IDMAC 2014 - CHANGE OF DATE

Due to unavoidable circumstances, the date of the 8th ISDEV International Conference on Islamic Development Management (IDMAC 2014) themed Islamic Political Economy previously scheduled on 2nd-3rd December 2014 is now changed to 9th-10th December 2014. Venue and time remain.

ISDEV apologizes for any inconveniences that this change of date may cause.

CALL FOR PAPERS FOR IDMAC 2014 - ISLAMIC POLITICAL ECONOMY

The Call for Papers for the 8th ISDEV International Conference on Islamic Development Management (IDMAC 2014) is now out. IDMAC is an ISDEV annual researched-Conference. Alhamdulillah, it is now going into its 8th year this year.

The IDMAC's theme for this year is Islamic Political Economy, a relatively new discipline that ISDEV wishes to enhance.

In this year's IDMAC, ISDEV hopes to provide a platform for a meeting of minds to further develop this discipline. This is in line with a course named Islamic Political Economy offered by ISDEV for its Master Mixed Mode (MISDEV) students and a research on The Politics of Islamic Development Strategies being undertaken by ISDEV at the moment.

For further details, see http://idmac2014.blogspot.com/ 

EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF TERENGGANU ISLAMIC AND MALAY CUSTOMS COUNCIL(MAIDAM)

I feel honoured to have been appointed by Islamic and Malay Custom Council of the State of Terengganu (MAIDAM) as one of the Founders and Directors in the Board of Directors of MAIDAM Education Foundation, since February this year.

This is another opportunity to contribute to my own State, after previously participated in the State's academic activities via Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) as a Visiting Professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business Management and Honorary Fellow of the Research Institute of Islamic Products and Civilization (INSPIRE), and in development via KETENGAH, Office of Chief Minister, State's Economic Planning Unit and Terengganu Development Institute in dealing with the formulation and realisation of strategic plans known as Wawasan SIHAT and Islam Hadhari Terengganu Bestari.

The first meeting of the Founders and Directors of the Foundation's Board of Directors was held at Grand Dorsett Hotel in Subang Jaya on Friday, 10 October 2014.

APEX LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

On Thursday 9 October 2014, I was together with other USM Heads of Departments at Bukit Merah Lake Resort to participate in APEX Leadership Programme organised by USM Human Transformation Centre.

The programme was held till Saturday 11 October, but unfortunately, I have to fly to Kuala Lumpur early morning of the second day of the programme to attend a meeting in Subang Jaya.

ISDEV QURBAN FEAST

On the second Eid ul-Adha, Wednesday 8 October 2014, ISDEV held a Qurban lunch specially for the staff of the USM Chancellory (Vice-Chancellor's Office, Registrar Department, Bursary, Human Resource, Public Relations Office, Admission Department, Human Transformation Centre, etc). Foods for 400 guests were prepared and finished completely, Alhamdulillah.

Guests of Honour were Vice-Chancellor, Deputies Vice-Chancellor, Bursar and Heads of Departments at the Chancellory building.

BANDUNG TRIP 19-23 AUGUST 2014

The participants

After 3 days coming home from Aceh, I flew to Bandung on August 19 for another occasion.

This time is to fulfill an invitation from Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA) to talk on "The Principles of Islamic-Based" at The Training of Islamic Development Economics. Together with me was ISDEV Deputy Director Dr Zakaria Bahari.

Apart from participating in the Training, we had also a chance to have a meeting on an Islamic Development Bank research project on Islamic Sustainable Development, attended a dinner hosted by UNISBA's Rector at his residence, visited Darut Tauhid which is famous of its Heart (Qolbu) Management approach that led to a successful business achievements, and met Erin Ramadhan, my former student who is now a successful businesss man, especially as a t-shirt supplier.

Delivering the talk

The IDB project team (from right): Dr Hakimi of Universitas Kebangsaan Malaysia and Dr Atih Rohaeti Dariah of UNISBA (leader) after the meeting at Wisma Dago. Present also was Dr Zakaria Bahari

Dinner hosted by UNISBA's Rector Prof Dr dr Taufiq M. Boesoiri (right) and his wife (left) at their residence at Jalan Setra Murni 4, Sukasari - Sarijadi, Bandung

Discussion with AA Gym, the founder-leader of the Darut Tauhid

With Erin Ramadhan (left) at his t-shirt printing gallery

Flying home on August 23, 2014

ACEH - FIRST OVERSEA TRIP AS A CONTRACT PROFESSOR

Arrived home safely from Aceh Friday August, 15, Alhamdulillah. This was my first trip abroad after retirement and being a contract Professor beginning August, 1.

Together with me were ISDEV Deputy Director Dr Zakaria Bahari and ISDEV Senior Fellow Associate Professor Dr Abdul Fatah Che Hamat. We were there since August 11 to participate in Konferensi Internasional Tentang Zakat Di Dalam Masyarakat Islam - Optimalisasi Zakat Sebagai Pilar Peradaban Islam, organised by Journal of Media Syariah, Acheh Baitul Mal, and Faculty of Shariah and Islamic Economics of  Universiti Islam Negeri (UIN) Ar-Raniry. We also took the opportunity to supervise ISDEV part-time students residing in Acheh.

Paper presentation in progress

Interviewed by media after the presentation

I presented a solicited paper entitled Mengurus Kemiskinan Melalui Zakat: Tiga Realiti Semasa (Managing Poverty via Zakat: Three Contemporary Realities), while Dr Zakaria's entitled Peranan Zakat Dalam Pembangunan Pendidikan Masyarakat: Kajian Kes Zakat Pulau Pinang (The Role of Zakat in Society's Educational Development: The Case of Zakat Pulau Pinang), and Dr Fatah's Transforming Zakat as a Means to Alleviate Poverty: Some Issues and Reflections.

With Aceh Governor dr Zaini Abdullah (on my left with black songkok) after dinner at his Istana Pendopo

For two consecutive nights, we had dinners hosted by Acheh Governor dr Zaini Abdullah and Acheh Mayor Ibu Walikota Eliza Saaduddin Jamal at their respective Pendopo (official residences). We were also treated by ISDEV students with breakfasts at traditional coffee shops with the famous Acheh coffee.

With Ibu Walikota Eliza Saaduddin Jamal and her daughter before dinner at her official residence

60TH BIRTHDAY DOA

I am 60 years old today - embarking into a life of a warga emas ("gold citizen"). As usual, I am showered with wishes and doa (prayers) since 1200 am last night, from family members, alma mater, superiors, subordinates, students, peers, and friends.

A wish from my alma mater, St Cross College of Oxford University

Unlike previous years, the wishes and doa this year come with four greetings at once, that is Happy 60th Birthday, Happy Eid Mubarak, Happy Retirement, and Happy Contract Professor. Yes, today is my 60th birthday, and also the 5th day of Eid-ul-Fitr as well as my first day of retirement and my first day as a Contract Professor (for the coming three years) at Universiti Sains Malaysia, my lifetime university.

Retirement wish from eldest daughter, A'firah

Of all the wishes and doa, one has really touched my heart. It comes from my former student who is now a successful academic at a local university in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. His wish and doa are as follows (in Malay):

Bersempena hari ulangtahun kelahiran Prof pada hari yang mulia ini, hari Jumaat penghulu segala hari, saya mengambil kesempatan ini untuk memanjatkan doa berikut:

Ya Allah Ya Maha Mulia. Muliakanlah guruku Prof Muhammad Syukri Salleh di dunia dan di akhirat. Amat besar jasa guruku dalam mendidikku dan teman-temanku sekalian untuk berhati lurus memperjuangkan kemuliaan Islam. Hindarilah guruku dari segala bahaya. Anugerahilah guruku segala kemudahan jasmani dan rohani untuk melaksanakan usaha dakwah. Panjangkanlah usia guruku diiringi kesihatan tubuh badan buat bekal berjuang di jalan-Mu. Ampunilah segala kesalahan dan kekhilafan guruku. Amal baikku sebagaimana didikan guruku mudah-mudahan mengalirlah jua manfaat buat guruku yang tersayang. Duhai Ilahi dengarlah rintihanku......

RAMADHAN GIFTS

Ramadhan has passed and I am thankful to Allah SWT for granting ISDEV in general, and me in particular, with happy gifts.

Three of my PhD students - Wan Norhaniza Wan Hassan, Shahir Akram Hassan, and Razali Othman - in last three consecutive weeks of Ramadhan - have passed their doctorate with flying colours (Scale 1 and nominated by their Board of Examiners for excellent thesis award). They maintained the similar success of their seven predecessors - all of whom also were granted with such a flying colour, totalling 10 altogther to date this year, Alhamdulillah.

Wan Norhaniza was working on Islamic-Based Development Index, while Shahir Akram on Mantiq for Islamic Research Methodology and Razali on The Use of Cash in Waqf.

TWO DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERE: ISDEV VS NON-ISDEV VIVAS

I involved in two vivas today. The first, in the morning, as an internal examiner of a PhD student outside ISDEV. The second, in the afternoon, as a main supervisor of a PhD student of ISDEV. In these two occasions, I experienced two different atmospheres.

In the morning, the student came alone with lonely face. Nobody accompanied him. The viva was held in a small room, enough for seven persons (the Board of Examiners) plus the student. The student passed, but with Scale 2, with a quite number of corrections and additions to be made.

In the afternoon, the student was accompanied by more than 30 people, consisting of not only ISDEV students, but also ISDEV lecturers. The viva was held in a big conference room to accommodate them, and the student passed with flying colours (Scale 1 and the thesis was agreed by the Board of Examiners to be nominated for Awards), with only minor correction.

I realised then that the atmosphere of the viva of an ISDEV student is different from the others. It is more merriful, more lively, more confident, and apparently more successful, Alhamdulillah. Prior to the viva, ISDEV members perform solat-ul hajat for the student, and if it is not in Ramadhan, they will hold thankful feast after the viva. That is one of the uniquenesses of ISDEV.

This year - up to the most recent viva this afternoon alone - ISDEV has produced eight PhD students, all passed with Scale 1 and nominated for Award. Two more are waiting for the viva which will be held at any time now, while at least another two are submitting their theses. All in all, this year ISDEV will InshaAllah produce 12 PhD students - an average of one per month - plus 36 Master Mixed Mode students, totalling 48 students alltogether, Alhamdulillah.

ISDEV WON BEST MASTER THESIS AWARD AGAIN

Nurul Izzah receiving the Award from Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin on 26th June 2014

So thankful to Allah SWT that this year, ISDEV won the Yayasan Nurul Yaqeen Best Master Thesis Award again. ISDEV Master student Nurul Izzah Md Rodzi has made ISDEV proud this time around, Alhamdulillah.

Since the Award was introduced (previously named Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin Best Thesis Award), ISDEV students made it for almost every year. It started with Best PhD Thesis Award won by Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad in 2010, followed by Best Master Thesis Award won by Radieah Mohd Nor in 2011, then again the Best PhD Thesis Award won by Dr Ahmad Azrin Adnan in 2012, and back to the Best Master Thesis Award won by Nurul Izzah Md Rodzi this year, 2014.

In 2013, although ISDEV student did not made it for an Award, but ISDEV PhD student Dr Mohd Shukri Hanapi has been chosen as one of the finalists. This year too, ISDEV PhD student Suraya Ismail has also became as one of the PhD finalists, Alhamdulillah.

Thank you to all ISDEV lecturers and supporting staff for working very hard in producing excellent and successful students. The results of ISDEV PhD students this year -all of whom have passed with flying colours (Scale 1 and nominated for Award by their respective Board of Examiners) - are self-explanatory and indeed a satisfaction to all ISDEV members, Alhamdulillah.

RAMADHAN AND UNIVERSITY EXCELLENCE

My recent activity in Ramadhan, speaking on 2nd July at Intellectual Discussion on Ramadhan and University Excellence, together with USM Vice-Chancellor Pof Dato' Omar Osman, USM Human Transformation Centre Dato' al-Ustaz Ellias Zakaria, and School of Humanities lecturer Associate Professor Dr Nor Shakirah Mat Akhir.

I spoke on the dynamics of Taqwa in accomplishing excellence based on ISDEV experience.

RAMADHAN KAREEM

Ramadhan is coming tomorrow. I take this opportunity to wish all a blessed Ramadhan. May Allah SWT bestow us with mercy, forgiveness and freedom, InshaAllah.

THE ISDEV JOURNEY

In conjunction with the upgrading of ISDEV to a Research Centre of Excellence since 17 April 2014, I was given an opportunity to speak at Vice-Chancellor-Staff Monthly Gathering on 12 June 2014 at University Conference Hall.

I deliberated on the journey ISDEV has gone through since the outset of the endeavour in 1981 - from tribulations, method, approach, and the accomplishments.

Also speaking at the occasion were the Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato' Omar Osman himself, Director of Research Creativity and Management Office (RCMO) Dr Lee Keat Teong, and Assistant Administrator (Accounting Management Section, Bursary) Encik Mohd Adnan Yahaya.

Present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Affairs and Development) Prof Adnan Husein, Registrar Siti Zubaidah A. Hamid, Deans, Heads of Departments, and supporting staff of various departments.

7TH ISDEV OFFICIAL VISIT TO MEDAN, 4-9 MAY 2014

On 4th till 9th May, I was in Medan, Indonesia with USM Vice-Chancellor and 70 ISDEV members. The trip was the 7th annual ISDEV official visit to Medan.

In this trip, 7 missions have been accomplished. Firstly was the signing of the MoU with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU); secondly, presenting a key paper at the 6th International Conference on Islamic Development (ICID 2014); thirdly, participating in the 7th International Islamic Development Workshop (WAPI 2014); fourthly, delivering a speech at UMSU's Public Lecture; fifthly, holding a meeting on Islamic Sustainable Development Research Project; sixthly, visiting Pesantren Raudhatul Hasanah; and seventhly, leading an academic expedition to Brestagi.

Pictures below show those activities.

Some of  ISDEV entourage with Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato' Omar Osman (middle) at the departure hall of the Penang International Airport

Daily congregrational maghrib and fajr prayers followed by tazkirah in Medan (Hotel Madani)

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato' Omar Osman delivering a Fajr Tazkirah

USM-UMSU signing of the MoU by USM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato' Omar Osman (middle) and Rector of UMSU Dr Agussani (left), after seven years of ISDEV-UMSU cooperation. I signed as a witness.

Presenting a paper on "Transforming Halal Economic Lifestyle" at 6th International Conference on Islamic Development (ICID 2014), co-organised by ISDEV and UMSU

Delivering a talk on "Exemplary in Learning" at UMSU Public Lecture

Meeting with Dr Atih of Bandung Islamic University (right) and Dr Hakimi of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (left) - the research team on Islamic Sustainable Development led by Dr Atih. The research project is sponsored by Islamic Development Bank

Visiting Pesantren Raudhatul Hasanah - an amazing self-reliant private Islamic Religious School

At pick-your-own strawberry farm in Brestagi

Th winners of Dr Suhrawardi Award 2014 - the Best Paper Award at the 7th International Workshop on Islamic Development (WAPI 2014) - (left to right) Sayyiditina Aishah and Nur Afifah (Master category), the widow of Dr Suhrawardi Ibu Latipah, and Mohd Syahmir and Mohd Syakir (PhD category)

A memorable posting of ISDEV lecturers with Vice-Chancellor Prof Dato' Omar Osman during a dinner at Wong Solo Restaurant

GRADUATION NIGHT, DR JUANDA, CONVOCATION BOYS, UNCLE DINO AND INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR

Too many things happened since my last posting. The five most prominent happenings are manifested in the photos below.

25 April 2014: With families of ISDEV PhD Master Mixed Mode students (2012) during ISDEV Graduation Night. The Night was held, as in previous years, to appreciate the completion of study of the students (a PhD and 17 Master students), in conjunction with their convocation the next day. In my speech here, I stressed ISDEV's intention of not only providing the students with degree, but also with akhlak dan spirit to uphold and strive for Islam. Excellent students were awarded with Outstanding Thesis/Dissertation Award

26 April 2014: With Mufti of Perlis, Dato' Dr Juanda at Convocation Lunch, who I first met at Oxford when he was a Chauvening Scholar at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. In spite of a short span of time, many issues were discussed, including his school of thought.

26 April 2014: With some of ISDEV Mixed Mode Students (2014) at their Convocation Ceremony. Other students were already in the Convocation Hall.

28 April 2014: With investor-cum-developer Uncle Dino, his wife Madam Tan, his nephew Kevin Joe and lawyer Rozilawati at Nilai. Uncle Dino is an active investor in Nilai Spring Villas, near Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM).

28 April 2014: With Pehin Dato' Abdul Rahman Abdul Karim of Negara Brunei Darussalam at International Book Fair at PWTC, buying books for ISDEV's Resource Centre. Pehin is ISDEV's Advisory Panel and has been contributing to ISDEV development, including in developing ISDEV's Resource Centre through books contribution, designing ISDEV's new building to be built beside Harapan Lake in Universiti Sains Malaysia, and hosting ISDEV members at his Rizqun International Hotel whenever the members were in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

ISDEV INTO GAMES

So thankful to Allah SWT that in spite of last minutes training in the case of ISDEV Netball Team and no-training-at-all in the case of ISDEV Futsal Team, they came up Runner-Up and Third Winner respectively in the Netball and Futsal Matches today, organised by USM Friends of the Mosque.

Males: ISDEV Futsal Team (IFT) and Females: ISDEV Netball Team (INT)

Now I realised that apart from confining them to merely academic activities (lectures, researches, thesis writing, conferences, discourses, etc), social activities (social transformation laboratory, human development camps, graduation night, knowledge blessing night, etc), and entertainment activities (nasyid and qashidah), I need to release ISDEV members' energy through sports as well, such as through the netball and futsal, also perhaps through badminton, table tennis, squash and others.

When seeing their potentials in the games today, I offer them the provision of balls by ISDEV, and perhaps other necessities, if necessary, so as to allow them to be excellent in the sports, after proving that they have already been excellent in their academic accomplishment. Alhamdulillah.

A TOUCHING BIRTHDAY LETTER

Today is Ummu's 15th birthday. I was surprised to find out early in the morning a letter and a present near my praying mat when I entered my prayer room for fajr prayer. Both were from Ummu.

Ummu's birthday and I receive the gifts from her? It should have been the reverse usually.

The gifts were a touching letter and a photograph frame containing 3 photographs featuring Ummu and me during various occasions along the year. Her letter led me to realise that Ummu is already a matured youngest daughter with all wisdom, some of which were accumulated when she accompanied me abroad, from Indonesia and Thailand to Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom.

I purposely posted her letter below as an important memory in my life.

ANOTHER TWO PASSED WITH FLYING COLOURS

Alhamdulillah, another two ISDEV Phd students passed their viva voce with flying colours today.

Radieah Mohd Nor who was working on the Management of Poverty in the Era of Umar Abdul Aziz sat for the viva in the morning while Mohamad Helmi Hidthiir who worked on The Financial and Liquidity Risks of Islamic Banks had his viva in the afternoon. Both were announced by their respective Chairmen of the Board of Examiners as not only passed with excellent, but also nominated for University awards.

Radieah and Helmi are the third and fourth ISDEV students respectively to have been announced this year with such an excellent result. Prior to them were Suraya Ismail and Wan Anisah Endut, following majority of their seniors in the previous years, Alhamdulillah.

NOR HANANI WON THE BEST ISLAMIC RESEARCH PRIZE (AL-QUR'AN AND SUNNAH)

What else can a teacher feels when his student embark with an award, other than feeling so thankful to God?

This was exactly what I felt when Nor Hanani Ismail was announced as the winner of the Best Islamic Research Prize (Al-Qur'an and Sunnah) at the SAPLI 2014 during the conference dinner at Terendak Seni Restaurant, Seri Begawan, Negara Brunei Darussalam on the 20th of March.

I believed that she deserved the Prize not only for her excellent paper and presentation, but moreover because her successful encounter with a quite challenging tribulation. When she was about to leave for Brunei, her two children, both of them, suffered a high fever.

But for the sake of Allah SWT, she left her children to her husband with a confidence that Allah SWT will surely take care of them, as she was leaving to work for Allah SWT. This was a brave action indeed. Sure enough, her two children recovered quickly by the time she was in Brunei.

The Prize came from the organiser, but implicitly it actually came from Allah SWT. That should be the firm belief of a faithful servant. ISDEV holds to this belief.

WATCHING 4 ISDEV PHD STUDENTS PRESENTING RESEARCHES IN BRUNEI

Right now I am at Inter-University Postgraduate Seminar 2014 at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam, witnessing one of ISDEV four PhD students presenting their researh papers. 

Nor Hanani Ismail at the moment is talking about Data Validity Indicators in Islamic Research Methodology. She will be followed by Razali Othman who will talk on The Use of Fiat Money in Cash Waqf, Shereeza Mohamed Saniff on the Development Actors in Constructing Contractual Documents in Islamic Finance, and Murni Yusoff on Islamic Relationship Marketing.

They are presenting their papers in one similar session, Alhamdulillah, giving a chance for audiences to listen to the trend of ISDEV thought at once.

We landed Brunei two days ago, on Tuesday 18th March and will here till Saturday 22nd March, InshaAllah.

We will move to Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) after the presentation for a meeting on research collaboration and come back to UNISSA at 2pm to participate in a Roundtable Meeting on Graduate Seminar. At 4pm we need to be at Rizqun International Hotel for an occasion organised by Pehin Dato' Abdul Rahman Haji Abdul Karim, a member of ISDEV's Advisory Panel who plays host to our visit, and at 7.30pm at Terendak Seni Restaurant for Conference Dinner.

WHERE IS MH370?

This morning, after having my breakfast, the lady owner of the nasi kandar stall asked me: "What do you think of the MH370? Can you guess where is it now?".

My spontaneous answer is simple: "Only Allah knows, I do not know. If I were to draw an analysis from various analyses, you and I will be more confused. But if you still insist on my opinion, I firstly need to know in which side you are. If you are on opposition, the analysis would be different from the analysis for a pro-establishment".

We ended our conversation with a laugh.

Indeed, it is unwise to guess and manipulate, moreover to analyse and disseminate uncertain news based on unconfirmed information. Yes, it may enhance our mental gymnastic exercises, but reflecting on and asking for Allah's forgiveness for everything that our country in general and MAS in particular have gone wrong is a better wiser endeavour.

In so doing, two that I can think of, of what MAS has gone wrong. Firstly, the providence of alcohol on board, and secondly, the unIslamic uniform of the stewardess. If Royal Brunei Airline and few Middle-Eastern airlines can survive without alcohol and sexy stewardess, why can't MAS?

Unfortunately, let alone eliminating the alcohol service and changing the unIslamic uniform of the stewardess, the stewardess of AirAsia and Malindo that followed are having even a sexier uniform, definitely with the approval of the Malaysian authorities. What have gone wrong seems to be intensified, not avoided at all.

And now we ask Allah for help without repenting? Allah has helped Prophet Yunus from the big fish (nun) and forgave him due to his repentance. We too, in praying for the safety of MH370 and its passengers, should have done the same, that is performing both the solatuh-taubah and solatul-hajat. 

Solatul-hajat alone without the solatuh-taubah is insufficient. Firstly we need to ask Allah for forgiveness for what MAS and the Malaysian authorities have done wrong thus the necessity to return to the right path; and secondly to ask Allah for help for Allah is our Sole Almighty Helper. As Captain Nuruddin was saying: "science is a creation, while Allah is the Creator". Seek the Creator's help in solving the problem of the creations, within a pure intimate Creator-creations relationship.

ON FOUR DAYS LEAVE

I am on four days leave, beginning today till Friday February, the 7th. The aim is not to have a rest, but instead to be away from office to read and examine a few Phd theses.

They have been back-logged for quite sometimes and I  now realise that I could not do it in the midst of the normal office routines. I need to really concentrate on them with less interruption, away from the academic crowds though still accessible via phones and messages if there is any urgent matter that need my attention and action.

I feel very guilty indeed to hold the theses, for as my wife continuously remind me, they are the future of the students. It is indeed unwise to keep the future of the students standstill, which otherwise could have been moving forward earlier if they have passed their PhD.

Oh Allah, forgive me for my weakness. I pray that the students are able to defend their theses in near forthcoming weeks when my reading of the theses are completed, InshaAllah.

MAGNETIC INSTITUTION

ISDEV three-day academic meeting has concluded successfully today, Alhamdulillah. The first day, on Wednesday February 26th, saw the presentation of four PhD research proposals by four ISDEV PhD students; on the second day Thursday February 27th, three PhD theses presentations by three respective PhD students as mentioned in the earlier posting; and today, Friday February 28th, the ISDEV Director's Tarbiyyah and a lecture on Problem Statements by ISDEV Deputy Director Dr Zakaria Bahari.

About 100 ISDEV students came from inside and outside Malaysia, including from Dubai, to gather at the three-day meeting.

In the Director's Tarbiyyah today, I talked about Magnetic Institution as ISDEV should be. Magnetic Institution here means an institution which are able to attract as many people - scholars, students, researchers, et. cetera - as possible, via an energetic power. The engine of the power is the high accomplishment in every aspect, academically and socially. The academic aspect may include a quality high academic performance while the social aspect may include conducive entertaining academic atmosphere with good attitude (akhlak). All could be portrayed via blog and website as well as by individuals' perception and promotion.

To some extent, ISDEV already posseses such a power though still much to be desired, proven by what ISDEV has attained so far. But I alerted ISDEV fraternity that in having such a power, one has to attract the people to ISDEV as an institution (read jemaah), not to indviduals or moreover to a group within ISDEV. The former may strengthen ISDEV further while the later may break ISDEV into pieces.

MY 3 PHD STUDENTS GETTING A NOD

Alhamdulillah, how please one is to witness his students getting a nod to submit their theses for examination.

It is exactly what I feel right now - at the Thesis Presentation which is in progress at the moment at University Conference Hall, USM - witnessing Wan Norhaniza Wan Hassan, Mohd Syakir Mohd Rosdi, and Razali Othman given a nod by their respective PhD theses reviewers to proceed with the submission of their theses for examination.

It is a tradition at ISDEV for students to present their theses and reviewed by lecturers before they are allowed to submit their theses to be examined by their examiners. The tradition helps the students to polish their theses and ensures a high standard of the theses. Indeed it is one of the secrets of the high rate of the accomplishment of flying colours of ISDEV students, apart from serious but entertaining private and collective supervisions prior to the thesis presentation.

Wan Norhaniza works on the Index of Islamic-Based Development, while Mohd Syakir on Tahaluf Siyasi in Islamic Political Economy and Razali on Cash Waqf Revisited. Few weeks before, another PhD student of mine, Suraya Ismail who was working on the Thought of the Members of Shari'ah Advisory Council of Islamic Banking in Malaysia has passed with flying colours. Few more are in the pipeline; apart from the three above, are Shahir Akram Hassan who is working on Mantiq for Islamic Research Methodology and Farid Wajdi on the Law, Administration and Use of Halal Logo in Indonesia.

All in all, ISDEV is expected to graduate about 10 students this year, including Wan Anisah who will be facing her viva on 12 March, and Raziah Mohd Tahir, Radieah Mohd Noor and Helmi who are waiting for their viva voce at anytime now.

WITH TWO UNIVERSITY COLLEGES: KUIS AND KUIM

During a lapse of six days, I was with two Islamic university colleges; first with Islamic University College of Selangor (KUIS) and second, with Islamic University College of Melaka (KUIM).

I was at KUIS on Thursday February 13 to fulfill an invitation to deliver two lectures on Academic Mentoring to its senior lecturers (those working at KUIS for more than 10 years). The first lecture entitles "Mentoring: Pros and Cons", while the second "Mentoring: ISDEV Experience".

I was amazed with the sincerity of the lecturers to gather experience, and touched to see three quarter of the KUIS' mosque was filled with lecturers and students performing zohor congregational prayer at the mosque; moreover to see students registering at a table outside the mosque after the prayer to break Thursday supplementary fast congregationally at the mosque later in the evening by just paying RM2.00 each. Brief fard 'ain lecture before zohor prayer and tazkiyah before the breaking of fast were also held. I came to understand that the time of the zohor and so are other congregational prayers is adjusted according to the completion of lectures, hence the ability of the substantial number of the jemaah to perform congregational prayer at the mosque.

Later, on Tuesday February 18, ISDEV was visited by an entourage of 6 lecturers and 43 students of KUIM specialising in Islamic Development Management. It was a great happy moment to receive the entourage that resulted from my participation in developing an undergraduate Islamic Development Management programme at the University. It was about two years ago when I was appointed by KUIM as an Advisory Panel to develop the programme. The programme was well-received and the students of the programme now have increased to more than 160, Alhamdulillah. They are ISDEV potential Master students and KUIM could definitely become a feeder for ISDEV future postgraduate students, InshaAllah.

During the visit too a letter of my appointment as a Visiting Lecturer for the programme was officially delivered by the head of the entourage, Dean Dr Nazli. I am also indebted to Musliha, our ISDEV Alumni who is a lecturer of the KUIM Islamic Development Management programme and the organiser of the visit. I am so happy that the ISDEV Alumni is playing her role in serving Islam and Allah SWT.

VISITING INSPIRE, UNISZA

Alhamdulillah, the Workshop on the Haj Research is over and I am now at KLIA Golden Lounge, waiting to board my connecting 1910 flight to Penang.

Prior to this, at the end of the Workshop in the afternoon, I was fetched by Prof Shukri, Director of the newly-established Institute of Islamic Product and Civilisation (INSPIRE) of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) to visit the Institute and have a little discussion on its direction. I was appointed by the University as INSPIRE's Honorary Fellow quite recently.

I stretched out a few points at the discussion. Firstly, the "Islamic Product" of the Institute should mean Islamic Civilizational Product, to relate the product to civilization as in the name of the Institute. Secondly, for this, three phases of research could be carried out; firstly, rejuvenation of Islamic products used to exist in the history of Islam; secondly, study of the state and the betterment of existing Islamic products; and  thirdly, innovative creation of new Islamic products for contemporary use.

The product here covers all kind of products that contribute to the development of Islamic civilization, from food to economics, social, politics, heritage, culture, etc .

HAJ RESEARCH CLUSTER IN ISDEV

Another invaluable gift to ISDEV from Allah SWT, Alhamdulillah.

On 10 January 2014 recently, USM Senate has approved the upgrading of ISDEV to a Centre of Excellence. And this morning, at the opening speech of Haj Research Cluster Workshop at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato' Omar Osman annnounced the housing at ISDEV of the RM9.2 million Haj Research Project. The Project is undertaken by more than 50 scholars from USM, UTM, UniSZA, UMT, UPM, IIUM, and UMK, transdisciplinarily.

It is of course quite a challenge indeed, but it too hopefully, InsyaAllah, exhibits the recognition of not only by the Vice-Chancellor, moreover by Allah SWT. Subhanallah!

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor too has raised 5 interesting important points. 

Firstly, Haj is an Islamic affair and the management of Haj too thus has to be Islamic. Secondly, the Project needs to introduce graduate programs in order to produce qualified Haj managers. Thirdly, ISDEV should fulfill the second points as it deals with Islamic development embedded in which is the Islamic Service Management. Fourthly, akhlak is badly needed in undertaking the Project, especially in related industry and agency engagement. Finally, fifthly, Haj Research Project has to be regarded as a struggle, not just as an academic research.

The Workshop is still on-going now, till tomorrow afternoon, InsyaAllah.

KUALA TERENGGANU

Safely landed Kuala Terengganu and checked-in at TH Hotel and Conventional Centre, Gong Badak, without anymore delay at KLIA, Alhamdulillah. I even have the time to enjoy ICT (ikan celup tepung) at the ICT Haji Pak Long (Seafood) at Telaga Batin, not far from the hotel. ISDEV PhD students who are teaching at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) brought me there, after fetching me from the airport and checking-in at the hotel.

Interestingly, when arriving at the hotel, I was told that this is the hotel where swearing by al-Qur'an in front of the Chief Minister of Terengganu was held few days ago. It was done to prove that Terengganu football team, the T-Team, was innocent in a clashing incident with Johor football team during their football match not long ago. I am amazed at the Malays who could do so just for the sake of football!

There is also another interesting thing here. In front of the TH Hotel is the stadium known for its controversial fallen roof. It is now opened, so I was told, but naked, without the roof anymore! Audiences of any games held here are risked with sun and rain.

MAS AGAIN

The problem seems to have not been settled as yet. MAS flyers face delays continuosly.

Last night on my way home from a talk at Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Selangor (KUIS), I was delayed at KLIA for about half an hour.

And right now, again I am stucked at Penang International Airport. My MAS flight to KLIA is announced to be delayed for 40 minutes.

I anticipate a sort of running, or at least jogging, at KLIA later on to catch my 1450 connecting flight to Kuala Terengganu.

May Allah protect me from missing the KL-Kuala Terengganu flight, or else I would be delaying in attending the Workshop on Haj Research there.

MAS oh MAS. Previously adverse weather and late arrival of aircrafts from other sectors became your excuses. Now weather is good, what else is your excuse? The late arrival of aircrafts from other sectors? Ha ha.

RESUMING BLOGGING

Time is running fast indeed. Just realised it has been about four months since I last wrote in this blog.

Recalling and analysing activities undertaken in such a long time is definitely impossible. Too many to recall and too much to analyse.

Ones that I could remember clearly are my trip to Rome and Paris, frequent visits to Brunei, upgrading process of ISDEV to a Centre of Excellence (CoE), and the design of ISDEV Complex, first near the Co-Curriculum Centre and later beside the Harapan Lake in USM Penang campus.

All relates very much to endeavours in exhibiting the beauty of Islam and the dynamics of its systems.

I talked about the need of an Islamic Research Methodology in Rome, strengthening Islamic networkings in Brunei, intensifying Islamic excellence via the upgrading of ISDEV to a CoE in USM, and realising the dynamics of waqf via the construction of ISDEV Complex beside the Lake.

May Allah SWT bless and help us all, Insha-Allah.