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This study examines the performance of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) component political parties (i.e. PKR, PAS and DAP) in the 2011 Sarawak state elections. The 2011 Sarawak state elections was held in April 2011 and it was a tense battle between the ruling BN and the new comer opposition Pakatan Rakyat. The study is based on the assumption that there is a linkage between PR’s campaign strategies and election manifesto and the voters’ preference. Therefore, the study investigates the linkage between campaign strategies and manifesto of Pakatan Rakyat and its performance in the 2011 Sarawak State elections. It uses Martin Harrop and William L. Miller’s theory of competitive elections as a framework for analysis. This study uses qualitative method of research for analysis of data. The data were collected from the primary sources such as formal and informal interviews, party manifestos, newspapers, documents from the Election Commission (EC) and secondary sources such as books and scholarly articles. The study argues that the opposition for the first time collectively campaigned as a single opposition coalition under the name of Pakatan Rakyat. PR’s campaign strategies were quite sound and practical as it divided its campaign strategies into traditional and non-traditional campaign strategies. Besides that PR proposed several strategies which can be labeled as a new type of approach. The study found that even though PR did not get the two-thirds majority in the State Legislative Assembly, it succeeded to capture more seats; pointing to the fact that there is a shift of support from the incumbent BN government towards the opposition PR. However, the study also found that the main factor contributing to PR’s inability to capture more seats was its inability to reach an understanding with the local opposition political party: Sarawak National Party (SNAP). The study therefore, among others, recommends that PR should work out a strategy to integrate some important local political parties such as SNAP if it wants to control Sarawak state legislative assembly.

The aim of this study is to examine the Christian perspective on the concept of (Allah) in Nigeria, which contradicts the true understanding of the concept of (Allah) in Islam. It begins with a discussion on the concept of Allah according to the Christian scholars in Nigeria followed by the Muslim scholars in Nigeria. The research continues with the explanation on how the concept of (Allah) is presented in the Qur’Én, ×adith and the work of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars. The methodology applied in this study is textual analysis, using descriptive and analytical methods on numerous works on the subject. This study identifies that most of the current module used to understand the concept of Allah by Christian scholars is wrong. Finally, the study concludes that it is crucial for both Muslims and Christians to have a comprehensive knowledge about the concept of (Allah). The proper knowledge would guide them to understand the real God of the entire universe

Since the 1990s, the interaction between the dominant Muslim community and other faiths in Bangladesh has become prevalent. In response to this scenario, this study investigates inter-religious relations among religious communities in Chittagong, Bangladesh, which is known for its religious diversity and historical significance. The research aims to examine the complexities of cooperation, collaboration, conflicts, and peaceful coexistence within inter-religious interactions. It also sheds light on the efforts to foster inter-community understanding and harmony. For the study, the researcher employs a qualitative method in which in-depth interviews are conducted with selected participants, such as representatives of religious scholars, cultural activists, and community leaders. The scripts are critically analyzed to extract the factors contributing to religious conflicts. The study on inter-religious interaction is significant for Bangladesh’s peacebuilding and social cohesion efforts. By uncovering the dynamics of inter-religious relations, this study contributes to a more inclusive societal framework that transcends religious divisions, promoting mutual understanding and unity among diverse religious groups. Moreover, it identifies challenges that hinder development and, at the same time, offers strategies to overcome these challenges. Therefore, this study shows potential for cultivating harmonious interaction that exceeds boundaries and enriches the nation’s social well-being. Focusing on Chittagong, the study provides context-specific perceptions into the multi-faceted circumstances that shape inter-religious relations. The findings contribute significantly to the concept of religious coexistence and inter-community relations. Consequently, the outcomes provide valuable insights for policymakers, religious institutes, and human rights organizations to develop context-specific strategies. Keywords: Inter-religious relations, Religious diversity, Chittagong, Bangladesh, Religious coexistence

The ongoing difference of opinions on ilahiyyah (divinity) has become a source of confusion among common people leading towards division in the Muslim community. Despite vast discussion on ilahiyyah (divinity), little is known about the methodologies of ʻAbd al-Wahhab al-Shaʻrani on its issues. This study provides an understanding of al-Shaʻrani’s synthesis of the methodologies of ahl al-fikr (people of cognitive knowledge) and ahl al-kashf (people of unveiling knowledge) on ilahiyyah (divinity). This study used two methods of assessment, namely data collection and data analysis. Through the method of documentation in the method of data collection, this study examines to two selected al-Shaʻrani’s work entitled al-Yawaqit wa al-Jawahir fi Bayan ʻAqa’id al-Akabir and al-Qawaʻid al-Kashfiyyah al-Muwaddihah li Maʻani al-Sifat al-Ilahiyyah. The study concludes that Al-Shaʻrani developed a more effective approach to understand ambiguous Qur’anic verses (mutashabihat). Al-Shaʻrani uses both methodologies with priority given to the usage of knowledge by presence (al-ʻilm al-huduri).

This present research is an attempt to explicate Abdullah bin Nuh’s critique on development of modern ideologies particularly in Indonesia after its independence. The development of modern ideologies particularly materialism, Marxism, and communism have become a matter of alarming since the early 20th century in Muslim world through colonization and imperialism. Indonesia as the one of the world’s largest Muslim population in the world did not miss on globalization of modern ideologies. Basically, Indonesia based on the Eastern and Islamic values, but after Western colonization, colonizers began to apply their ideologies in Indonesia through imperialism. As the result, clash has occurred between local ideologies and western ideologies through high tension in the forming of basic principle of state and governance system. Abdullah bin Nuh was one of the Indonesian scholars who are concerned with the affairs of Muslim in general and Indonesian Muslim in particular his responds and critiques to modern ideologies. This study attempts at examining Abdullah bin Nuh’s views in materialism, Marxism, and communism and his critiques of those modern ideologies. The approach of this study is based on textual analysis, using descriptive and analytical methods from various works of the subject under study. It seeks to discover several aspects of Abdullah bin Nuh’s thought of modern ideologies as well as Islamic thought such as the in coherent relationship of materialism and Marxism, Marxism and communism, with Islamic worldview and perspective. This study concludes that Abdullah bin Nuh devoted his live to counter modern ideologies which were developed in Indonesia with presenting the understanding of those ideologies and its detrimental to social live in Indonesia. He also asserted Marxism and communism are misled ideology based on materialism which have difference culture and values with Eastern Muslim countries particularly Indonesia. His noble struggle was successful for he end up with the foundation of Islamic Research Institute as the centre of Occidentalism studies.

This study focuses on two novels entitled "The Bamboo Stalk" by Saud Al-Sanousi and "Interlock" by Abdullah Hussein's . This study discusses the framework of social issues and artistic composition materialized in these novels. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate their creative abilities in composing the two novels, as well as to disclose the similarities and variations between them in terms of social issues and artistic structures. Analysis and comparison are the two approaches that the researcher employs. The researcher includes the novelists' biographies at the beginning of the study. This study also compares the two novels' social issues and artistic frameworks, identifying the manifestations of artistic innovation in each, before revealing their parallels and variances in terms of vision and formation between the two novels: Arabic and Malaysian. The researcher concluded that the two novels uncover common social issues highlighted by the novelists, including their dialogue of rural features, the journey to find a job, the preservation of religious rituals, symptoms of drug abuse, family disintegration, and concern for descendants. The cost of life, social cooperation, belief in witchcraft, and the issue of marriage were among the themes that they differed on. The two novels were comparable in their artistic structures in the utilisation of some artistic techniques, including the title metaphor and the fluency of the language, while the two diverged to varying degrees in the employment of certain other techniques.

Islamic reformism has been the prime concern of Muslim scholars and intellectuals since the 18th century C.E. and as a means to arrest the mushrooming and all around decay in their societies. In northern Nigeria, Muslims are plunged into backwardness because of the colonial legacy and the rising of un-Islamic practices (bida` or innovations) that have been instrumental in instigating serious problems in the region as well as the entire country. Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi was a great reformer who stood firm to salvage the society from further religious decline during his time. He believed that the cause for the Muslims` decline in the area was their departure from practising the pristine Islam as laid down in the Qur`an and the authentic Sunnah. In his quest for a solution, Sheikh Gumi articulated a reformative drive, which contravened the long-aged traditions of northern Nigeria. Thus, this study examines the reformist ideas of Sheikh Gumi and the degree of their influence on the society. The study employs an analytical research method and is based on a collection of primary sources, particularly Sheikh Gumi`s masterpiece al-Aqidah al-Sahihah bi Muwafaqat al-Shariah (The Correct Belief in Line with the Shariah) and some of his other major writings. The roots or main features of Gumi`s thought, as well as his contributions to Islamic reformism in northern Nigeria, particularly in the educational, judicial and political fields, are highlighted.

The study analyzes academic stress and strain among the undergraduate students of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUMM). It aims at investigating the effect of religious orientation on level of stress and experience of strain among those students. The sample consists of 218 bachelor's students studying in different departments of this university. The sample was cornposed of around 75% of Malay students and 25% of non-Malay. In terms of gender, it was 55% female and 45% male. Data were collected from the stressful situations questionnaire (SSQ) and role strain measures. Frequency analysis was used to examine the level of stress. strain, and religious orientation in the students. The results indicated that all the students in general experienced stress and strain and they also used religious orientation as coping mechanism, but they differed in degree of stress, strain, and religious experience. A series of analyses were done to examine the relationship between criterion and predictor variables, such as gender and nationality. With regard to gender differences, the results indicated that there was a significant difference in the perception of male and female toward stress and religious orientation, but they are not different in their level of strain. Female students reported more stress and they tended to use more religious orientation than do male students. Moreover, there appeared no significant main difference in the perception of Malay and non-Malay students toward stress, but it did appear Strain and religious orientation. Malay students were found to experience more strain and they made more frequent use of religious orientation than did non-Malay students. This analysis also indicated that religious orientation has nothing to do with stress and strain level. That is whether the students were religious or they did experience stress and strain.

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The purpose of this study is to determine how English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students acquire the English article system. The subjects were Advanced Level students (Grade 12) from Tsun Jin High School, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where English is taught as a second language. This was a case study where seven students were randomly selected for this research. As the subjects` use of the English article system would be clearly maniifested through their language productive skills, it was decided that their performance in writing and speaking be studied. Therefore their journal entries and essays were examined. Secondly, interviews were conducted with the subjects, both in the school and playh environments, and finally students were asked to make oral presentations on topics of their choice. The interviews and oral presentations were recorded and subsequently transcribed so as to allow easier analysis of the students` article use in these oral tasks. From the analysis of data it was found that with respect to acquision of the articles, `the` was acqird first, followed by `a` and finally the zero article. With respect to overgeneralisation it was found that students tend to overgeneralise the use of article `the` rather than the article `as`. In addition, students had a higher degree of accuracy in writing than in speaking. Most importantly, it was found that the subjects had not acquired the article system naturally. The findings of this study have some pedagogical implications. Teachers need to be aware that the article system iis among the most difficult of the grammatical systems; such a system may not be naturally acquired. This warrants a pedagogical approach that helps learners to raise their language awareness. Among other things, teachers should realize the order in which articles are acquired, so as to to be able to plan appropriate teaching strategies.

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This research studies the first book written in Islamic literature on medical ethics. The main aim of this work is to identify the foundation on which al-Ruhāwī, the author, built medical ethics. The thesis shows that this book was written according to the Islamic worldview - despite the claims that the author was aNestorian Christian. The second finding isthat the author placed emphasis on belief as an important criteria. He bases his other arguments on medical ethics on this point of view.The ethical standard of al-Ruhāwīstems from both responsibilities on and rights forthe mind, the body and the soul. The study also shows how a theoretical (philosophical) base will affect the practical ethical codes: professionality test and the treatment fees. According to this thesis,the philosophy in general and Islamic philosophy in particular can deliver a better understanding of and effect onMuslim medical students, and will also reduce the dichotomy between what they believe (religion) and practise in medicine.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a newly categorized mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by a combination of psychological and physical symptoms that commence about a week before menstruation, subside during menstruation, and disappear after it ends. This disorder impacts the life and productivity of between 3% and 8% of women in Western countries. However, no information was found on the valid prevalence rate of PMDD in Malaysia. This may be due to the lack of reliable and valid instruments to assess the disorder in local populations. Hence, the current study aimed to address this issue by adapting and validating the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) into the Malay language. DRSP is one of the scales commonly used to assess PMDD and it was developed based on the diagnostic criteria of the disorder in DSM-5. Using surveys, 420 samples of undergraduate students from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) were recruited for this research. The study found that the reliability index (internal consistency) for the adapted Malay version of DRSP is excellent (? = 0.94). The validity indexes were acceptable for concurrent validities (r = 0.55-0.6), convergent validity (r = 0.72), and divergent validity (r = -0.37). Meanwhile, the exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors: Factor 1 (Psychological) and Factor 2 (Physiological). The results suggest that the adapted Malay version of DRSP is valid and reliable to be used among undergraduate students. It is hoped that the outcomes of this study will encourage future local research in this field.

The main aim of the research was to adapt SAQ to a Malaysia healthcare setting. The main research questions formulated were (a) to what extent are items in MSAQ relevant and representative of a safety climate construct?; (b) to what extent are agreements among subject matter experts consistent? and (c) to what extent are items in MSAQ intercorrelated and share common core? Three phases were conducted to adapt the SAQ into Malay and 400 respondents were invited to complete the Malay SAS (MSAQ). The final analysis shows that all of the original SAQ items were retained; the final Cronbach for the adapted SAQ was acceptable, the overall alpha value is .85 and alpha values for the six dimensions of MSAQ range from .67 to .85.

This study is an effort to investigate the adjectives for both English and Malay; their word order positions and how the positions affect the message they convey. This typological study will be of help to learners engaged in acquiring the two languages simultaneously; it enables them to understand the different structures of the languages thus guiding them to deploy the structures better. The research design of this study uses a meaning-based framework, a move away from syntactical investigation. The meaning arising from the use of all the 11 different types of adjectives of both languages remain the focus. The results show a stark contrast of the use of adjectives in English and Malay. A majority of the adjectives in English are prenominal while those of Malay are postnominal. A small number of postnominal adjectives in English and the availability of prenominal adjectives in Malay prove that both types do exist, albeit in limited quantities. The positions of the adjectives in English do affect the message of the tokens. In other words, the prenominal adjectives convey one set of meaning whilst the postnominal another. However, the positions of the adjectives in Malay do not show a similar range in meaning, i.e. the position and the corresponding meanings as found in the Huffman framework do not apply to Malay. The conclusion is quite apparent in that differing positions convey meaning in English; but this is not so in Malay.

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This research reviews the criteria of ahl al-bayt in the Qur’an and Hadith using a framework composed of four terms: definition, identification, attributes and merits. It also comparatively examines the Sunnite and Shiite criteria of ahl al-bayt in the Malaysian literature following the same terms. Data collection included those from books, articles, journals, newspapers and websites. From the Qur’an and Hadith, it is found that biological indicator and marital bonds are not the main criteria to be an ahl al-bayt. The other possible criterion promotes piety as tantamount to a pre-requisite. However, it is generally undermined by a more popular consanguine type of ahl al-bayt adopted by the majority of Sunnite and Shiite factions alike. While the understanding of the Sunnite following this line of arguments is relatively diverse, the Shiite is coherent. Among the Malay Sunnite ahl al-bayt whose strong view is based on genetic definition of popular understanding, there exists a tendency to resurrect the elevated statuses of the long-lost celebrated “royal Malay-ahl al-bayt” dignity. This trend includes acknowledgment of the most rightful model of born ahl al-bayt scholars for the Muslims to follow. As far as the banned Malaysian Shiite minority is concerned, they follow the faction’s universal obligatory agenda of restoring allegiance to the caliphate of ahl al-bayt. Since ahl al-bayt is revered in both Sunnite and Shiite traditions, opening minds to yet another possible appreciation of the theme is hoped to prevent it from falling prey to severe manipulations.

The purpose of this study is to explore whether adopting drama techniques in education has an impact on improving the communicative and thinking skills among female juvenile delinquents. This study also investigates how participating in a drama program could help aid learning for juvenile delinquents. The study is limited to a drama program implemented for a group of female juvenile delinquents from Pertapis Center for Women and Girls, Singapore. This Center is a rehabilitation center for female Muslim youth offenders. As such, the data was collected from three juvenile delinquents enrolled in the drama program. The data was gathered through observation, textual analysis and interviews. The aim was to explore how adopting drama techniques in education will create an environment where juvenile delinquents could use their thinking skills and communicate in a non-violent manner while participating in group work which enhances the juvenile delinquents capability to learn. The collected data revealed that during the weekly drama program sessions, the juvenile delinquents had improved positively in their ability to communicate in a non-violent manner and in learning and in their ability to use creative thinking skills. This study sheds light on the ways that educators in rehabilitation centers can use drama techniques to create an environment that aids every juvenile delinquent to learn, thereby enhancing the thinking skills and communicative skills of juvenile delinquents. Therefore, the study recommends introducing drama program in the juvenile delinquents education to aid learning.

In general, Malaysia is one of the Islamic developing countries in the world. It is a fact that it is compulsory on every student is compulsory to learn religious subjects in their school, either in primary or in secondary school or both especially with regard to learning the Qur’an. The most widely used technique in teaching the Qur’an is the Iqra’ technique. However, there are still a large number of students with Qur’anic illiteracy. Thus, this research attempts to discover the problems that cause Qur’anic illiteracy and introduce the alternative way in overcoming Qur’anic illiteracy in Malaysia. The findings show that 0.6% of the student were at the poor level while 38.2% at the very poor level. It was also concluded that the students’ ability to recite the Qur’an was satisfactory, whilst their ability to apply the rules of the Qur’an recitation was merely satisfactory. It shows that the students’ ability to recite the Qur’an is good enough to reach the qualification standard that they should have reached. Therefore, there is a need to pay more attention on these issues as the weaknesses will affect their learning and understanding of the Islamic subject as a whole. This research promotes several methods in order to understand al-Baghdadi’s teaching techniques of the Qur’an such as the critical analysis, survey, interview and data analysis in order to understand the general perceptions on Qur’anic illiteracy to al- Baghdadi’s Qur’anic teaching technique, particularly at Baghdadi Learning Centre Section 7, Shah Alam, Selangor.