RISEAP, in cooperation with International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), launched its first Islamic course for the year 2013, held at IIUM, from 18 February 2013 to 17 March 2013, with a total of 16 participants attended the course including two participants each from Sarawak and Sabah.

The one-month course is aimed to provide Islamic knowledge, education and Islamic awareness to Muslim minority within RISEAP domain. The course is also designed to foster cooperation and close relationship between Muslim organizations in the region where the participants are invited. It is one of the main RISEAP objectives.

All participants are required to attend all class lectures held at IIUM mosque. Subjects taught among others were the details about prayers (obligatory, sunnah, congregation, jamak and qasar). They also included Reading Qur’an and Tafsir, Hadith, the Pillars of Faith (Iman), Zakat and the Five Pillar of Islam. In addition, extra Qur’an recitation class is held every evening in order to improve the reading of the Holy Book. Similarly to previous courses, participants were also brought to visit some places of interest in Kuala Lumpur especially mosques as a part of their study-tour.

The participants were 1) Br Jehad Layto (Philippines), 2) Sis Cosna B Abu Bakar (Philippines), 3) Br Mot Sokrya (Cambodia), 4) Sis Him Slamiyany (Cambodia), 5) Br Naing Linn Soe Wai (Myanmar), 6) Sis Mya Myint Zuu Kyaw (Myanmar), 7) Br Ma Wen Kuang @Saifullah (Taiwan), 8) Sis Salma Ikram (Taiwan), 9) Sis Shameena Nassar (Sri Lanka), 10) Sis Ong Yuen @ Fatima (Hong Kong), 11) Sis Noraishah Golong (Sarawak), 12) Br Rizamri Roslan (Sarawak), 13) Br Mohd Taupik Ahong Abdullah (Sabah),  14) Sis Nur Azimah Abd Kahar (Sabah) and Br Khaidatul Rozman Khalid (Pengasih). All participants were housed at Mahallah Roygayah, IIUM.

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On the 8th of January, 2013, Secretary General of RISEAP, Br. Hj. Marzuki Omar and RISEAP Executive Secretary, along with Datu Hj. Abang Mohamad Shibli, the General Manager of Baitulmal Sarawak and his Deputy, Br Mr. Bolhassan Taibi made a courtesy visit to Kowloon Mosque.

There, the group had a short meet and greet session with “The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong” also generally known among Hong Kong Muslims as “The Board of Trustees.” The brief meeting provided an in depth knowledge about the board’s task and vast influence they hold in the progress of Islam throughout Hong Kong history and its future. It was also a chance to forward the proposal to enact the Baitumal for Hong Kong. A short presentation by Datu Hj. Abang Mohamad progress into the meeting and adjourn before zu’hur prayer.

The board oversees the running of five main Hong Kong’s mosques and Islamic cemeteries. Established through almost 60 years of changes and adaptations, the board is the one organization that the current government of Hong Kong recognizes and refers to when there is matters to discuss on Islamic issues. Their board members consist of two member representative from The Pakistan Association of Hong Kong, The Islamic Union of Hong Kong, The Dawaodi Bohra Association of Hong Kong and one member and one observer from The Indian Muslim Association of Hong Kong. The chairman, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer is rotated among these six seats of the board members.

The board other responsibilities include determining important dates following the Islamic lunar calendar, informing the Muslim community in time for these calendar events preserving the unity at hand, they also assures the proper running of madrasahs in mosques while providing Islamic educations to the young and nurture the future with proper Islamic knowledge.

After completing the prayers, the meeting continued with light refreshment and chats. The visiting group also had a tour of the Kowloon Mosque led by the Chief Imam, Mufti Muhamad Arshad and the President of Pakistan Association of Hong Kong, Br. Qamar Z. Minhas.

The meeting had truly shed light on the different Muslim ethnicity in Hong Kong and their alignment with each other. With an estimate of 220,000 Muslim in the heart of 7 million Hong Kong population, the board had manage to conjure a suitable environment for these varied Muslims to live together in harmony. There exist Halal eatery and product for safe consummation for the Muslim community and tourist alike because the board had strife to establish these facilities.

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Meet with Board Of Trustees, Hong Kong

Wanchai, Hong Kong – As prelude for the the start of the year 2013, RISEAP had collaborated with the Hong Kong Islamic Union to support them in advising on the technicalities to form their own local Baitulmal system. With the advice of our RISEAP president, RISEAP proceed with an agreement with Baitulmal of Sarawak to forward a brief seminar that is concluded on the 6th of January, 2013.

The day event started in the morning with a brief meet with the board of trustees in an informal discussion about the happenings, difficulties and the possibilities of future collaboration with RISEAP and Baitulmal. It was a moment to share experience and to introduce each organization, each with a deep history and reminiscence of past collaboration. The meet has given a thoroughly immense understanding of the status and legislature of the Islamic Union in Hong Kong alongside the board of trustees. The meet paused with a break for afternoon prayer and lunch getting on towards the preparation of the seminar in the afternoon.

Hong Kong Baitumal Seminar

Pamplet Baitulmal Hong Kong

The venue for the afternoon seminar is on the 6th floor of Masjid Ammar and O.R. Sadick Islamic Centre. The event started with beautiful recital of verses from Al Quran by Br. Hafiz Rashid Nomani. Then, coincidentally, the masters of ceremony was Ustaz Abdul Muhaemin, a previous employee of RISEAP, invites Br. A.R. Suffiad, Chairman of Hong Kong Islamic Union for his welcoming address. RISEAP Secretary General, Br. Marzuki Omar gave a brief introduction of RISEAP and the initialization process of the Baitulmal project. He then also introduce the key speaker for the day Datu Haji Abang Mohamad Shibli assisted by his Deputy, Br. Bolhassan Taibi. The session went on well into the evening, with in-depth slide presentation prepared beforehand, Datu Haji Abang Mohamad Shibli and Br. Bolhassan Taibi did an excellent job describing the base of Baitulmal Sarawak inner workings. The question session had great anticipation as many questions provided more alternate insights of the Baitulmal processes.

The seminar ended with the presentation of souvenirs from both parties just before Asr Prayers. Please find more information about Islamic Union Of Hong Kong Here.

Dato’ Ahmad Nordin Mohd Zain, former RISEAP Secretary General,
delivering his speech at RISEAP General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur in
1996, it is his last appearance as General Secretary

Innalilah Wa’ina’ilaihiraji’oon (إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ)

Dato’ Ahmad Nordin Mohd Zain, former Secretary General of RISEAP passed away on 31 December 2012 after long illness at his home in Alor Setar, Kedah. He was 86 years old. Dato’ Ahmad Nordin served as Secretary General of RISEAP from 1984 to 1999. During his tenure as Secretary General, he tirelessly committed his time and fortitude to propagate Islam in several RISEAP member countries RISEAP especially Cambodia, Fiji, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga and Vanuatu. He also enhanced ties and fostered cooperation with RISEAP member organizations in this part of the world. One of his well-known projects was Da’wah Bil Hal, da’wah activities through community development.

Born in Alor Setar, Kedah in 1926, married Datin Khatijah Abdul Hamid, with four children, Dato’ Ahamd Nordin went to study at University of Boston, USA. Before he joined RISEAP, he was an active civil servant and held several posts in Ministry of Foreign Affairs and between 1966-68, he served as Information Attache at Malaysian High Commission in London and in 1971, he was appointed Director General, Department of Information.

RISEAP was saddened by the demise of Dato’ Ahmad Nordin and will always remember his dedication and commitment for RISEAP.

On behalf of RISEAP executive committee members, member organizations and staff at secretariat, we would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family. May Allah (swt) rest his departed soul in Paradise. Al-Fatiha.

The seminar is aimed to provide a platform for women to discuss and debate on roles, problems and challenges faced by Muslim women particularly their roles and responsibilities towards family, community and the country as a whole. It is also to enhance knowledge and understandings among women as how to balance their responsibilities with their family and at the same time towards their work. The rights of women are among the topics discussed in the seminar. This is to promote awareness and understandings about the laws pertaining rights and responsibilities of women.

RISEAP is concerned about the education, welfare and development of women who plays a significant role in both family and community development. This similar program is held annually in Kuala Lumpur.

Various topics were discussed during a 5-day meeting, among them were Women’s Roles in Family by Ust Wan Sohor Bani Leman of IIUM, Women and Cancer by Dr Saiah Abdullah of Sungai Buloh Hospital, Women and Sex by Dr Mohd Ismail Mohd Tambi, Morality and Family By Ustzah Zawiyah Hassan, Child Psychology and Parenting by Dr Mastura Badris.

At the closing ceremony on 7 December 2012, Br Muhammad Shafiq Ong Abdullah, RISEAP Executive Secretary, gave his brief speech to thank the participants for taking their time to take part in this seminar and also briefed them activities conducted by RISEAP since the past years. He also presented Certificate for Participation to all participants.

The participants are Rokiyah Yadaro and Suhairoh Buenae from YMAT, (Thailand), Eniarti Zulfa and Sri Vira Chandra from WANITA Islam, (Indonesia), Hjh Dyng Fatmah Hj Jaafar and Dyngku Faridah Hj Mahmud from PERTIWI, (Brunei), Sos Noriyas and At Aysas from (Cambodia), Hjh Rubiah Nordin (USIA, Sabah), Marina Abdullah @Chia Lee (USIA, Sabah), Nor Azimah Mansor and Siti Nur Sakinah Ahmad Budiman (PKPIM, Malaysia), Jumaatulasriah Abdullah and Suzana Mashori from PERTIM, (Malaysia), Hamudah Hasan and Soffia Osman from YADIM, (Malaysia). The Secretariat were Nurul Huda Mat Hassan and Fatimah Zaharah which was headed by Sis Noranidah Jayus, RISEAP’s Women Affairs Officer.

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Banner for the event.

RISEAP Islamic Course (Level 1) started a few days before the celebration of Aidil Adha, which fell on Friday, 26 October 2012, with a total of 15 participants took their time to perform a special Aidil Adha prayer at IIUM’s Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque and also witnessed the qur’ban.

They were so excited to have a chance to pray together with several foreign students and the locals at IIUM mosque. Many of them are strangers in Malaysia as it is the first time ever to visit the country. Especially Sis Chalermkwan Sriboonruang, from Thailand, Sis Fatima Zahra Koucha from Taiwan, Sis Fairodz Wali of Philippines and Sis Tha Zin Phoone Myint from Myanmar who were  delighted to see the IIUM mosque and campus surroundings.

The other event which stunned them was the animal slaughtering, known as Qur’ban (meaning sacrifices) which is synonymous with the Aidil Adha.  Usually, it took place soon after the prayer or in some places a day after.  Almost every participant had their chance to see the event except a few missed it as they stuck at the hostel due to the delay of transportation. A total of eight cows were slaughtered on the festive day of Aidil Adha at the campus.

During this festival, those Muslims who can afford it will sacrifice animals such as a cow, goat, sheep or camel as a symbol of Prophet’s Ibrahim willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. The meat of sacrificed animal will then be distributed to Muslims in the area.

A one-month course (Level 1) started from 22 October till 18 November 2012, with a total of 15 participants from seven countries attended including two from Taiwan. The course was started with a special subject and workshop on prayers (Salat) by Ust Muhammad Sulhi Hasbullah, the Pillars of Faith and the Aqidah by Ust Ismail Chong and Dr Ismail Mamat of IIUM respectively. However, an additional class on Qur’an recitation was held daily in the evening, conducted by Ustazah Fatimah Zaharah, a RISEAP volunteer. Several other subjects were also taught during the course including the Concept of Ibadah, Tafsir Qur’an of short surah, Fasting and Hadith. A special attention was given to woman participants to understand the shari’ah and fiqh regarding women in Islam by Ustazah Zatu Amni.

In order to broaden their insights and experiences about the host country, all participants were brought to visit places of interests like Putrajaya, JAKIM and mosques in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, they visited a historical state of Melaka, about 100 km from Kuala Lumpur.

The participants are 1, Br Hein Htet Zaw (Myanmar), 2, Sr Tha Zin Phoone Myint (Myanmar), 3, Sis Fatima Zahra Koucha (Taiwan), 4, Br Muhammad Chen, Pao-Lo (Taiwan), 5, Sis Chalermkwan Sriboonruang @Has’na (Thailand), 6, Sis Fairodz Wali (Philippnes), 7, Br Samaruddin Suladteg  (Philippines), 8, Br Ghaffar Korah Kale (PNG), 9, Sis Susan Shara Keme (PNG), 10. Siti Nurizah Panglima (Sabah, Malaysia), 11, Br Osman Bujang (Sarawak, Malaysia), 12, Sis Suzi Dollah (Sarawak, Malaysia), 13, Br Ahmad Zin Abdul Lamit (Sabah, Malaysia), 14, Br Len Hammath (Cambodia), 15, Sis Liyanage Chathuri Pathmila Perera (Sri Lanka).

Banner for the event

A three days international seminar was organized by The Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) and Jamiyah Singapore in co-operation with Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, State of Kuwait, International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO), Kuwait, on the 19th to 21st of October 2012. The seminar with the theme on “MUSLIM NGOs IN COMMUNITY SERVICE : CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES” took place at Jamiyah Islamic Centre, Singapore.

The keynote for the seminar was addressed by Datuk Dr. Mohd. Ghazali Md. Noor. The attendees includes leaders and researchers from muslim NGOs, academic and research Institutions from around asia pacific countries. The seminar saw the presentation of more than 20 papers with each having lively questions and answer sessions after. Our Secretary General, Hj. Mohd. Marzuki Mohd. Omar was also invited as a chairperson for one of the session.

This is the third consecutive year RISEAP had conducted the programme in Kampong Phuk Bhau since 2010. The objectives were to instill Islamic teachings and to increase a sense of collective responsibility towards the Islamic education among the local population. The village, about 200 km from Phnom Penh,  is unique with a large number of Muslim population.

The village is still in need to improve and enhance Islamic education especially among the younger generation. RISEAP is concerned about Islamic education in Cambodia and has tried its best to promote and assist local religious teachers to conduct da’wah activitiy more effectively in Muslim villages. However, the native religious teachers should play more active role in conducting any forms of da’wah activities like class lecture, workshop, discussion and meeting.    RISEAP will provide whatever assistance and support if requested by its local member organizations.

Under the leadership of Hj Mohd Marzuki Mohd Omar, RISEAP Secretary General, a special attention has been given to improve and promote da’wah activity in Cambodia. In doing so, time and again workshop and Islamic course have been held in the country. Besides, RISEAP always invited representatives from Cambodia to attend its programmes held in Malaysia.

There is a mosque, Al-Anwar Mosque, and two schools located in Kampong Phuk Bhau. The workshop was held at a school compound located nearby the mosque.  The programme was conducted in cooperation with the Cambodian Islamic Association (CIA), the only RISEAP member organization in the country.  CIA is headed by  YB Senator Hj Ahmad Bin Marwan, the Secretary General, who is a prominent Muslim leader in Cambodia and active in promoting da’wah activities in the country.

A total of 47 participants, 18 male and 29 female, attended the course. They were selected from 21 different villages in nearby districts among them are Jimuan, Huach, Puk Chroh, Puk Pa’en, Tebang Petau, Sanggum Thmey, Dong Kambet, Brah Pedau, Jo Keing, Prampel Meakara, Memai Lek and Tebang Chok village.

The workshop was conducted by local teachers namely Ustaz Salleh Musa and his wife, Ustazah Asmak Ismail who are RISEAP volunteers, with two other teachers from RISEAP, Ustaz Nik Syahriman Nik Mat RISEAP and Ustaz Abas Seruji, RISEAP volunteer from Sarawak who taught Tarannum.  Several matters were discussed  especially the basic concept of faith and the Five Pillar of Islam, Qur’an recitation and translation, Qur’ban and Aqikah. The workshop also focused on subjects related to woman such as Fiqh Al Nisa, Roles of women/wife,  purity and cleanliness and the Janazah Preparation.

RISEAP is grateful to YB Senator Hj Ahmad Bin Marwan for his help and kind hospitality. Thank also to all teachers for their dedication and hard work. For the participants, we thank you all and may Allah (swt) bless you.

Orang Asli community children taking photo with the RISEAP Islamic Course Group.

It is a norm for RISEAP to bring participants to visit various places of interest in Malaysia as to enhance their knowledge and experience about the host country, this time they made a visit to indigenous community in Cameron Highlands in Pahang State.

A group of Islamic Course (level 2) participants were brought to visit indigenous  people community  at Leryar village, Ringlet, in Cameron Highlands, on 15 July 2012. The visit was interesting one when many of participants were unaware of the existence of indigenous people in Malaysia known locally as orang asli in Malay. Their cultural activities and life style are very unique and exotic especially to foreigners.

There are about 40 Muslim families living in the village who have received assistance from Department of Orang Asli Affairs (JHEOA). Participants were exciting and happy to have an opportunity to visit this special native community. More interestingly, when they had time to spend with the children at the Balai Rakyat (community centre) and took time to mingle with the children and taught them to read simple doa and Qur’an.

RISEAP believed that the visit would enhance their knowledge and provided them with true experience of which they could not find in class lectures. In additional to Orang Asli community, the group also visited several other places namely the Federal Mosque, Blue Mosque and Yayasan Restu (Quranic Calligraphic Centre) in Shah Alam, Selangor.

There are numerous groups of indigenous peoples in Malaysia, they formed about 2.1 million or 10.2 per cent of the total population.

Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations covering the area of 712 sq km (275 sq mi). It shares with Kelantan in the north, and to the west with Perak.  Cameron Highlands is located at the northwestern tip of Pahang, about 85 km from Ipoh or about 200 km from Kuala Lumpur. During the day, the temperature seldom rises above 25 C (77 F), while at night it drops to as low as -0.9C (30 F).

There are more than 34,000 people living in the resort, comprising of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups. Three townships are known as Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang. It was named after William Cameron, a British surveyor who was commissioned by the then colonial government to map out the area in 1885.

RISEAP would like to thank Br Yusuf and staff at the Orang Asli Development Department and Tok Batin, the Village Head, for their warm welcome and kind hospitality to our visitors.

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RISEAP Nothern Zone Youth tranning camp held on 22-25. Aug .1212 Jeju .Korea
Attended 43 Youth and 4 professor( Japan, Taiwan. Hongkong. Korea)

RISEAP in cooperation with Dr Hj Taib Mahmud Islamic Centre in Jeju Island, South Korea conducted a youth camp, RISEAP Northern Zone Leadership Camp, from 22-25 August 2012 at Jeju Halla University, with the aim to provide Islamic knowledge to the youth and encourage the younger Muslims in the region to pay more attention to the Islamic studies and practices.

A 4-day gathering was also to educate Muslim youth to understand the importance of good and effective leadership in the globalized world in addition to increase Islamic consciousness and fraternity among the Muslim younger generation. The gathering also focused on enhancing cooperation among Muslim youths in the Northern region.

RISEAP introduced a zonal system in 1993, as to enhance the communication and coordination among its members in the region. It divided into three zones, North, South and Central. Five countries are under the Northern Zone namely Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Macau and Taiwan.

A total of 43 participants mainly students from Jeju Halla University both male and female were invited to take part in the camp. Also in attendance were Prof Taib Moto from Takushoku University and Prof Muamar Junya of Doshisha Universty, Japan, Prof Bashir Kim of Jeju Halla University, Bro Yusuf Yu Chi Wan from Hong Kong KM College, Sis Amira Ha from University  of East Anglia, UK, Br Anas Yung Ng of Shih Chien Unversity , Taiwan, Br Ismail Chen Guang of Cheng Kung University, Taiwan and Sis Mariam Wang Tian Yuan, Chihlee Institute of Technology, Taiwan.

A study-tour at Manjanggul Lava Tube

Prof Taib Moto, Chairman of Organizing Committee who is also RISEAP executive committee member for Northern Zone gave a speech at the opening ceremony which was held on 22 August 2012. He welcomed the participants and thanked them for attending the gathering. He also thanked RISEAP, especially its Secretary General, Hj Mohd Marzuki Mohd Omar and Br Muhammad Shafiq Ong Abdullah, Executive Secretary  for providing financial assistance to the camp. Prof Taib Moto expressed his gratitude to all organizing committee members who gave full cooperation and support, making a 4-day gathering a successful one.

Class lectures on various subjects were conducted among others on Islamic world and culture for non-Muslim students and Islam in Korea by Prof Hj Bashir Kim, Islam in Hong Kong: Past to Present by Br Yusuf Yu of Islamic Kasim Memorial College, HK, Islam in Japan and in Taiwan by Prof Taib Moto and Br Ishaq Ma respectively.

Group discussions were also held in order to provide an opportunity to the participants to ask questions, exchange ideas and shared experiences on the latest development. Participants also had a chance to meet with local students especially foreign Muslim students at Jeju National University. In addition, the camp conducted a study-tour to some interesting places like Jeju Folklore Museum, Dragon Head Rock Sky Bridge, Bunsei Park, Chunjiyun Waterfall/Saeyun Bridge and Jeju Islamic centre, Manjang Cave, and Stone Cultural Park. All participants were housed at Jeju Halla University hostel.

Some of participants and organizing committee

Prof Hj Bashir Kim also took this occasion to invite participants to visit his residence and hosted a special dinner for the guests, after they returned from tracking Jeju Soomok Won.

RISEAP would like to congratulate and thank all members of the organizing committee especially Prof Taib Moto, the Chairman, Prof Hj Bashir Kim, Br Anas Chao, Br Choo Daemin and Br Kim Chang Joo  for organizing the camp and hope that the similar programme will be conducted again in the future.