Miftah

The farewell cake

INDUSTRIOUS ISDEV THIS FASTING SEASON:BROTHER EKARAT SITISAN VIVA VOCE IS CONFIRMED

Brother Ekarat Sitisan, ISDEV’s Master by Research Candidate has had his viva voce at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS). His viva to defend his Master Thesis entitled “Potentials of Establishment of Zakat Fund in the Muslim Community of Bangkok, Thailand” was held within IPS building on Wednesday, 25 August, 2010 at 10:30am. He was the sole candidate for Master level under the supervision of ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh.

After the viva voce, the Board of Examiners has decided to pass him with minor correction. Congratulation, Brother Fahd Ekarat!

Prior to the real viva voce, being true to tradition and with the aim to equip and prepare Brother Ekarat with his defence, ISDEV held a mock viva on Monday, 23 August, 2010 at the Meeting Room of C05 at 3:00pm.

INDUSTRIOUS ISDEV LAST FASTING SEASON: ISDEV POST-DOCTORAL SEMINAR

Dr Miftah delivering his lecture

On Friday 13 August, 2010 at 9:00 am the Meeting Room of C05 was brimming with ISDEV members. They were there to listen to yet another talk by ISDEV Post Doctoral Fellow, Dr Miftahurrohim on “Pengaruh Konflik Pemikiran Imam Abu Hanifah Dan Imam Syafi'i”. He gave a general overview of the succession in intellectual legacy of the four great imams with emphasis and details on the differences held by Imam Abu Hanifah’s concept of “istihsan” and Imam Syafi’i’s negation of the said concept. This is because Imam Syafi’i had devoted one Chapter in his great kitab “Al-Umm” pertaining to the need for the abandonment of “istihsan”.

This ISDEV Post Doctoral Seminar represented the last talk in his series on these two great Imams as his contract as ISDEV Post-Doctoral Fellow ended on 21st August, 2010.

Concentrating on the lecture

INDUSTRIOUS ISDEV LAST FASTING SEASON : 4 PhD PROPOSAL PRESENTATIONS AND 1 PhD THESIS PRESENTATION FOR ISDEV GRADUATES DISCOURSES IN AUGUST

Muhammad Yassir (left) presenting his proposal

When others might be engaging in the low gear during last fasting period, ISDEV on the contrary was seen to be engaged in the fifth gear. It was full steam ahead at ISDEV last August.

Just in the first week, on Tuesday 3 August, 2010 whilst ISDEV fraternity was in Medan, Indonesia, Sister Marlina Ekawaty and Brother Datuk Chairil Anwar had successfully presented and defended their PhD proposals which were held at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. Marlina’s presented her proposal on “Pengurusan Zakat di Kota Malang Dari Perspektif Institusi Zakat dan Muzakki” whilst Datuk Chairil’s proposal was pertaining to “Takaful in the Northern Sumatera Region”. Marlina and Datuk Chairil were each given the signal to proceed by their appraisers, Dr Zakaria Bahari and Dr Zaini Abu Bakar respectively.

Immediately back from Medan, on Friday 13 August, 2010, Brother Muhammad Yassir Yusuf presented and defended his PhD proposal regarding “Tanggungjawab Sosial Korporat Bank Islam: Analisis Terhadap Persepsi Pemegang Berkepentingan Bank Islam Di Aceh” to an almost full house attendance at the Meeting Room of C05 at the School of Social Sciences. He received the affirmation from his eleventh hour evaluator, Dr Zaini Abu Bakar, to advance to the next level.

The next in line to present his PhD thesis was Brother Muhammad Tahir with his PhD Thesis entitled “Kaedah Dan Aplikasi Tazkiyah Al-Nafs Dalam Pembangunan Berteraskan Islam: Kajian Kes Koperasi Pondok Pesantren (Kopentren) Daarut Tauhiid, Bandung, Indonesia”. The presentation and defence of his thesis was done on Thursday, 19 August, 2010 at 9:00am in the Social Sciences Conference Room at C23. His PhD thesis was reviewed by Dr Zahri Hamat and given a nod to proceed for a submission.

After that, Brother Sunaryo presented and defended his PhD proposal regarding “Pengaruh Kepatuhan Beragama, Kualiti Perkhidmatan, Kepercayaan Dan Kepuasan Terhadap Kesetiaan Pelanggan Muslim Di Bank Syariah Malang, Indonesia”. His presentation was slotted at 10:30am at the same venue on Thursday, 19 August, 2010. His PhD proposal was assessed by Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Fatah Che Hamat and also given a green light to proceed.

Some of the participants during the presentation

A NAS A WEEK - 18 SHAWWAL 1431H

Abu Huraira reported, the Holy Prophet salallahu 'alaihi wassalam has instructed me to do three things: three fasts during every month, two rak'ahs of the forenoon prayer (Dhuha prayer), and observing Witr prayer before going to bed [Hadith from Sahih Muslim, Book 004: The Book Of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat), Hadith Number 1558].

A NAS A WEEK - 11 SHAWWAL 1431H

Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do [al-Saf, 61:3].

A NAS A WEEK - 4 SHAWWAL 1431H

Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. It would be as if he fasted perpetually [Hadith from Translation of Sahih Muslim, Book 6: The Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Sawm), Chapter 36: Excellence Of Observing Fast For Six Days In The Month Of Shawwal After Ramadan, Hadith Number 2614].

HAPPY EID MUBARAK

ISDEV wishing all a happy Eid Mubarak

We pray that all have fulfilled the real need for ibadah of Ramadhan and deserve to celebrate it during the Eid, InshaAllah. For those who do not feel so, with much regret, may we ask Allah s.w.t. for forgiveness.

A NAS A WEEK - 27 RAMADHAN 1431

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted [al-Hujuraat, 49:13].