amanah 53

Amnah

Internal Newsletter for the IDB-sponsored Students, Graduates and Partners

Scholarship Division, Special Assistance Department

Islamic Development Bank Group

Issue No. 53 Shaban 1435H / June 2014Quarterly Newsletter

IDB Scholarship Programme Official Newsletter

Community Service Project by

IDB Graduates in the Philippines

1Amnah Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 53

Editorial

Dr. Malek Shah Bin Mohd. Yusoff

Chief Editor

Br. Adel Abdulwahab Sindi

Deputy Chief Editor

Br. Mamoon Al Azami

Overall In-charge as Editor

Br. Syed Afzal Jamil

Assistant Editor, Designer & Developer

Br. Mohammed Iftekhar

Coordinator for Partners News

Br. Muhammad Akram

Coordinator for Beneficiary News

Br. Khalid Hamid Al Qabasani

Assistant to the Editor

Photographer / Photo Archivist

Br. Ahmad Lahman

Scholarship Division

Special Assistance Department

Islamic Development Bank Group

P O Box 5925, Jeddah 21432

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel: +966 2 646 6833

Fax: +966 2 646 6887

E-mail: [email protected],

[email protected]: www.isdb.org

INTRODUCTION

Editorial 2

KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM & COMMUNITY

- Preparing for Ramadan

- Islamic Kills Racism

- Setting Goals for Ramadan

- Enhancing Zuhd in Ramadan

- Blessed Month of Mercy: Advice to Self

- Education and Muslims

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SUCCESS STORIES OF IDB SCH. BENEFICIARIES

- Congratulation to IDB Scholars on their achievements

- Congratulation to IDB Graduates on their achievements

- Dr. Sead Zeynel from Macedonia

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COMMUNITY SERVICES BY IDB GRADUATES

- Highlights from Kenya, Philippines, India Bangladesh & Tanzania 16

SCH-IDB-UMMAH NEWS

- IDB Group President Honoured

- The World Cannot be at Peace when a third of it is

Poor, Says IDB President

- Custodian of the two Holy Mosques to Patronize IDB

Group Meeting and Grace Opening of the IDB 40th

Anniversary Celebrations

- Scholarship Division to Celebrate 30 Years of

Developing the Ummah in conjunction with IDBs 40th

Anniversary

- Nigerian IDB Education Trust Chairman among 5 Faisal

Award winners

- The 2014 IDB Prize in Islamic Banking and Finance

- Three Universities Win IDB Prizes in Science and Technology

- IDB Board Approves Nearly US$ 671 Million for Strategic

Development Projects

- Philanthropist Donates SR One billion for 75 Mobile Health Clinics

to be Launched under IDB Supervision

- General Committees of the IDB Board Meet on Scholarship

Programmes

- Annual Meeting of IDB Scholars Association UK at Cambridge

University

- 1st Scientific Symposium of IDB Scholars Association UK -

Cambridge University

- New Executive Committee for IDB-UK Scholars Association

- Meetings with Cambridge Trust & Imperial College London (ICL)

- Mission to Pakistan

- Mission to Madagascar

- SAP Scholarship Solution

- Mid-term Review of 5-year Strategic Plan

- Retirement of Br. Abulmayeen Shaharuqul Huq

- Employee of the Month Award

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Disclaimer: Views expressed in the Amanah do not necessarily represent those of the IDB

nor the Editorial Team1


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Editorial

INTRODUCTION

Ramadan to enrich, energise and empower a balanced life

Ramadan is yet again knocking at our doors as another annual gift from Allah SWT with a great opportunity to enrich our souls, energise our hearts and empower our lives for inner & outer development of our personality. We seldom realise the power it brings to our lives for purity and purpose to do what is right and stop what is wrong as defined by Allah SWT and Rasool (SAW).

Ramadan is the month of Quran as its revelation started in this month (2:184), which is the guidebook from Allah SAW for all Muslims. We ought to contemplate and understand the instructions of Allah in it to enlighten our lives towards the right direction leading to ultimate success here and hereafter.

Ramadan is the month of Taqwa (2:183). If we invest our thought, time, effort, energy and emotion on Taqwa to run a balanced life in Dunya, all our activities will In Sha Allah become worship to be rewarded with pleasure and paradise of Allah. Since Quran is the guidance for best life in this world with Taqwa, it is our duty to reflect on how we can develop ourselves, our families, societies and countries with strong Islamic values and high level of professional skills & commitment, which are the objectives of IDB Scholarship Programmes.

In fact, Quran declares (3:110) that the Muslim Ummah has a divine duty to serve the humanity to achieve their welfare materially and spiritually as well as that we must help the orphans and the needy (107: 2-3). The inspiration of the Quran produced the glorious Islamic civilization of Muslim in Spain who were global leaders in science, technology and innovation.

The Holy Month of Ramadan teaches us powerful self-discipline leading to submission, commitment, patience and sacrifice. We should apply these excellent habits in our day-to-day life throughout the year. IDB scholars and graduates can also apply these to transform their daily lives into a disciplined and result-oriented one both professionally and socially.

For us, with the blessings of Allah, we expect to experience another chance for the renewal and strengthening of faith that leads to a decisive change of course in our lives to live and to serve our societies and countries.

Let us prepare well to be spiritually Enriched, Energised and Empowered to leave a legacy of a good example of a balanced life of high professional standards with caring for humanity at large to please Allah SWT.

Chief Editor15 June 2014


Al-Quran:"Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong).." (Q 2:183)Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and righteousness" (Q 2:183)Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwaa." (Q2:183)The most honored by Allah amongst you are those best in taqwaa."(Q 49:13)..And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew." (Q 2:184)"Indeed We have revealed it (Qur'an) in the night of Power. And what will explain to you what the night of Power is? The night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah's permission, on every errand: (they say) "Peace" (continuously) till the rise of Morning!" (Q 97:1-5)We sent it (this Qur'an) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'an or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

HadithThe Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "When themonth of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heavenare opened and the gates of Hell are closed and

the devils are chained." (Imam Bukhari) ...Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Messenger of Allah (saw) said:"... whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Imam Bukhari).The Messenger of Allah (saw) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying, "Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." [Narrated by IbnKhuzaymah]Abu Said al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw), said: "No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hellfire seventy years further away from his face." This is related by "the group," except for Imam Abu Dawud.

KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM & COMMUNITY


`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw), said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Imam Ahmad]Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah (saw) and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."' [Imam Ahmad, Imam Nasa'i, and Imam Hakim].Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw): "There is a gate to Paradise that is called ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked." [Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim].He who is amongst those who pray will be called from the gate of the prayer (in Paradise) and he who is from the people of Jihad will be called from the gate of Jihad, and he who is from those' who give in charity (i.e. Zakat) will be called from the gate of charity, and he who is amongst those who observe fast will be called from the gate of fasting, the gate of Raiyan." Abu Bakr said, "He who is called from all those gates will need nothing," He added, "Will anyone be called from all those gates, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "Yes, and I hope you will be among those, O Abu Bakr." [Imam Bukhari]Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said : "The time between the five prayers, two consecutive Friday Prayers, and two consecutive Ramadans are expiations for all that has happened during that period, provided that one has avoided the grave (major) sins." [Imam Muslim]

In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (saw) says, "Ramadan has come to you. (It is) a month of blessing, in which Allah covers you with blessing, for He sends down Mercy, decreases sins and answers prayers. In it, Allah looks at your competition (in good deeds), and boasts about you to His angels. So show Allah goodness from yourselves, for the unfortunate one is he who is deprived in (this month) of the mercy of Allah, the Mighty, the Exalted." [ImamTabarani]Abu Umaamah r.a.a. said: I said: 'O Messenger of Allah (saw), tell me of an action by which I may enter Paradise'. He said: 'Take to Fasting, there is nothing like it.' [Imam Nasai, Ibn Hibbaan, Al-Haakim, Saheeh]Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving then times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said, 'Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.' for the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of musk." [Imam Bukhari]"Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire." [Imam Ahmad, Saheeh]On the Day of Judgement, "Fasting will say: O My Lord I prevented him from food and desires so accept my intercession for him." [Imam Ahmad, Imam Haakim and Abu Nu'aim, Hasan]There are in the month of Ramadhan in every day and night those to whom Allah grants freedom from the Fire, and there is for every Muslim an supplication which he can make and will be granted." [al-Bazzaar, Ahmad, Saheeh]The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the fasting persons reward." [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah, IbnHibbaan, Saheeh].


I think a lot of people are confused by the new Arabic name, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz.Ive

always had the name on my passport, Malik El Shabazz I only used it in the Muslim

world, well Hajj is a title that is given to any Muslim who make the Pilgrimage to Makkah

during the official Hajj season one thing that I found in all of my travels was that all of the

Africans not only the Africans but the Asians, the Muslims Look upon us as their long

lost brothers, and America had actually tricked many of them into hands of policy, by giving

them the impression that She was honestly trying to do something to solve the problem

My argument over there was designed to prove that it is impossible, for the United States

Government to solve the race problem.Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and

overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races.

Here in this ancient Holy Land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad (SAW) and all the other

prophets of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week, I have been utterly speechless and

spellbound by the graciousness I see displayed all around me by people of all colors.I have

been blessed to visit the Holy City of Mecca.

I have made my seven circuits around the Kaaba Led by a young Mutawaf named

Muhammad. I drank water from the well of the Zam Zam. I ran seven times back and forth

between the hills of Mount Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. I have prayed in the ancient city of Mina,

and I have prayed on Mount Arafat. There were tens of thousands of Pilgrims, from all over

the world.They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we

were all participating in the same Ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood That

my experiences in America had led me believe never could exist between the white and

non-white. America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases

from its society the race problem.

Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people

who in America would have been considered white But the white attitude was removed

from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true

brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their colour. You may be shocked

by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced,

has forced me to Re-arrange much of my thought-patterns previously held, and to toss aside

some of my previous conclusions.

This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who

tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge

unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which is necessary to the flexibility that must

go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth. During the past eleven days

here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and

slept in the same bed or the same rug while praying to the same God.

Islam Kills Racism Malcolm X

Published on March 2nd, 2014


With racism plaguing America like an incurable cancer, the so-called Christian white

American heart should be more receptive to a proven solution to such a destructive

problem. Perhaps it could be in time to save America from imminent disaster. The same

destruction brought upon Germany by racism that eventually destroyed the Germans

themselves. Each hour here in the Holy Land enables me to have greater spiritual insights

into what is happening in America between black and white. The American Negro never can

be blamed for his racial animosities. He is only reacting to four hundred years of the

conscious racism of the American Whites.

But as racism leads America up the suicide path, I do believe from the experiences that I

have had with them that the whites of the younger generation, in the colleges and

universities will see the handwriting on the walls and many of them will turn to the spiritual

path of truth the only way left to America to ward off the disaster that racism inevitably

must lead to. Never have I been so highly honored, never have I been made to feel more

humble and unworthy. Who would believe the blessing that have been heaped upon an

American Negro? A few nights ago, a man who would be called in America a white man, a

united Nations Diplomat, an Ambassador, a companion of kings, gave me his hotel suite, his

bed never would I have even thought of dreaming that I would ever be recipient of such

honors honors that in America would be bestowed upon a king. not a Negro. All praise

is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Sincerely, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz Malcolm X

If I recall I pointed out that while I was at Makkah, making the pilgrimage, I spoke about the

brotherhood that existed at all levels and among all people who were there on that Hajj,

who had accepted the religion of Islam and I pointed out that What the religion of Islam

had done for those people over there, despite their complexion differences That it would

probably, do America well to study the religion of Islam and perhaps it could drive some of

the racism from the society as it has driven racism from Muslim society

Source: http://www.eaalim.com/download/index.php/blog/entry/islam-kills-racism-malcolm-x.html#sthash.CEJMXVXf.dpuf

With fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue,

whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin

was the whitest of white, and in the words and in the

actions in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the same

sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of

Nigeria, Sudan, And Ghana We were truly all the same

brothers because their belief in one God had removed

the white from their minds, the white from their behavior,

and the white from their attitude.I could see from this,

that perhaps if white Americans could accept the

oneness of God, then perhaps, too, they could accept in

reality the oneness of Man and cease to measure, and

hinder, and harm others in terms of their differences in

color.


Setting goals for Ramadan

Goals are our anchors. Goal-less people drift aimlessly,without direction or destination in mind. The change in daily routine that Ramadan brings makes the month an opportune time to set goals for (and begin) self-improvement. The ultimate and underlying goal of every believer shouldbe to meet Allaah, pleased and well pleasing. The mini-goalswe set to accomplish this life mission of ours must cover all the different dimensions of our lives. Balance between ourphysical, spiritual, and creative components is the key toattaining true happiness in this life and the next.This spiritual element is at the core of the others (as demonstrated to us by Prophet Ibraheem). If we sincerely pursue the fulfillment of our spiritual lives, Allaah The Most High promises to facilitate the other aspects of our wellbeing.Moreover, we must begin with what is obligatory and not the supererogatory.That said, we are practical beings, nonetheless, and must set and attain sensible goals. It is the small and consistent deeds that carry us to great ends. In the mundane, we often find the seeds of transcendent truth and everlasting success. So grows the great import in setting these tedious and ordinary goals. In your planning, be sure to make those goals smart (sensible, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely).Settle your accounts before the final accountingHeedlessness of the Day of Judgment can lead to carelessness in accounting for one's wealth. We very easily may become consumed by the desire to gain more to the point of neglecting our other responsibilities. Financial ambition can (and has) led many a devout Muslim to place work and lifestyle over worship. We should first and foremost pray as the Prophet did: "O our Lord! Make us content with whatever you provide.And so our financial objectives in this life should complement our ultimate goal of pleasing Allaah. Know that you will be asked two questions concerning your wealth on the Day of Judgment: (1) How you earned your wealth, and (2) how you spent it.With that in mind, consider these financial tips this Ramadan:1. If your earning is from a Haraam source, then your first goal should be to quit that immediatelyor start working toward giving it up and cleaning your wealth from it. The Prophet said: How excellent the wealth of the Muslim is, if it is collected through legal means and is spent in Allaah's cause and on orphans, the poor, and wayfarers. But he who does not take it legally is like an eater who is never satisfied. Thus his wealth will be a witness against him on the Day of Resurrection [Al-Bukhaari].2. If your source of earning is Halaal, then focus on purifying your wealth by fulfilling any obligations you may have concerning Zakaah.3. Next, maximize your savings for the Hereafter by spending your wealth for the sake of Allaah in Ramadan. The Prophet was the most generous of us all. Yet his generosity increased even more before and during the month of Ramadan.


Social goalsMuslims should be sincere in their dealings with others and strive not to harm them. We are exhorted to be quick to forgive when wronged and must love for others what they love for themselves. Allaah, The Just, on the Day of Judgment, will not forgive a harm done by someoneto another until and unless that person seeks forgivenessfrom the one he/she has harmed or the harmed one is compensated for the wrong done to them by the one who harmed him/her.Keep the following in mind as you set goals for your social life in Ramadan:1. Forgive those who harmed you in any way, even if you were right (meaning, hold no grudges).2. Hearts become softer in Ramadan. It's a good time to repair damaged relationships. Allaah Says what means: The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allaah that you may receive mercy. [Quran 49:10].3. Ramadan events provide excellent opportunities to mend (and start) relationships. Invite friends and family who you've fallen-out with for an Iftaar at your home. Have Iftaars for neighbors and others you would like to connect with.4. Spend more time with your family. Take your family to the Mosque on a daily basis for Iftaar and for the Taraweeh prayer.Physical goalsOur bodies are a trust from Allaah (as are our time and wealth). We are accountable for what we do with our bodies and how we maintain them. Our own body parts will either testify for or against us on the Day of Judgment. We will also be questioned as to what we have consumed to sustain our bodies.Health is important. Check these suggestions out:1. Control what you eat. Our food must be Halaal. The quality must be wholesome. The quantity must be moderate. As your eating habits inch closer to these ideals, you will become healthier, both physically and emotionally.2. Purify your body parts by pulling them away from prohibited acts and engaging them in God-pleasing acts.a. If your tongue is occupied in gossip, cease this and occupy your tongue in Thikr (remembering and supplicating Allaah).b. If your hands are used to manipulate scantily clad characters in a video game, then busy them with helping someone out.c. If your ears are absorbed in music, then change the tune: Start listening to and reciting Quran more.Ramadan contains its own motivational energy, free for all to access. Take advantage. Remember, the obligatory duties are priority. And goal number one should be to maintain those duties throughout the year, not just in Ramadan. Be balanced, as well. 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab said: "Audit yourselves before being audited, meaning by Allaah on Judgment Day. Use this blessed month to step back, evaluate yourself, and reset your intentions. Then adjust your reality.May Allaah make Ramadan a blessed means by which we attain His pleasure and forgiveness, and a source of positive change in the lives of each and all of us. Ameen!http://www.islamweb.net/eramadan/index.php?page=articles&id=153683


Enhancing Zuhd in Ramadan

Let us welcome the blessed month of Ramadan this time with a fresh commitment to our Merciful Creator and Sustainer to reorient our lives in His way. The most salient lesson of this month of divine training for the believers is self-restraint and abstinence. As we train ourselves in abstinence from the necessities of life for part of a day through the month, we consequently strengthen our physical as well as mental abilities to abstain from not only what is illicit (haraam), but also from all that distracts us from the pursuit of Allaah's pleasure. This mental and spiritual attitude zuhd - is a necessary weapon for us to fight off the onslaughts of materialism and snares of Satan.What is zuhudImaam Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisi defines zuhd as: 'giving up' something for something better, while what is given up is itself of value in some way. In other words, zuhdmeans to give up B in return for A, either because one values A too much or values B too little in comparison. Commonly, zuhdmeans to refrain from an object of desire in the pursuit of a nobler objective, particularly refraining from the desire of this world and pursuing the desire of the Hereafter. He further says that the best and most perfect of zuhd is to give up everything for the sake of Allaah. The next in grade is to give up this world to seek Allaah's Paradise.

Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim defines zuhd as: "An attitude that is the opposite of being eager and concerned about the life of this world. In the Arabic language, it means abandoning a matter while despising it and belittling its significance, so that one will exchange it for what is more significant."He further says: "I heard Shaykh Al-Islam IbnTaymiyyah say: 'Zuhd is abandoning what does not bring about benefit in the Hereafter. Wara' is abandoning what you fear will have consequences in the Hereafter.' This statement is one of the best and most comprehensive definitions of Az-Zuhd and Al-Wara'."Sufyaan ath-Thawry said: "Zuhd in this world means avoiding hopes of long life, not in wearing thick garments (unlike what some people with superficial understanding of zuhd think)."Imaam Hassan Al-Basri said: "Zuhd in this world is not achieved by prohibiting the permissible, nor by giving away all of one's wealth. Rather, it means being more certain in what Allaah has in His hands than about what one has in his hands."Enhancing Zuhd in RamadanThe best of teachers of mankind said: "The worst cavity one fills is one's belly, if you must eat make sure you full one third of your stomach with food, one third with water and leave one third for air (i.e. leave it empty.)" [At-Tirmithi]


The beloved messenger would also encourage finishing our food so nothing is left in the plate to be thrown away, and he would encourage even licking the fingers (if one ate using hands), or giving your plate to someone else to do the same.Another narration says that one should not leave even a morsel of food to be thrown away: "for you do not know where the blessing is." [Muslim]Compare these standards to our way of eating, particularly during Ramadan. Every known recommendation of the beloved Messenger is flouted. Food is extravagant and everyone attempts to fill his or her stomach to the brim. It has become an ironical joke that people gain instead of losing weight during Ramadan. The discipline and self-restraint of the day is more than compensated for during the lavish dinners. Taraweeh prayer is difficult and often skipped as a result of extravagant engagement with food. Worse yet, the left over food is sometimes thrown away carelessly.Ramadan is a month of zuhd, and this pattern must change if the Muslims are to ever earn zuhd and spiritual as well as physical benefit from this sacred month. Some practical tips:

1. Eat measured, moderate amount of healthy meals in Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftaar (evening break-fast)2. When at some generous host's place or at a restaurant, do not feel obliged to finish it all, and have the packed for you to eat later. Don't be intimidated by un-Islamic pride

- no morsel of food in your possession should be wasted. Food we eat is sacred in that it is given by Allaah and is full of His blessings - this is our religious value.3. Invite poor people in your community to break their fast with you; their respect for food and Allaah's provisions is often a good lesson.4. Remember the Prophet's advice on eating moderately - print it out and post it by your dining table if possible.5. Particularly while fasting, prevent your heart from getting engaged in something of this world - food, clothes, celebrities, buildings, or people. An excellent religious teaching of some of our scholars is to cast down our eyes and say 'Subhanallaah' (perfection is for Allaah) whenever something of this world catches our fancy to the point of making us forget Allaah.6. Pick out audio lectures of scholars whose speech affects your heart, or recitation of the Quran by your favorite reciters, and make it a habit to listen to them attentively and regularly while driving or at home.Remember the Saying of Allaah (which means) "the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children." [Quran 57: 20]

http://www.islamweb.net/eramadan/index.php?page=articles&id=140541


Blessed Month of Mercy: Advice to Self

Dont let this Ramadan be just a holiday of rituals.

Dont just finish reading the Quran without it transforming you.

Dont feed your body at suhoor, but starve your heart of Qiyam.

Dont reduce this downpour of mercy to just a month of sweets

and lavish Iftars.

Seek Allah and you will find Him.

Take a sincere step towards change, transformation

and redemption. If you do, you will find Him in front of you.

Find Allah this month. Hes been there all along. Closer than your

jugular vein. Look and youll find. Walk and youll arrive.


Education and Muslims:

End this Witch-Hunt of British Muslims16th April 2014

The Muslim Council of Britain today called for an end to weeks of speculation that smears British Muslims involved in schools and the education system. It also raised concerns of the appointment of a former counter-terrorism official to look into this school governance matter.

For weeks now, British Muslims have borne the brunt of allegations that state schools are the target of a 'Muslim takeover', where supposedly conservative Muslim views and mores are imposed, and where non-compliant teachers are forced out.

These allegations have thus far been unfounded in any real, substantial evidence. Yet, this story has been given credence by the mainstream media without the chance for official inquiries to start their investigations. The consequences of such idle chatter are very real. Hatred towards Muslims increase, and negative perceptions are re-enforced.

We articulate here and now that across our community, we do not recognise the actions made in these allegations. They represent sinister caricatures of Muslims that provide fodder for the far-right.

Having found these allegations to be far-fetched, we agree that these are serious allegations which must be appropriately investigated. It is important that the education of all our children is free of any undue influence and delivered in accordance with the agreed values and protocols of governance.

It is therefore critical that any investigations are seen to be impartial and not victimising a community. We agree with an unnamed Department of Education official who briefed the media yesterday thus: "It is absolutely vital these investigations are carried out impartially, without pre-judgment. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

And yet, a strong comment has been made by the appointment of former counter-terrorist chief Peter Clarke to head up this investigation. We agree with the view of the chief constable of West Midlands Police, Chris Sims, who considered the appointment of Peter Clarke to be "desperately unfortunate". Such an appointment only re-enforces such notions, and once again, our community is seen through the narrow prism of security and counter-terrorism.

As a British Muslim community, we have more to offer. Our schools are some of the best in the country. And Muslim parents who take the time to be school governors have a lot to offer for the lifeblood of our education system. The prevailing tone of coverage on this issue is not only blown out of proportion, but risks undoing the excellent progress made so far, and will hinder future progress.

Source: www.mcb.org.uk The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools. For further information please contact: [email protected]: www.twitter.com/MuslimCouncil


SUCCESS STORIES OF IDB SCH. BENEFICIARIES


IDB Graduate wins a place at Indian Forest ServiceBr. Abdul Qayum (IN/2004/114) did B. Tech from IIT Kanpur and started preparing

for Civil services. He has secured national Rank No. 32 in the Indian Forest Services

contest IFS-2012. He joined the academy of administration

(www.upsc.gov.in/exams/final-results/ifs/2012/eng.pdf)

Currently, he is doing Ph.D. in Bio-Informatics from JNU New Delhi and had an oral

presentation in London in Dec-2012. His article is at IEEE Explore http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6470939&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel7%2F6459616

%2F6470811%2F06470939.pdf%3Farnumber%3D6470939

and conference details:

http://www.pubzone.org/pages/publications/showPublication.do?deleteform=true&search=basic&pos=0&publicationId=2221440

IDB Graduate in India has been rank holder throughout her studies

IDB graduate Dr. Asma Zoya from India has topped many MDS entrance

examinations. She has secured all India 2nd rank at prestigious Banaras Hindu

University (BHU) and a 2nd rank at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). She has also

secured a 7th rank at AIIMS and 25th rank in AIPGDEE, 2012.

Dr. Asma Zoya joined BDS at Aligarh Muslim University in 2005. Taking view of her

excellent academic record and difficult financial conditions, she was selected for IDB

Scholarship Programme (IN/05/88).

She remained a rank holder throughout her studies. She was very active as an IDB

student and was also appointed Jt. Secretary of IDB Students Association, North-zone-

II. She was also awarded Excellent Performance Award (EPA) by IDB, Jeddah in

2008.

She is planning to join Endodontics & Conservative Dentistry. AIGA UP Chapter

wishes her a bright future ahead.

IDB Graduate in Zambia is very active in community serviceIDB graduate Dr. Chisoni Mumba (IDB 2001/001) was born in 1979, in Chipata, Zambia. He finished his secondary education in 2000 and was admitted to the University of Zambia in 2001. He was awarded an IDB scholarship in 2001 to study Veterinary Medicine. He graduated in 2008 and was retained by the University of Zambia as staff development fellow because of his outstanding performance. He was sponsored to do a Master of Science in Livestock Economics by research which he completed in 2012. He has since published 13 scientific papers in international journals indicating his excellence in science. He is actively involved in community work; talks on importance of knowledge at various mosques, invited by Muslim Youth Forum to give motivation talks. He has since helped to recruit some students currently on IDB Scholarship. He is CPO focal point and indeed to the entire Muslim Ummah at the University of Zambia. May Allah give him good health and success in the field of science and doing good work for the Muslim Ummah.


Dr. Sead Zeynel is a 2009 graduate at the Ss. Cyril & Methodius University Skopje, Macedonia where he obtained his Medical Doctor degree and currently he is in his second year of Internal Medicine Specialty Training, at the same university.

Despite the odds facing a first-generation student with working-class parents, he has been able to surpass his neglected municipalitys boundaries in his struggle to set a path for his professional and academic career, as well as for the better future of the Muslim community of the country.

Since 2011 he is working at the University Clinic Pulmonology and Allergy, whereas being employed in an academic setting he will in short period of time enroll his Ph.D. studies in medical sciences. Apart from this academic objective, since he is working in tertiary health care institution, his professional objective is to sub-specialize in Respiratory diseases.

It is mainly due to his early involvement in research throughout his medical training that he has reached to be employed at a teaching hospital whereas beside clinical care the challenge to develop medical science and shape teaching of the future has appeal.

Along the successful completion of the medical training and exams, at the same time he has spent considerable time for completing a number of scientific papers, whereby, he has been awarded for best clinical oral presentation at an International Scientific congress, and having had published a scientific paper at the European Journal of Medicine for one of those papers, which was presented at the Europes prestigious clinical center Charite in Berlin. With this early immersing in scientific work he has improved his future career prospects in academic medicine.

Upon the beginning of his medical studies he became as involved as possible in the medical students association of our country. He has been able to gain and share a lot of experience by working on a local level, being a national leader (twice elected as Vice President) and took part in international cooperation.

Now, being one of the founding members and President of the IDB Graduates Association, as a non-profit organization founded by IDB graduates, he has a unique vantage point from which to enter community development. His skill set and background experience will only further the effectiveness in maintaining and expanding the ongoing efforts within our community, as well as to inspite more and strive for the goals we have set for ourselves.

Dr. Sead Zeynelfrom Macedonia

3Highlights

COMMUNITY SERVICES BY IDB GRADUATES

Health check and feeding programme for

orphans in KenyaMedical / surgical camp for poor

children in the Philippines

Clothes distribution to needy in IndiaIDB Students in Bangladesh give

educational items to poor students

Free eye camp in Tanzania

Amnah Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 53 16


IDB Group President Honoured

Staff Report Published: 19:10 November 25, 2013

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President

and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday presented the Islamic

Economy Award to a number of individuals and institutions. The Islamic Economy

Award is jointly organised by Thomson Reuters and the Dubai Chamber of

Commerce, in collaboration with the Dubai Capital of the Islamic Economy initiative.

Shaikh Mohammad presented Ahmad Ali Al Madani, President of the Islamic

Development Bank, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his key role in

supporting the private sector in the Islamic world.

Shaikh Mohammad also announced winners across the 14 categories of the award,

which was launched in September. The award aims to acknowledge efforts made by

business leaders in innovating the best global solutions that comply with Sharia.

Source: http://gulfnews.com/business/economy/mohammad-bin-rashid-announces-

islamic-award-winners-1.1259732

SCH-IDB-UMMAH NEWS


29.10.2013, London, United Kingdom-The President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Dr.

Ahmad Mohamed Ali has said the world cannot be at peace when a third of the world population is

poor. The President was speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Islamic Economic Forum in

London, which is the first to be held outside a Muslim majority country.

The world, certainly cannot be at peace with itself, when about one-third of us, are poor, without

proper food and shelter, with high unemployment particularly among youth and women, or at war,

Dr. Ali told the delegates at the conference taking place from 29-31 October 2013.

He therefore called for the reform of global economy in order to rescue the world from the current

and future economic turmoil.

According to Dr. Ali, for the world to make progress economically, three key factors must be

considered, namely, reducing economic gap, building trust, and promoting the role of the private

sector for development. The President suggested that as a framework for reforming the global

financial system, ensuring stability, he offers Islamic finance as an alternative.

There is still more room for improvement, said the IDB Group Chairman, I wish to offer the

principles of Islamic finance, where the real-economy must not be delinked from the financial

economy

We need to systematically introduce socially responsible financing and investment. In our view it is

not about financial economy, but human economy that matters, in the long run, the President told

the gathering of delegates including Kings, Heads of States and Prime Ministers.

He stated that the Islamic Development Bank is ready to offer its services for the development of the

Islamic financial industry. He then thanked the British Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron for the

effort he made in bringing the conference to London, which is one of the leading commercial centres

in the world.

Present at the opening ceremony were the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, Pakistan and Morocco, as

well as the Sultan of Brunei, the King of Jordan, the President of Bangladesh, Kosovo and

Afghanistan, and other key representatives from IDB member countries.

Source: IDB Bulletin

The World Cannot be at Peace When a Third of it is Poor, Says IDB President


Custodian of the two Holy Mosques to PatronizeIDB Group Annual Meeting and Grace Opening of the IDB 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Jeddah, KSA, 05.05.2014 The city of Jeddah will host the 39th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) on 24-26 June 2014, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques will also grace the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting as well as the celebration of the IDBs 40th Anniversary. This was announced in response to an invitation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques by HE Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf, Finance Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the IDB Board of Governors.

On the occasion, IDB Group President, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, on behalf of the Group, expressed pride over the agreement by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to patronize the events and grace the opening ceremony of the IDB 40th Anniversary Celebrations. Dr. Ali further stated appreciation over the continued support rendered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince to the IDB Group and underlined that the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has helped the IDB Group continue promoting joint Islamic action and consolidating cooperation amongst Muslim countries.

It is worth mentioning that the Islamic Development Bank, in the past 40 years, has recorded outstanding achievements at various levels; the number of member countries of the IDB has risen from 22 at the time of establishment to 56 spanning Asia, Africa, Europe and South America, and its registered capital has risen from nearly US$ 3 billion to around US$ 150 billion. It has grown from a single entity to a Group of institutions shouldering a wide spectrum of tasks and operations comprising the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment & Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). The amount of IDB Groups total financings since establishment has reached nearly US$ 100 billion. The Group has been able to strengthen its relations with member countries through a wide range of programs and initiatives while creating true partnerships resulting in winning the highest credit rating from the worlds leading credit rating agencies: AAA rating for thirteen consecutive years from Standard & Poors, Moodys and Fitch; all concurring that the unique relationship binding the Bank with its member countries is one of the most important pillars which has helped IDB earn this prestigious rating.



This year is the 40th year of the establishment of the Islamic Development

Bank. In 1395 H (1975) IDB was established by 22 Muslim countries and

now reached 56 countries. IDB is celebrating the 40th anniversary with the

Finance Ministers who are IDB Board of Governors. The Annual Meeting is

taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The IDB Scholarship Programme

started 30 years ago and the Scholarship Division is celebrating the 30th

year anniversary with a special event combining the event of ELA-1434

winners with the invitation to 5 Ministries of IDB member countries (Jordan,

Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia and Turkey) who made major contribution to the

IDB Scholarship Programme by providing low cost places in their top

universities. Also invited are some major partner NGOs in non-member

countries (Bulgaria, Ghana, Philippines, Tanzania and Thailand). In addition,

ten more guests from international NGOs based in Jeddah and the King

Abdullah University of Science and Technology have been invited.

The focus of the special Partners Conference is to examine the

achievements of 30 years and to plan more effective and efficient partnership

with all our partners and overcome the obstacles. The venue of the special

programme on 24th June 2014 is Jeddah Hilton Hotel where the IDB Finance

Ministers will have their Annual Meeting. The celebration will also have an

exhibition and the publication of a book namely "30 Years of Developing

the Ummah: A Legacy of Comprehensive Human Development" covering

the history of the IDB Scholarship Programme for the first time. It will not only

have history in a narrative but also have photos and names of the senior officials who were the leaders of the unique programme.

Scholarship Division

to Celebrate

30 Years of

Developing the

Ummah in

conjunction with

IDBs 40th Anniversary


Nigerian IDB Education Trust Chairman

among 5 Faisal Award winners

RIYADH: MD RASOOLDEEN (ARAB NEWS)

Wednesday, 15 January 2014 - Five distinguished scholars from various parts of

the world, including a Saudi, won the prestigious King Faisal Prize on Tuesday.

The announcement was made at a glittering event on Tuesday night.

The King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam was awarded to Dr.

Ahmed Abou Bakr Lemu of Nigeria.

The King Faisal International Prize for Science (Mathematics) was awarded to

Prof. Gerd Faltings of Germany. The Prize for Medicine went to Prof. Yuk Ming

Dennis Lo of China.

The Prize for Arabic Language and Literature was awarded to Dr. Abdullah

Ibrahim Allawi Albussabah of Iraq. The King Faisal International Prize for

Islamic Studies went to Prof. Abdulwahab Ibrahim Abou Sulaiman, a member of

the Council of Senior Islamic Scholars in the Kingdom.


The 2014 IDB Prize in Islamic Banking and Finance is

Jointly Won by Shaikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani (from

Pakistan) and Professor Dr. Rodney Wilson (from UK)

Jeddah, KSA, 08.05.2014 - The Islamic Development Bank has announced Shaikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani from

Pakistan and Professor Dr. Rodney Wilson from the United Kingdom as the joint winners of the 2014 IDB Prize in

Islamic Banking and Finance in recognition of the professional and academic role they have played in advancing

Islamic finance and banking regionally and globally. The Prize will be awarded to the winners during the upcoming

39th IDB Board of Governors Annual Meeting slated for 2226 June 2014, Jeddah, KSA.

In a statement on the occasion, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank

Group, congratulated the laureates on their notable accomplishments and commended them for their valuable

contribution to the development of Islamic financial services industry and wished them greater success in all their

endeavors.

During its meeting held at IDB headquarters on 10 April, 2014, in Jeddah, KSA, the IDB Prize Selection

Committee, comprising eminent scholars and experts from outside and inside the Bank, unanimously decided to

award the IDB Prize in Islamic Banking and Finance for the year 2014 jointly to Shaikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani

and Professor Dr. Rodney Wilson. As per the statement that followed the meeting, the selection committee

conferred the prize upon Shaikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani in recognition of the significant work he has carried

out to crystalize the roles for the implementation of Islamic finance and to encourage innovations, his participation

in the important ruling on Riba during his distinguished career as a judge on the Shariah Appellate Tribunal of

Pakistan, his global leadership role as a Shariah scholar advising and supervising Shariah Boards of Islamic

financial institutions in the Islamic world, Europe, USA and as Chairman of the Shariah Standard Council of

AAOIFI (Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions). The statement also took note

of the impact of Shaikh Usmanis writings in encouraging many to understand how to implement Riba free lives

and his instrumental role in introducing the teaching of Islamic Finance within the curriculum of traditional

religious institution.

The selection committee further recognized the role Professor Dr. Rodney Wilson has played in the promotion

of teaching Islamic finance and in introducing modern management teaching techniques to Islamic finance that

provided a neutral and objective perspective adding to the credibility of teaching Islamic finance in the world, his

sustained and continuous teaching, research, supervision and consultancy works on Islamic finance including with

IFSB (Islamic Financial Services Board) with respect to its Shariah Governance Guidelines. It also realized his

immense role in mainstreaming Islamic finance and ensuring that Islamic economics, banking and finance courses

and programs are taught in western universities, which has resulted in offering of such programs and courses in a

number of universities in the UK and other parts of Europe.

The IDB Prize in Islamic Banking and Finance was first launched by the Islamic Development Bank in the

year 1988 with the aim of highlighting efforts as well as rewarding and encouraging outstanding achievements in

Islamic economy, banking and finance. Over the past 24 years since the launch of the prize, 33 outstanding

researchers and professionals of the fields have won the prize.




Three Universities Win IDB Prizes in Science and Technology

Jeddah, KSA- 02.04.2014: Three universities in

Indonesia, Malaysia and Palestine have won the

prestigious IDB prize in science and technology

(S&T). This was announced by the President of the

Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB),

Dr.Ahmad Mohamed Ali, after the Selection

Committee of the 12th edition (1435H/2014G) of the

prize presented to him the outcome of the

competition.

The Institute for Research and Community Services

Institute Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia won the

first category for the most outstanding contribution

to social and economic development. Photonic

Research Centre, Universiti of Malaya, Malaysia

won the second category for the most outstanding

contribution to a given scientific field, while the

Faculty of Information Technology, The Islamic

University of Gaza, Palestine emerged as the winner

of the third category for the most noted scientific

institution from a least developed member country.

I congratulate the winners of this competition. IDB

is proud of their achievement. As a development

institution, IDB is inspired by the level of

commitment to scientific and technological research

conducted by these universities, and we hope other

universities in IDB member countries will learn

from their example said Dr Ahmad Ali.

These Prizes were established in 1422H (2002G) to

promote S&T excellence and capacity building in

IDB member countries. Each year, three institutions

are selected by an independent panel of eminent

scientists from the Muslim World to receive the

Prize in the three categories. Each Prize consists of a

cash award of US$ 100,000 and a trophy.

The Prizes will be awarded to the winners by the

Chairman of the IDB Board of Governors in a

special ceremony to be held on the occasion of the

39th IDB Board of Governors Meeting in Jeddah,

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during 25-26 June 2014.

Over the past eleven years these Prizes, have been

awarded to 33 institutions in IDB member countries

including: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran,

Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan,

Palestine, Senegal, Sudan, Tajikistan and Turkey.

Details about the winners of IDB Prizes for this year

are as follows:

Institute for Research and Community Services

Institute Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia

Among the 42 applications received for Category-1

of the Prize for Science & Technology, which

rewards institutions having made outstanding

scientific and technological contribution to the

development of a member country, the Institute for

Research and Community Services - Institute

Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia was selected for its

outstanding achievements.

Photonic Research Centre, University of Malaya,MalaysiaAmong the 61 applications received for Category-2of the Prize for Science & Technology, whichrewards institutions having achieved outstandingcontribution to a given scientific field, the PhotonicsResearch Centre, University of Malaya, Malaysiawas selected for its outstanding achievements. Thecentre is recognised as an outstanding photonicsresearch and development centre in the region. Ithas managed to produce 24 patents for variousoptical devices and led research and developmentactivities in nano-particles, optical micro-fibertechnology, bio-photonics, among others.

Faculty of Information Technology, the IslamicUniversity of Gaza, PalestineAmong the 25 applications received in Category-3of the Prize for Science & Technology, whichrewards noted scientific research institutions in IDBLeast Developed Member Countries (LDMCs) theFaculty of Information Technology at the IslamicUniversity of Gaza, Palestine was selected for itsoutstanding achievements. Despite the verychallenging environment, this young institution hasbeen prolific in research and has made excellentcontribution to the advancement of informationtechnology in Gaza. Several of its research outputshave been successfully commercialized.


Amnah Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 53

IDB Board Approves Nearly US$ 671 Million for Strategic

Development Projects

Jeddah, KSA, 13.05.2014 The 297th meeting of the IDB Board of Executive Directors, chaired by IDB Group

Chairman Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, praised the generous support accorded to the IDB Group by the Kingdom

of Saudi Arabia and expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for accepting

to grace the IDBs 40th Anniversary Celebration and patronize the 39th Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of

Governors to be held in Jeddah during 24-26 June, 2014. The Board also took note, with appreciation, of Saudi

Arabias decision, last month, to increase the Kingdoms contribution to IDBs subscribed capital by US$ 11.8

billion in the context of the Banks fifth general capital increase.

The Board meeting cleared the final draft of the study on: IDB Group at 40: Retrospective Assessment and 10-

Year Strategic Framework, which the Bank had prepared in collaboration with a specialized international

consulting agency. The report is expected to be presented at the upcoming meeting of the IDB Board of

Governors in Jeddah.

The Board meeting, which started on 11 May 2014 in Jeddah, approved US$ 670.9 million towards new

financing for development projects that included several strategic projects in different sectors. The largest

amount, US$ 312.8 million, went to the power generation sector - US$ 222 million for Egypts West Cairo

Power Plant Project, and US$ 90.8 million for the Dakar Electricity Transmission Project in Senegal.

In the roads and transport sector, the Board approved US$ 110 million towards upgrading the Muyembe-

Nakapiripirt Project in Uganda.

Amongst other financing were US$ 48 million for Bahrains Muharraq Pearling Heritage Conservation and

Urban Economic Revival Project, US$ 44 million for Bangladeshs Regional Submarine Telecommunications

Project, and US$ 12.4 million for Mozambiques Inland Aquaculture and Artisanal Fisheries Development

Project.

In addition, the Board approved US$ 675,000 as grants under IDBs Waqf fund for four educational and training

projects in Muslim Communities in non-member countries namely, Bosnia, Cambodia, India and Thailand.

The Board further took note of the allocation of US$ 55 million approved by the IDB President for support to

the Bilingual Education Project in Nigeria as well as US$ 12.5 million for each of seven West African countries

(Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo) in favor of Rural Water Supply and

Sanitation projects.


24


Philanthropist Donates SR One billion for 75 Mobile

Health Clinics to be Launched under IDB Supervision

Jeddah, KSA, 14.05.2014 Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB)

Group, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, has praised a generous donation of SR one billion

(US$ 267 million) by a philanthropist for 75 mobile health clinics that are to be

launched under IDB supervision in rural and remote areas that have poor access to

medical services, in IDB member countries and in Muslim communities in Non-

member countries.

This was announced at the 297th meeting of IDB Board of Executive Directors held at

the IDB headquarters starting 11 May, 2014. Dr Ahmed Ali explained that, as per the

choice of the donor, the program will include the launching of 15 mobile clinics in

Pakistan, 15 in India, 15 in Yemen, 10 in Afghanistan, 10 in Bangladesh, 5 in

Tajikistan and 5 in Kyrgyzstan as well as their operations for at least 5 years.

Subsequently, the host countries will commit to take charge of the clinics and operate

them in the most competent and effective way. The IDB President added that the IDB

would employ whatever it takes within its power to ensure this noble philanthropic

program is implemented in the highest professional way.

The IDB Group Chairman, furthermore, encouraged capable philanthropists to follow

suit and sponsor similar projects to serve populations that are most in need, in

member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries.


25


The General Committee of the Merit Scholarship Programme for Ph.D. and Post-doctorate for all member countries and M.Sc. Programme for selected member countries were held in IDB Headquarters on 1 February 2014 with IDB Group President H. E. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madni in the chair to discuss the annual report on the two Programmes and to approve the next years operations plan. Dr. Malek Shah Bin Mohd Yusoff, Scholarship Division Manager presented his report which was widely appreciated by the Committee. This Committee includes not only IDB Board members but also 3 prominent Muslim scientists selected by IDB.

The General Committee of the IDB Scholarship Programme for Muslim Communities in non-member countries (bachelor programme) was held in the IDB Headquarters on 22 March 2014 again with IDB Group President H. E. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madni in the chair to discuss the annual report on the two Programmes and to approve the next years operations plan. Scholarship Division Manager presented the report to the Committee. This Committee includes not only IDB Board members but also two prominent Muslim community leaders from Africa and Asia selected by IDB.

General Committee of Merit Scholarship Programme

General Committee of Scholarship Programme for

Muslim Communities

General Committees of the IDB Board Meet on Scholarship Programmes


The IDB Scholars Association in UK was launched in 2012 following the directive of H.E. the President during his meeting with scholars in Oxford in 2011. This was the third annual meeting of the Association. The meeting was to report the activities of the association in the past year and handing over the office to the new committee which was elected through an election just before the event.

The programme was a day-long event on 22 May 2014 at the Engineering Department of the Cambridge University. Around 95% of the current 125 scholars in UK attended the event. The Manager, Scholarship Division addressed his key-note speech in the opening session on a theme of Changing the Society through Technological Development. He urged the scholars to learn from this association and stay in group under the banner of IDB Alumni to create the necessary power-base to enforce technological development in their societies and countries.

The highlight of the event was to hold the first Scientific Symposium. It was a brilliant and professionally executed event by the scholars. The credit all goes to the leadership of the association.

The closing of the programme was marked by giving prizes to best presenters in the symposium, farewell speech by the outgoing President of the association and welcome speech of the new President. In his closing statement, the Manager highly appreciated the leaders for organizing such a complex event efficiently and thanked the scholars for their participation and contribution to make the programme a success.

Organizing the Annual Meeting of the Association coupled with holding of a Scientific Symposium and conducting an election just prior to that is a complex matter that the leadership of the association has executed successfully. This shows the spirit, capabilities and commitment of the IDB scholars in meeting the objectives of IDB Merit Scholarship Programme. The association deserves full patronage and support from the IDB to keep up their commitment and sense of belonging to IDB to deliver by the objective of the IDB as they will return home.

Annual Meeting of IDB Scholars Association UK

at Cambridge University

Group photo after opening session

Opening session key-note speech of Manager, Scholarship Division

27


1st Scientific Symposium of

IDB Scholars Association UK

22 May 2014 Cambridge University

The IDB Scholars Association in UK has entered its 4th year offunctioning having concluded the 3rd Annual Meeting. The Association was formed upon the directive and guidance of H.E. the President, IDB Group during the meeting with IDB scholars in UK in 2011, has made tremendous progress. With the increased number of scholars in UK, the Association has made its presence well known to all parties in Higher Education Sector in UK. IDB is now a renowned international sponsor.

As the last two annual meetings, i.e. 2012 and 2013 were just gathering of scholars to pick up the pace of their activities, this 3rd Annual Meeting has made its mark with the organizing of the 1st Scientific Symposium. The features of the symposium may be outlined as follows:

i) The symposium was structured in three main topics, i.e. Life Science, Applied Science and Engineering Sciences and Sustainability.

ii) Combined in all three categories, a total 68 posters and abstracts were submitted by the scholars. These posters were put up for public display as exhibition of the symposium.

iii) Each poster and abstract was discussed in respective session under the chair of a moderator.

iv) A Scientific Committee consisting of professors from Cambridge and other universities and some senior IDB scholars reviewed the posters and abstracts to select the best ones for award.

The above shows that the symposium had all the features of an international scientific seminar, i.e. exhibition, technical discussion and selection for award.

The IDB delegations attending the event has witnessed the symposium as truly scientific seminar of international standard. It is a pride for the IDB that its scholars has engaged themselves not only to uplift their professional abilities, but also demonstrated a high-level of leadership quality by organizing such a symposium.

The credit also goes to the Cambridge University for hosting this event. It has made availablea lecture hall for main gathering and another three rooms for different sessions of the

symposium, free of charge. This is possible because of large concentration of IDB scholars atthe Cambridge University. IDB is now the second largest sponsor at the Cambridge University.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the IDB scholars have lived up to IDBs expectations to fulfil the directives of the IDB management. We need to patronize and fully support the association to keep up their spirit of fulfilling the objectives of the IDB. The Scholarship Division strongly believe that through their activities in this association, the scholars will sufficiently prepare themselves to acquire international name and fame, and taking up leadership role in their respective country.

Poster Exhibition

Awards to best presenters

A chair in session

Discussion session-2Discussion session-1 28

Visitors discussion on posterswith the authors


Message from Br. Ziyad Abunada, on behalf of the Election Committee,

IDB-UK President

It is a matter of great pleasure to announce the new Executive Committee of the

IDB-UK Scholars Association for 2014-2015. The elected committee members are

as follows:

President Hussain Nusamba Nottingham University

Vice President Shams Tania Islam Oxford University

Secretary Jamal Zaherpour Nottingham University

Treasurer Kher Xing Chan (Cindy) Cambridge University

Spokesperson Reem Bedair Cambridge University

Congratulations and best wishes to the new committee members. Congratulations

and thanks also to all IDB UK scholars for this success and their participation. This

would have not been really possible without the help, participation and involvement

of IDB Scholars in UK.

Special thanks to Br. Tanvir Qureshi and Br. Muhidin Abdullahi for their active

participation and cooperation.

New Executive Committee for IDB-UK

Scholars Association, 2014-2015

Handing over to the new Committee



Meeting with the Cambridge Trust

The meeting reviewed the implementation of the MoU which both parties found very satisfactory. The IDB delegation thanked the Trust for enhancing the allocation from 5 to 15. It was urged to the Trust to make some compaign through the university channels to attract candidates from low participating countries in Central Asia and North and West Africa.

Meeting with Imperial College London (ICL)

The visit to ICL was to follow-up the agreement offering discounts to IDB-sponsored scholars. The ICL officials, led by the Vice Provost for Education informed that they are working with the departments in science and engineering faculties to agree on the 20% discount to IDB scholars as being offered to Commonwealth scholarships. Some of the departments have already agreed and they are now waiting for remaining departments to respond. They hope that it will be done shortly to effect from the next academic year.



A mission of the Scholarship Divisionwas mounted to visit Pakistan during 30March 3 April 2014 to sort outtechnical issues for implementation ofthe proposal by discussing the matterswith Eminent Scientist Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, COMSTECH officials andvisiting a Centre of Excellence. Themission also took the opportunity todeal with other related matters such asmeeting with the IDB Governors Officeto review the implementation of IDBscholarship programmes in Pakistan andcounselling session for the IDBundergraduate students in Pakistan.The mission was undertaken by Dr.Malek Shah bin Mohd. Yusoff, Manager,Scholarship Division and Br. AdelAbdulwahab Sindi, Lead ScholarshipOfficer.

Mission to Pakistan



A 2-member mission, headed by Br. Saeed Zafar, Scholarship Programme Specialist and accompanied by Br. Mostafa Makraoui, Scholarship ProgrammeAssistant, visited Madagascar (one of the SPMC beneficiary countries) during the period 12 -16 April 2014.

The mission managed to meet the with officials of Fikambanana Silamo Malagasy, the Counterpart Organization of the IDB Scholarship Programme in Madagascar, IDB-sponsored students and graduates as well as community leaders and representatives of local NGOs. The mission also managed to visit University of Madagascar, public university in Antananarivo, the capital of country, and managed to meet five IDB-sponsored students studying medicine and engineering.The mission observed Madagascar as one of the under-developed country, French is the language of communication and education at all levels, maintained high standard of education, obtaining admission for higher/university level is very competitive and unemployment rate among educated youth is very high.

The mission recommended IDB to continue its Scholarship Programme with increase in their annual quota, if possible in future, as well as a special assistance packages for Muslim community through its Special Assistance Programme.

Mission to Madagascar


Meeting with officials of Fikambanana Silamo Malagasy, the Counterpart Organization of the IDB Scholarship

Programme in Madagascar,

Meeting with IDB students and graduates

Mission outside the office of Counterpart Organization after meeting

32


SAP Scholarship Solution

After many years of efforts, Go Live for SAP Scholarship Solution was achieved. Phase 1 has been launched and implemented. Thanks to the IDB

Management, H.E. the Vice President (Cooperation & Capacity

Development), IT

Department and the

GBEST / SAP

implementation

team for their

tireless support. It

will definitely help

the Scholarship

Division to improve

its services to the

clients in future, In

Shaa Allah.


SAP and Scholarship teams at discussion

33


MID-TERM REVIEW OF 5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

14 (17%)

35 (43%)

18 (22%)

2 (2%)

13 (16%)

Target Exceeded

Target Met

Target Partiallay Met

Target Not Met

Target Dropped

Overall Performance

The Scholarship Division recently carried out mid-

term review of its 5-year Strategic Plan to consolidate

core tasks and accommodate new ones.

The purpose of this exercise was to monitor and

evaluate the processes and more importantly the

outcome to see the impact of the Programme in a

way that is cost-effective and consistent across our

partners and beneficiary students/scholars. The

Division has been successful in achieving or

exceeding 60% of the targets. The Division revised

the targets of the remaining period to achieve the

plan.

Findings:- The Strategic Plan proposed a set of 37 SPOs and 82

milestones leading to greater accountability andeffective delivery at every level.

- Divisions overall performance at Mid-Term against KPIsand targets is 60%.

- 51% out of overall performance are from CoreStrategic Programmme Objectives.

- While the Division has done well in most of the CoreStrategic Programme Objectives, in other areas,performance has been inadequate; because they arenot under direct control of the Division such as IETsand IGAs.

34

3Amnah Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 53Amnah Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 53

Retirement of Scholarship Division Officer

Br. Abulmayeen Shaharuqul Huq

After 34 years of distinguished service in the IDB,

Br. Abulmayeen Shaharuqul Huq has retired at the

end of Rajab 1435H (May 2014). His seven years

senior role in managing the prestigious IDB Merit

Scholarship Programme for High Technology (MSP)

for Member Countries was the peak of his career

where he excelled in various aspects of programme

management with efficiency and effectiveness as

testified by his colleagues and IDB scholars alike.

He took the responsibility of this major task with

great commitment and competence such that when something had to be

done to protect the interest of the scholars, he spent longer hours to get the

job done. Even during the final days of his career, when retirement was

approaching close, he was deeply involved in his work to serve the scholars

and IDB. This exceptional loyalty to serve the programme and IDB is matched

by his high level of intellectual capacity, writing skills, ethical standards and

inter-personal skills that was visible for all his colleagues.

Br. Abulmayeen is from Bangladesh and will be returning to his country soon

in sha Allah. He remains energetic with experience and expertise which he

can use to benefit his country and the Ummah in some capacity. It is most

unlikely that he will stay without some form of learning and social roles as he

is most keen to learn about the current affairs and the progress of nations. As

a global citizen who served the 56 IDB member countries, he is admired by

the IDB scholars in all the countries which received his high quality services.

The Manager of Scholarship Division, Dr. Malek Shah, admired his qualities

as an exemplary Muslim professional. MSc Programme leader, Br. LakdharKadkadi of Tunisia, has taken over his role to lead the MSP.

35


Employee of the Month Award in Scholarship Division

The IDB Scholarship Division Managerintroduced Employee of the MonthAward based on what is known as 360degree scoring system. It means that allthe staff of the Division will give scoringto the eligible staff which will be collatedand the highest scorer will be the winnerif he has 80% or more score. The contestis based on Attitudes, Knowledge andSkills covering 18 aspects. Br. AhmedMohamed Lahman, Senior TechnicalAssistant is the last recipient of theaward.


IDB Scholarship Programme Official Newsletter ISSN 1319 0482

(Internal Newsletter for the IDB-sponsored Students, Graduates & Partners)

ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP

Scholarship Division, Special Assistance Department

P.O. Box 5925, Jeddah 21432, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (00966-2) 646 6833

Fax: (00966-2) 646 6887

E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Website: www.isdb.org

IDB graduates in Tanzania providing

drinking water supply at school

amanah 53

Documents

idb prizes

idb graduates highlights

idb board meet

technology idb board

idb president custodian

idbsponsored students

achievements congratulation

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