At The International Islamic University, Malaysia on 29TH OCTOBER 1997
CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
USRAT CHARACTER-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
MOTIVATION/TAZKIRAT
TARBIYAT CAMPS
DOWN TO EARTH SOCIAL SERVICE
INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE
PRACTICAL SKILLS
SPORTS & PHYSICAL FITNESS
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
COLLEGE REGULATIONS
11.0 DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
12.0 DISCIPLINE FINES
13.0 USRAT QUR’AN STUDY MODULES
14.0 USRAT HADITH STUDY MODULES
15.0 USRAT DISCOURSE MODULES
16.0 EXAMPLES OF DOWN TO EARTH SOCIAL WORK
17.0 INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE TOPICS
18.0 LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT MODULES
19.0 GUIDELINES FOR USRAT
20.0 GUIDLINES FOR CAMPS
21.0 GUIDELINES FOR SPEAKERS
1.0 OVERVIEW
(i) Administration
The student residential colleges are run as a de-centralised system. Most student non-academic services that previously were provided through the Student Affairs and Development Division are now provided by the colleges. The colleges are being run as mini corporate units that are expected to use the most modern methods to provide high quality services to their clients, the students, while at the same time they are efficient and effective in the use of the resources allocated to them.
Under the de-centralisation plan students are served by three main systems that complement one another: (a) The Academic Faculties/Kulliyat, (b) The General Administrative/Service divisions (Finance, Management Services, Admission & Records, and The University Clinic), (c) The Residential College Administration (RCA), and (d) The Student Affairs & Development Division (STADD). RCA provides essential services and co-curricular activities within the college These services include: room accommodation, tarbiyat & training, sports, recreation, and entertainment. STADD provides student services at a university-wide level.
All students, under-graduate or post-graduate, must register as members of one of the colleges. Those who stay off campus will be designated as non-resident members of the college.
(ii) Student Activities
The following student activities or programs are offered by each college: (a) tarbiyat: usrat, motivation, camps, and down-to-earth social work (b) practical skills: leadership, speech & communication, home management, and practical fiqh (c) Sports and Physical Fitness (d) Culture and Entertainment. Usrat, motivation, and down to earth social work are compulsory for all students. A student must choose one of the 4 practical skills: leadership & management (all years), speech & communication (1st year only), home management (3rd & 4th years only), and practical fiqh (1st and 2nd years only). Non-Muslim students will have a choice between alternative usrat and motivation programs or submitting 2 written assignments in lieu of usrat and motivation programs. They are however expected to participate with everybody else in the other programs.
The guiding vision of the student activities program is to uplift/improve the students’ standing in the following aspects: (a) character, and behaviour (b) Islamic thought and knowledge (c) motivation and commitment (d) practical leadership and social skills. The college sports programs aim at encouraging each student to participate in at least 1 physical activity. Intra-college and inter-college sports competitions are held to encourage wide participation. The university recognises the importance of extra-curricula tarbiyat and skill training programs in the overall development of the student and has allocated time and resources to this end.. All university official activities involving students and faculty are suspended on Fridays (10.00 am to 1.00 PM) and Thursdays (5.00 PM to 9.00 PM) to allow both students and faculty participate in tarbiyat and training programs. Academic staff are encouraged to provide 3 hours per month in student tarbiyat and training programs.
Performance in co-curricular student activities is assessed based on attendance and an end-of-semester test. Results of performance in all the programs appear on the student’s official transcript. Students are informed about student activities in various ways: official launching of programs, during the ta’ruf week, as information packages during registration, and at college general assemblies. Each college publishes a complete schedule of its student activities before the start of the semester.
(iii) Discipline
The residential college enforce the university regulations on discipline within its walls. It also enforces its own disciplinary regulations that are published and are provided to all students. The college disciplinary committee meets regularly and hears cases. It has power to impose specified punishments that are published for each category of offence. Cases that require detailed investigations or that may result into expulsion are referred directly to the Deputy Rector for Discipline. Any conviction will be entered into the student’s permanent record and will be referred to in cases of future offences or when the student is being recommended for employment or further studies. This record will be permanent unless the original conviction is overturned on appeal.
2.0 USRAT CHARACTER-DEVELOPMENT
2.1 Six usrat sessions are held every semester and 12 sessions in a year. The usrat meets twice a month. The sessions are held at pre-designated venues preferably within the residential college to allow effective supervision. Each usrat session lasts 3 hours. The first two hours are programmed to cover the following assigned activities: Usrat Qur’an Study Module, 20%; Usrat Hadith Study Module 10%; Usrat Discourse Module or Usrat Book Review Modeule, 40%; Current issue analysis 20%, and Administrative and student welfare matters, 10%. The third hour is left to be used in a creative way as usrat members see fit. The following are possible activities: nasyid, drama/theater, educational games, exercises, Qur’an memorisation, poetry recitation, physical exercises.
2.2 The Usrat Qur’an Study Module involves discussing selected verses of the Qur’an as they relate to issues of the life of the individual or the community. Assigned verses are read both in Arabic and translation and are then discussed.
2.3 The Usrat Hadith Study Modules involves reading and discussing one hadith at every session from Riyadh al Salihin or Sahih al Bukhari.
2.4 The Usrat Discourse Module emphasises character building. The Qur’an, Hadith, and contemporary issues (reported in the media or students’ personal experience) are used to teach character and personality themes. A wide range of issues is provided. The issues are classified by year of study and by semester. Special usrat groups or additional issues are available for groups of students whose needs are different from the majority.
2.5 The Usrat Book Review Module involves critical study of a chapter from an assigned book or a book selected by members of the usrat.
2.6 The Current Issues Analysis Module involves (a) Analysis of media reports on significant events in the ummat. Newspapers and news magazines from Malaysia and other Muslim countries approved by the college principal can be used. No politically divisive issues or those related to party politics will be allowed to be discussed (b) following up the most recent developments and trends in science and technology and discussing their impact on individuals, societies, and the ummat as a whole. The aim is to raise the level of technological awareness among the students and develop a scientific attitude necessary for rebuilding the ummat’s civilisation. The trends and developments in S&T will be found in the general media, scientific publications, and the internet. Material will be distributed to the students in advance to be read and to be ready for discussion (c) Analysis of cultural and social issues that affect the ummat in an academic spirit far from controversial politics.
3.0 MOTIVATION/TAZKIRAT
3.1 Each student attends 2 compulsory motivation programs in a semester. These programs concentrate on personal and spiritual growth, nasihat, and current social issues. They aim at making a lasting impact on the student by changing of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) for the better. The programs tries to relate to the actual life experience of the student on the campus.
3.2 The program is held in the evenings of Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Each program is 1.5 contact hours. It consists of salat al jamaat (10 minutes), a motivational after-salat talk (30 min) followed by an open discussion forum (30 minutes), and a collective meal (20 minutes). A member of the academic faculty or an invited guest speaker is invited to lead the prayer and give the motivational talk.
3.3 Programs may be organised in either of three languages (Arabic, English, or Bahasa Malaysia) for matriculation, pre-sessional, 1st and 2nd year students. Programs for the rest of students must be in English.
3.4 A wide range of topics is provided. The topics are classified by year of study and by semester. Additional topics are provided for groups of students whose needs are different from the majority. The invited speaker in consultation with the respective college choose the most suitable topics. Background reading material on the topics is provided to students in advance.
4.0 TARBIYAT CAMPS
4.1 Each college organises at least 1 tarbiyat camp every semester. The college determines who participates in the camp and its duration
4.2 The objectives of the tarbiyat camp program are: collective ibadat, a total Islamic life in a group for 48-72 hours, building endurance and perseverance, and recreation. The camp program consists of: physical training (tarbiyat riyadhiyyat), spiritual training (tarbiyat ruuhiyat), cultural programs (tarbiyat thaqafiyat), and recreational activities (tarwiih). Camps for sisters include extra programs that address their particular issues.
4.3 The camp is held at camping sites near the university campus that provide an average level of comfort for participants with no trappings of any luxury. Campers physically participate in providing some of the services needed such as cleaning, meal preparation and serving, and physical arrangements. Camps are held throughout the academic year whenever an opportunity in the academic calendar provides a free period of 3 days (public holidays, semester breaks, post-examination period).
5.0 DOWN TO EARTH SOCIAL SERVICE
5.1 Each student, once a semester, undertake social service/khidmat ijtima’iyyat on a day or place of his/her choice. The program requires 2-3 hours of actual service delivery/work. The college provides guidelines and assists the student in making contacts with the site of service. Social service activities as far as possible are held at the campus or at sites close to the campus and reachable by public transport in less than 30 minutes. Sites far away can be considered only if there is special sponsorship of the transportation costs. The student has to produce evidence of work in order to earn a grade.
6.0 INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE
6.1 The college organises voluntary intellectual discourse programs. The aim of the Islamic Intellectual Discourse Forums is to produce a graduate who is a Muslim by conviction and understanding and not by indoctrination, who can live actively positively in the 15th century AH society while preserving his/her Islamic identity and aqidat.
6.2 The 3-hour intellectual discourse forum is open to interested students and faculty and is held once every semester. About 40% of the forums are presentations by one speaker (45 min) followed by discussion workshops (45 min) and a plenary discussion/conclusion session (30 min). About 30% of the forums are in the form of a panel of two speakers representing divergent views on a subject. The panellists speak for 30 minutes each and then take questions from the moderator and the audience for 90 minutes. The rest of the forums are in the form of debates between student teams. Speakers and panellists are invited from within and outside the university. An attempt is made to reflect the intellectual diversity in the mainstream of the ummat when inviting speakers and panellists.
7.0 PRACTICAL SKILLS
7.1 Each student is required to take one practical module once a semester. Each program lasts a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 6 hours. The program is aimed at imparting practical skills and not theoretical knowledge.
7.2 A choice can be made from the following alternatives: (a) leadership and management (b) speech & communication (c) home management (d) practical fiqh (e) career guidance (f) Study Skills (g) Speed reading (h) Qur’an memorisation (i) Tajwid al Qur’an (j) Child up-bringing (k) First aid medical treatment (l) cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (m) Personal finance management
7.3 One leadership/ management module is offered once a semester; each year of study takes a different module. At the completion of all the modules, the student will have acquired the basics of leading and managing and organisation. Students who study management and have already covered the modules provided can apply to the principal for alternative written assignments. Each module consists of an interactive presentation, workshops or small group discussions. The residential college is responsible for making the necessary arrangements with the trainers approved by the training centre. Trainers from within and outside the university can be used. Written approval from the Training Center is needed for trainers from outside the university. The training centre provides the background reading training material on the chosen topics.
7.4 First-year students can choose to take the program on speech and communication. It trains them to be public speakers and debaters.
7.5 The home management program is mainly for female students but if a sufficient number of males are interested they can be offered the program. The program provides practical skills of managing a home as a father or mother
7.6 The practical fiqh program will cover those issues of daily life of a Muslim for those who did not get the opportunity to learn them. The program for female students will focus on aspects of fiqh that are peculiar to them, fiqh al mar’at. Other modules include: ahkam al janazat, preparing and delivering the Friday khutbah,
7.7 Career guidance programs will help students identify the career best suited to their skills and interests. They will also provide them with interviewing and salary negotiation skills. Representatives of potential employers may be invited to talk to students about career opportunities in their respective organisations
7.8 Study Skills Seminars will help students improve their reading, understanding, and retention of course work so that they may perform better academically.(g) Speed reading (h) Qur’an memorisation
7.9 Speed Reading clinics will teach participants how to read faster abd retain more of what they are reading. Special trainers will be invited for this important skill.
7.10 Tajwid al Qur’an
7.15 Personal finance management
8.0 SPORTS & PHYSICAL FITNESS
8.1 The aim of the college sports and physical program is to get every student involved in at least one physical activity. What is needed are participants and not spectators. Competitive events are held within the college (once a semester) and between colleges (once a semester).
8.2 Each college has its own gym with adequate facilities for use by its members. Other activities can be held at university sports facilities that are shared with other colleges or outside the university as needed
8.3 A sports/physical fitness coach shared among adjacent colleges has schedules that ensure adequate presence in all the colleges.
9.0 CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
9.1The college provides and schedules regular entertainment and recreational programs that include inter alia: movies, theatre & drama, nasyid, poetry reading, international cultural displays, international food festivals, picnics & outings etc
10.0 COLLEGE REGULATIONS
The following lists the major violations which are punished by (a) fine, (b) suspension, or (c) dismissal from the college. The violations are listed in brief format. Details can be obtained on request.
1. VIOLATIONS OF THE AQIDAT AND BASIC TENETS OF ISLAM: Actions, pronouncements and publications that deny the basic tenets of the Islamic aqidat, promote kufr or shirk, deviate from the aqidat of the ahl sunnat wal jamaat; put Islam, Muslims or the Ummah in disrepute, or threaten the unity of the ummat.
2. VIOLATION OF THE LAW AND CUSTOMS OF THE LAND: Any activities, pronouncements, or writings that violate the laws in force in Malaysia such as: belonging to or promoting proscribed organisations and groups; activities that cause disrepute to the country, its culture, and institutions; activities that violate the security, peace and stability of the country.
3. VIOLATIONS OF UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS: Regulations set out in the following documents: Residential Colleges Standing Orders of March 1985, Discipline of Students Rules of 1984, Rules of Conduct and Attire of 1984 and any additional regulations made by the university officials, faculties or departments for example: Refusal to respond to orders, summonses of the principal or other college officials; Failure to produce a matriculation card on demand; working outside the university without informing the college principal; and duplication or distribution of publications, leaflets, and notices without permission.
4. VIOLATION OF SAFETY, SECURITY, SANITATION, AND PUBLIC HEALTH REGULATIONS: (a) Failure to observe cleanliness of the person, the sleeping rooms, toilets, bathrooms, and other public places; (b) Failure to observe quiet sleeping hours, i.e. 11.00 PM to 6.00 AM; (c) Excessive noise in or during entering or leaving the college that constitute public nuisance; (d) Violation of fire regulations: cooking in the sleeping room, use of fire crackers, and use of inflammable materials (e) Failure to observe electrical safety regulations: use of unauthorised electrical or electronic equipment, and unauthorised repair of electrical connections and equipment (f) Failure to observe public health regulations: improper disposal of bodily wastes, failure to notify authorities of an infectious disease and failure to get treatment or follow infection control procedures, dangerous operation of a motorized vehicle (g) Failure to observe parking regulations (h) cigarette smoking in places designated as non-smoking.
5. PROHIBITED SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: (a) Organised Partisan political activities; (b) Unauthorised business, trade, or any other economic or industrial activity (c) Social/entertainment activities that violate the shariat and teachings of Islam (d) Any activity involving individuals or groups from outside the university without prior permission (d) Starting or operating an organisation without official permission (e) Keeping company of persons of bad moral reputation (f) Dress, behaviour, or appearance in public that is customarily (aadat) associated with bad moral reputation (g) Behaviour or appearance that is considered a public moral nuisance (mukhill bi al akhlaq al aamat)
6. COMMITTING PROHIBITED ADDICTIVE PRACTICES OR WHAT LEADS TO THEM: (a) Consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating drinks (khamr) (b) Use of psycho-active substances/drugs (mukhaddiraat) (c) gambling (qimaar).
7. COMMITTING SEXUAL SINS OR WHAT LEADS TO THEM: (a) Mixing of the two genders (Ikhtilaat) that is either improper or is unnecessary (b) Seclusion of a male and a female (khalwat), (c) Violating the Islamic dress code: exposing nakedness (awrat), trans-sexual dressing or behaviour (istirjaal or takhannuth), dress that is customarily considered sexually-indecent or sexually-provocative (tabarruj) (d) adultery and fornication (zina) (e) Use, promotion, or distribution of pornography: oral, written, computer, pictures, movies, video, or tools (f) Being in places that are Islamically considered of bad reputation such as bars, discos (h) Entering places reserved for the privacy of the opposite gender.
8. TRANSGRESSION (DHULM/’UDWAAN): (a) Violation of the rights of brotherhood such as saying or doing what I considered dis-respectable in public, discrimination on the basis of colour, race, or nationality (b) Violation of property rights: destruction, misuse, or theft of public or private property; (c) Violation of financial rights: cheating, fraud, embezzlement (d) Physical violence: fist-fighting, beating, an bodily injury (e) Psychological violence: harassment, insult, abuse, hurting feelings of others, and any other types of psychological and moral injury (idhraar ma’anawiyyat wa nafsiyyat).
9. ABSENCE FROM OBLIGATORY ACTIVITIES: For example: Failure to participate in compulsory student activities without permission or a valid excuse, missing salat al fard without a valid excuse, failure to fast Ramadhan without a valid excuse.
10. VIOLATION OF ROOM OCCUPANCY REGULATIONS: (a) moving from an allocated room or college to another without permission (b) Failure to sign the outing book for trips outside the university that are longer than 30 kilometres or are longer than 12 hours (d) returning late to the college or staying outside without permission (e) illegal overstaying (f) squatting (g) aiding or abetting illegal occupation of the rooms (h) allowing visitors from outside the university into rooms without special permission (i) keeping animals or any other pets (j) changing room locks or adding extra locks without permission (k) attempts to repair electrical or any other equipment without permission (l) use of personal electrical equipment without written permission
11.0 DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
1. Disciplinary cases that require lengthy investigation or that may involve expulsion from the university on conviction will not be dealt with by the College Disciplinary Board but will be referred to the Central University Disciplinary Board.
2. The Principal imposes fines for offences that the violator accepts guilt and for which fixed punishments are published.
3. Minor disciplinary cases are referred to the College Disciplinary Board. A minor disciplinary case is defined as a case which does not involve serious or extensive investigation. A Student who found guilty of minor disciplinary offences are liable to reprimand or a fine not exceeding two hundred Malaysian Ringgit.
4. The members of the College Disciplinary Board are: The Head of Residential Colleges (Chairman), College Principal (Member), The College Manager, Administration or Assistant Manager, Administration (Secretary). Representative from Disciplinary Unit, The Security Unit, and other departments of the university will be co-opted as the need arises.
5. The College Disciplinary Board meets regularly at least once a semester. It meets more regularly if the need arises. The Principal calls members of the board for hearing of the case. All decisions must be documented. Proceedings of the board are confidential.
6. A discipline bar is immediately activated for students who refuse to appear before the college disciplinary board or refuse to pay imposed fines; their scholarships will be suspended and their records in A&R will be blocked.
7. Students who agree to pay the fines but are financially not able can sign an agreement to have a regular monthly deduction from their scholarship until the fine is paid in full.
12.0 DISCIPLINARY FINES
The following fines and punishments shall be imposed by college principals when residents admit guilt and no investigations by the disciplinary committee are necessary:
Category A violations (fine for first offence RM10-50)
Poor personal hygiene
Dirty and unkempt room
Excessive noise
Cooking in room
Use or possession of unauthorised electrical equipment
Cigarette smoking inside college
Unauthorised business activity
Category B violations (fine for first offence RM30-100)
Missing one compulsory tarbiyat and/or training event
Sleeping in a room not allocated
Staying illegally in the college (squatting)
Returning to the college after 11.30pm
Aiding or abetting illegal stay in rooms
Allowing outside visitors into student rooms
Keeping pet animals
Changing or adding room locks without permission
Category C violations (fine for first offence RM50-150)
Exposing nakedeness (awrat)
Mixing of the 2 genders (ikhtilaat)
Trans-sexual dressing or behavior (istirjaal/takhannuth)
Sexually-indecent dress (tabarruj)
Being in places of bad repute
Entering places reserved for privacy of the opposite gender
Category D violations (fine for 1st offence RM100-200)
Discrimination on the basis of colour, race, or national origin
Harassment of any sort
Abuse or insult
Destruction or misuse of property
Category E violations (suspension or expulsion from the college)
Partisan political activity
Entertainment violating the sharia
Use of pornographic material
Consumption of intoxicants (khamr)
Use of psycho-active substances (mukhaddirat)
Gambling (qimaar)
Seclusion of a male with a female (khalwat)
Adultery or fornication (zina)
Theft, fraud, cheating, or embezzlement
13.0 USRAT QUR’AN STUDY MODULES
The following are the verses and discussion issues assigned for each academic level:
MASTERS 2: SURAT TAHA TO SURAT AL MU’UMINUN
Themes: Musa’s dawa to Pharaoh, Disobedience despite Allah’s bounties, Iblis’s temptation of Adam, Allah’s signs in heaven and on earth, Ibrahim against worship of idols, Allah’s bounties for prophets, The human life cycle and resurrection, Fighting in self-defence, Allah’s signs, bounties and taskhiir, Character and behaviour of believers, Unity of religion, Regret of evil-doers
MASTERS 1: SURAT NUR TO SURAT NAML
Themes: Sexually-related sins, Privacy of homes and modesty, Males and females interaction in homes, Rejection of prophets by dis-believers, Shaitan and bad company, Description of true believers, Musa and confrontation with Pharaoh, Ibrahim’s dawa among his people, The Qur’an as a warning, Allah’s bounties for Sulaiman, Sulaiman and the Queen of Sheba, Signs and bounties of Allah
UNDER-GRADUATE 4: SURAT AL QASAS TO SURAT SAJDA
Themes: Musa in Madyan, Musa’s confrontation with Pharaoh, Worldly pleasures and destruction, The arrogance of wealth, Good treatment of parents, The grave sin of homosexuality, Allah’s bounties and human ingratitude, Contemplation of creation and history, Allah’s signs, Allah’s signs: wind, clouds, and water, Luqman’s wise advice to his son, Creation of the heavens, earth, and humans
UNDER-GRADUATE 3: SURAT AHZAB TO SURAT SAFFAT
Themes: Ahzab: trials, fear, and betrayal, Roles of women, The upright word and heavy trust, Saba: ingratitude and punishment, The arrogant and the humble, Signs and bounties of Allah, Colours as signs of Allah, Signs of Allah: rain, sun, & moon, Human life cycle and resurrection, Mockery and rejection of Allah’s signs, Ibrahim, his people, and his sons, The prophet Yunus
UNDER-GRADUATE 2: SURAT SAAD TO SURAT FUSSILAT
Themes: Allah’s bounties for Daud, Iblis’s disobedience and misguiding others, The creator and human ingratitude, Allah’s bounties and human ingratitude, Repentance and saving from punishment, Angels’ prayer for the believers, Musa, Pharaoh and the believer, Signs of Allah in creation, Signs of Allah: now and the past, Creation of the heavens and the earth, Signs of Allah, Human ingratitude
UNDER-GRADUATE 1: SURAT SHURA TO SURAT MUHAMMAD
Themes: Religion: unity vs differences, Attributes of believers, Allah’s bounties, Musa and Pharaoh, Daea of Isa and differences after him, Musa struggling for believers’ rights, Allah saved Banu Israil from Pharaoh, Allah’s signs and bounties, Good treatment of parents, destruction of the people of Aad, Paradise for the believers, Charity
PRE-SESSIONAL: SURAT FATH TO SURAT HADID
Themes: Victory for believers at Hudaybiyyat, Description of believers, Brotherhood and human equality, Regret of wrong-doers, Contrast: believers and non-believers, Allah’s creation and its purpose, Believers in heaven, All power in the hands of Allah, Punishment of dis-believers, Blessings and signs of Allah, Allah’s creation and bounties, Allah’s way and the world’s glitter
MATRICULATION 2: SURAT MUJADILAT TO SURAT NUH
Themes: Secret conversations, Brotherhood: Ansar & Muhajir, Relations with non-believers, Prayer and business pre-occupation, Wealth between temptation and charity, Allah the best creator and knower, Kindness and generosity in divorce, Good and bad spouses, Creation of life, death & the universe, Allah’s will and human intentions, Destruction of disobedient peoples, Traits of believers and non-believers
MATRICULATION 1: SURAT JINN TO SURAT NAS
Themes: Jinns: believers & non-believers, Moderation in worship, Regret of the people of hell, Human creation and human ingratitude, Hell is punishment for the ungrateful, Fraud in trade, Resurrection, reward and punishment, Regret over bad actions, Allah created and taught humans, Contrast of good and bad behaviours, Mischief, envy, and evil whisper
14.0 USRAT HADITH STUDY MODULES
MATRICULATION YEAR 1: (a) First Semester: Vision and Mission; self-confidence; Sincerity; Selflessness; Intention (niyyat); Penitence; Resignation; Truthfulness; Meditation; Piety; Trust in Allah; Perseverance in Religion; Contemplation of the Universe; Virtuous Deeds; (b) Second Semester: Modesty; Dignity and Poise; Honouring the Guest; Bidding Farewell; Moderation in Dressing; Manner of Sitting in a Majlis; Greeting; Permission to enter; Back-biting; Rumours (c) Additional:
MATRICULATION YEAR 2: (a) First Semester: Determination; Optimism; Self-denial; Virtuous Deeds at Life’s End; Different Ways of Doing Good; Moderation in Ibadat; Continuity of Good Work; Following the Sunnat; Obedience; Setting a Good Precedent; Enjoining Good; (b) Second Semester: Falsehood/lying; False Evidence; Cursing; Abuse; Torturing Others; Harboring ill-feelings (c) Additional:
PRE-SESSIONAL: (a) First Semester: Vision and Mission of IIUM; Self-confidence; Optimism; Nasiiha; Enjoining the Good and Forbidding Evil; Deeds Contrary to Words; Fulfilling Amanat; Prohibition of Dhulm; Respecting the Dignity of Muslims; Covering Short-comings of Others; Helping the Needy; Recommendation; (b) Second Semester: Jealousy; Spying on Privacy of Others; Suspicion; Despise; Rejoicing at Misfortunes of Others; Cheating; Breaking Promises; Reminding about Favours done to Others (c) Additional:
UNDERGRADUATE YEAR 1: (a) First Semester: Vision and Mission of IIUM; Reconciliation; Respect for the Poor and the Weak; Compassion for the Weak; Kind Treatment of Women; Rights of the Spouse; Spending Wealth on Family Members; Giving What You Cherish; Enjoining Family to Do Good; Rights of the Neighbour; Being Good to Parents and Relatives; Co-operation in Virtuous Deeds; Optimism; Appreciation (b) Second Semester: Cutting Relations; Secret Conversations; Cruelty to Animals; Delaying debt Repayment; Misappropriating Property of Orphans; Usury; Insincere Work (c) Additional:
UNDERGRADUATE YEAR 2: (a) First Semester: Mistreatment of Parents; Being Good to Friends of Parents; Respect for Scholars; Respect for the Elderly; Seeking the Company of the Righteous; Loving For the Sake of Allah; Love of Allah; Persecution of the Weak; Judging People by Outward Conduct; Fear of Allah; Success; Failure (b) Second Semester: Looking at a Strange Woman; Seclusion with a Strange Woman; Trans-Sexual Dressing; Imitating Non-Muslims; Changing the Natural Appearance of the Body (c) Additional:
UNDERGRADUATE YEAR 3: (a) First Semester: Expecting Good From Allah; High Hopes From Allah; Combining Fear and Hope; Weeping for Fear of Allah; Materialism; Simple Life; Contentment; Getting and Giving ; Earning Your livelihood; Spending Wealth on Good Causes; Hard Work; Creativity (b) Second Semester: Consulting Soothsayers or Fortune tellers; Believing in Ill-Omens; Noise or Nuisance in a Public Place; Bad Smell in a Public Place (c) Additional:
UNDERGRADUATE YEAR 4: (a) First Semester: Miserliness; Self-sacrifice & Sharing; Strife for the Good; Acquiring and Spending Wealth; Remembering Death; Visiting Graves; Wishing for Death; Avoiding Doubtful Things; Keeping Away From Corruption; Co-operation in Doing Good; Competition; Facing Challenges (b) Second Semester: Calling a Muslim a non-Believer; Vulgar and Lousy Talk; Exaggeration in Veneration; Conversation After Isha; Wasting Money in Unnecessary Purchases; Praising Others ; Magic (c) Additional:
MASTER’S YEAR 1: (a) First Semester: Humility; Arrogance; Good Manners; Kindness; Forgiving; Enduring; (b) Second Semester: Upholding Religion and Sharia; Good Treatment of Followers; Just Leader; Obedience of Those in Authority ; Participation; Productivity (c) Additional:
MASTER’S YEAR 2: (a) First Semester: Ambition for leadership; Bad and Good advisors; Modesty; Keeping Secrets; Fulfilling Promises; Preserving a Good Practice; (b) Second Semester: Cheerful face; Clear Communication; Listening; Planning; Proficiency; Dynamism (c) Additional:
15.0 USRAT DISCOURSE MODULES
The following are the themes covered by academic level:
MATRIC 1: THEME: AQIDA
(a) Semester 1:Usul Al Ddiin: Islam, Iman, Ihsan; Tauhid: Uluhiyyat & Rububiyyat; Tauhid: Asmau Llaahi al Husnat; Tauhid: Sifaat Llaah; Tauhid: Implications In Daily Life; Angels; (b) Semester 2: Messengers; Belief In Revealed Books; The Last Day; Belief In Qadar; Favours/Bounties Of Allah; (c) Additional:
MATRIC 2: THEME: IBADAT
Semester 1: Taqwa & Worship; Taharat; Salat; (b) Semester 2: Saum; Sadaqat; Hajja & Umra
PRE-SESSIONAL THEME: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF LIFE-STYLE
(a) Semester 1: Life-style: concepts; Sound, al saut; Art & sports; (b) Semester 2: Food; Housing; Dress; (c) Additional:
UNDERGRAD 1: THEME:SELF-DEVELOPMENT
(a) Semester 1: Personality; Character And Behaviour; Habits of success; Forgiving And controlling Anger; (b) Semester 2: Components Of A Good Character II; Developing A Strong Memory; Management Of Stress (c) Additional:
UNDERGRAD 2: THEME:INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONS
(a) Semester 1: Groups; Brotherhood; Greetings and Salutations (b) Semester 2: Differences; Difficult Relations; Conflicts: Nature And Causes; Conflicts: Prevention And Resolutions (c) Additional:
UNDERGRAD 3: THEME: THE FAMILY
(a) Semester 1: The Family: Nature And Functions; Marriage; Family Problems; (b) Semester 2: Parents & Relations; Children; Destruction Of The Family: Causes And Prevention (c) Additional:
UNDERGRAD 4: THEME: SURVIVING IN SOCIETY
(a) Semester 1: Bad Character And Behaviour, Sins Of Aqida And Ibadat, Diseases Of The Heart; (b) Semester 2: Sins Of The Tongue, Dhulm, Personal Failure (c) Additional:
MASTERS 1: THEME: TAJDID THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
Semester 1: Crisis of Knowledge; Crisis of the intellect; Malaise of the ummat; Historical Malaise; Contemporary Malaise; Origins of the knowledge and intellectual crises; (b) Semester 2: The external factor; Historical Tajdid; Contemporary Tajdid; Strategy of knowledge
MASTERS 2: THEME: WORLD ISSUES
(a) Semester 1: International Relations; The Islamic state and the nation-state; Diplomacy; Alliances; The United Nations And Related Organisations; The Organisation of the Islamic Conference and Related Organisations; Regional Organisations; The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund; The World Trade Organisation; Human rights; The environment
16.0 EXAMPLES OF DTE SOCIAL WORK
MOSQUES: teaching, cleaning, repairs
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS: helping the physically handicapped, visits to the sick in hospitals, teaching or socialising at orphanages, juveline delinquents homes
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS: anti-dadah education activities, general dawah, helping the poor and the elderly, adult education, cleaning graves etc
SCHOOLS: remedial classes or tuition for primary and secondary school pupils in disadvantaged areas, and English language courses, motivation programs to excel academically and in behaviour, moral guidance for teenagers
WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY: teaching, cleaning, repairs, nasiihat), work on university ceremonies and occasions such as convocation,
MEDIA ACTIVITIES: media analyses & critiques, meetings with reporters
DAWA: To Muslims, to non-Muslims
17.0 INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE TOPICS
1. Intellectual discourse forums cover subject areas in contemporary Islamic thought with the issues being framed in such a way that divergent and debatable options are given
The following topics can be covered:
Rights of Minorities
Human Rights
Individual freedom: limits
Freedom of conscience
The Gender Issue /The Woman and Public Life
The Economy: privatisation and the role of the state
Theatre and Music: the allowed and the prohibited; a new synthesis
Environmental protection
Private enterprise and social justice
Education: public vs private control
Creativity/ creative thinking
Addictions in society
Stress in society
Mass culture and mass media
Youth Problems
Child Abuse
Sexual Harassment
18.0 LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT MODULES
The modules for each year of study will be as follows:
MATRICULATION 1 (a) Semester 1: TIME MANAGEMENT: Importance of time management; Prioritizing; scheduling; poor planning; interruptions; bad habits (b) Semester 2: MEETING MANAGEMENT:
MATRICULATION 2: (a) Semester 1: DECISION-MAKING: Decision-making and leadership; Types of decisions; Creativity and innovation; pre-decision considerations; personality and behaviour in decision-making; Group decision-making; Methods of decision-making; Stages of rational systematic decision-making; post-decision considerations (b) Semester 2: PROBLEM-SOLVING: Definition of a problem; leadership and problem-solving; preliminaries to problem-solving; Basics of problem-solving; Stages of rational systematic problem-solving; Other methods of problem solving; Barriers to effective decision-making; Overwhelming problems
PRE-SESSIONAL: (a) Semester 1: LEADERSHIP: NATURE & ESSENCE: What is leadership?; Leadership power; Types of leadership; Evaluation of leaders; Followers; Term of leadership; Problems of leaders (b) Semester 2: MODEL LEADERS: Abubakr al Siddiq; Omar al Faruq
UNDERGRADUATE 1: (a) Semester 1: COMMUNICATION IN SMALL GROUPS: What is communication?; Communication process; Oral communication; Meetings and being in a group; Using the telephone; Meeting and greeting; Barriers to effective communication (b) Semester 2: PUBLIC SPEAKING: Purposes and elements of public speaking; speaker; audience; message; preparation; structure; rehearsing; delivery; retention
UNDERGRADUATE 2: (a) Semester 1: DAWA: CONCEPT, METHODS, & EXPERIENCES: Nature of Islamic dawa; the caller; the called/targets of dawa; methods of dawa; avoid too much preaching; types/stages of conversion; planning, execution, and evaluation of dawa programs (b) Semester 2: ASSERTIVENESS: self-confidence
UNDERGRADUATE 3: (a) Semester 1: WIN-WIN NEGOTIATIONS: Purpose of negotiation; Strategy of negotiation; Negotiation tactics; management of a negotiation session (b) Semester 2: DEAD-LOCKED & DIFFICULT NEGOTIATIONS: causes of a dead-lock; managing a dead-lock
UNDERGRADUATE 4: (a) Semester 1: ORGANISATION DESIGN & STRUCTURE: What is management?; The manager, organisational communication, managerial resources, management styles, management by objectives, organisational design; organisational structure, organisational bureaucracy, organisational development, organisational culture, organisational continuity and consistency (b) Semester 2: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: HRM functions, recruitment, information and communication, jobs, training and development, salaries and benefits, performance appraisal, worker problems
MASTERS 1: (a) Semester 1: STRATEGY & PLANNING: What is strategy?, Action planning, Failure to plan, main elements of planning and strategy, stages of strategy formulation, post-plan considerations, how much planning? (b) Semester 2: PROJECT MANAGEMENT: planning, leadership, implementation, control, evaluation, quality
MASTERS 2: (a) Semester 1: MOTIVATION: Understanding motivation, theories of motivation, motivation and performance, motivation: positive & negative, material rewards as a motivator, motivating an individual, motivating a team (b) Semester 2: DELEGATION: What is delegation?, Advantages of delegation, process of delegation, what to delegate, avoiding delegation
19.0 GUIDELINES FOR USRA
1. LEADERSHIP OF DISCUSSION: The Naqib can lead discussion in some sessions and is also encouraged to delegate this responsibility to various members of the usra. Whoever has the responsibility for leading discussions must take 20-30 minutes preparing for the session
2. RECORDING ATTENDANCE: The Naqib must have a register in which members sign their name and the times of arrival. Signing-in should be done before the usrat starts any formal work.
3. START AND END: Members should start by reciting surat al fatihat and should and should adjourn with recitation of tasbih kaffarat and surat al ‘asr
4. TIME MANAGEMENT: The Naqib must make sure that all three components of the usra are covered. The members should start with Qur’an study followed by usrat discourse and end with discussion of current issues. Time should be left at the end to deal with any administrative matters that may arise or to solve any personal problems of members that may arise.
5. MANAGEMENT OF THE DISCUSSIONS: The Naqib should make sure that all members participate. This can be achieved by being pro-active ie addressing questions to individuals or inviting them to make comments. If a member is unable to say anything or is unwilling or otherwise reluctant, the Naqib should not insist but should move on to the next member. Very talkative members should not be allowed to dominate the discussions. The Naqib should politely re-direct any speaker who veers off the topic of discussion.
6. USRAT MATERIAL: The Naqib should make sure that every member has a personal copy of the usrat manual. Each member should also bring along a copy of the Qur’an with translation in addition to whetever other books have been assigned
7. THE ETIQUETTE, ADAB, OF USRAT: Members should greet one another before starting. Any member wanting to go out for a valid reason must obtain the permission of the Naqib. All members must learn to listen and not interrupt others. They must obey the instructions of the Naqib. Members must avoid quarrels or loud arguments. A spirit of tolerance should exist with the understanding that there could be more than one way of being right. Excessive laughing or joking should be avoided. Members should sit with proper adab. Recitation of the Qur’an should be done with khushu and tadabbur.
20.0 GUIDELINES FOR CAMPS
1. DURATION: 2-3 nights
2. SITE: The camp should be held at a place that has security and a minimum of comfort. It may even be held in open space with tents being pitched for sleeping and other camp activities. It is advised to hold the camp within 30 kilometres of the university to avoid transportation charges
3. CAMP DUTIES: Camp participants are responsible for all services needed for success including cleanliness, meals, security etc
4. PARTICIPANTS: Each college will decide who will participate in the camp and use its own selection criteria. No mixed camps of brothers and sisters will be allowed.
5. BUDGET: Each college must conduct the camp within the allocated budget. Extra funds could be raised by charging a registration fee
6. MANAGEMENT: The Principal of each college shall appoint a camp director. The director could be a member of the academic staff or e member of the college administrative staff, or one of the students. The camp director then selects the following assistants: deputy camp director, program manager, disciplinary officer, catering officer, cleaniliness officer, sports officer.
7. PROGRAM: The program should cover all 24 hours. About 6-8 hours should be allocated for sleeping and rest. The daily program is as follows:
Qiyam al layl
Salat al Fajr
Tadhkirat
Exercises
Break-fast
Lectures/activities
Lunch, salat zohar, rest
Salat al asr
Activities
Salat al maghrib and tadhkirat
Salat al isha and supper
Activities
Bed-time
21.0 GUIDELINES FOR SPEAKERS
1. A personalised invitation letter co-signed by Prof Dr Kasule and the principal is faxed to the proposed speaker 4 weeks before the suggested date. Attached to the letter is the complete schedule of all programs so that if the speaker can not make it on the date suggested he/she can propose another date. The letter is copied to the Rector, the Dean of the Kuliiyah and the Head of Department
2. A telephone follow-up is made in the next 2-3 days and final details are concluded
3. The speaker should receive the background reading material on the subject that the students have. He should be informed that he can use as is, modify it, or use his own material. He should however try to cover the same content areas because the students will be examined and the exam will be derived from the background material that they have.
4. Follow-up with the speaker should be maintained on a weekly basis to make sure that there is correct and complete communication regarding the topic, place, date, time, and students to be addressed. The speaker should also be told how much time he has for speaking and for questions
5. The time allocations for the programs are as follows:
Practical Skills Motivation
Total time 3.0 hrs 1.5hrs
Speaking 55 min 30 min
Questions and Answer 10 min 30 min
Workshop/practical sessions 55 min 0
Plenary reporting session 45 min 0
Conclusions 15 min 5 min
6. Speakers should be given a gift of one of the college symbols such as a T-shirt, pin, badge as well as a certificate of appreciation at the conclusion of the talk. Later an envelope with the honorarium should be taken to him in his office with an official letter of appreciation co-signed by Dr Kasule and the principal. The letter is copied to the Rector, the Dean of the Kulliyah and the Head of Department
7. The honoraria paid to speakers are as follows:
Motivation talk RM75/session
Practical Skills RM150/session
8. The speaker is asked to comment on the program and how it can be improved.
