I’ve read the book “How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job” by Dale Carnegie five times.
When my wife asked why I kept going back to the same book, I smiled.
Because it’s filled with timeless truths.
Although the book was first published in 1936, the wisdom inside still resonates today — especially with us as Muslims living in modern Singapore.
Some people dismiss books like these as “old ideas” or “common sense.” But let’s be honest: it’s often the simplest things we overlook the most.
After reading it again and again, two concepts stood out for me — not just because they’re important, but because they align perfectly with Islamic financial planning.
The two key ingredients? 👉 Gratitude (Bersyukur) 👉 Patience (Bersabar)
Let’s explore how these two principles — already core values in Islam — can attract more barakah and rezeki into your life, especially when applied to your finances.
1. Bersyukur (Gratitude) — The Magnet of Barakah
In his book, Dale Carnegie asks:
“Would you sell your eyes for a billion dollars? Your legs? Your children?”
He makes the point that we’re already wealthy, yet we often overlook the blessings we already have.
In Islam, this is crystal clear.
Allah SWT says in the Quran:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase your blessings; but if you deny them, indeed, My punishment is severe.” — Surah Ibrahim, 14:7
Gratitude is not just about saying “Alhamdulillah” when things go well.
It’s also about being grateful during challenges, when we struggle to save money, or when our investments dip.
When it comes to Islamic financial planning, I always tell my clients:
“Be grateful for every opportunity you have to save, invest, and provide for your family the halal way — even if it’s small. Every dollar saved and invested sincerely is a form of gratitude to Allah.”
Rezeki isn’t just about money. It’s about health, time, peace of mind, righteous children, a loyal spouse, supportive in-laws, good friends… and yes, halal investments that grow quietly in the background.
Gratitude expands these blessings.
2. Bersabar (Patience) — Like Planting a Date Tree
Dale Carnegie reminded readers that many of life’s outcomes aren’t instant — they require patience, persistence, and calmness under pressure.
That reminded me of something I once heard from an Ustaz:
“When you plant a date seed, it can take 4 to 8 years before it bears fruit. But once it does, it produces sweet dates for decades.”
That’s exactly what sabar looks like in Islamic financial planning.
I had a client, a young couple in their early 30s, who started a modest Takaful-linked investment plan. Every month, they contributed a small amount — despite friends telling them to “try something faster.”
They stayed consistent. They didn’t chase quick gains. They didn’t panic when markets dipped.
After 12 years, that “small seed” grew into a strong financial tree — enough to fund their daughter’s university education without taking any loans.
Sabar isn’t passive. It’s active trust in Allah’s timing while doing your part.
Allah SWT says:
“Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153)
And in the world of halal investing, patience often separates those who barely start from those who truly succeed.
If you’re rushing to see profits in 2 years… you’re probably still planting your seed.
But if you water that seed — with sabar, discipline, and doa — the tree will grow… and you’ll eat from it for years to come, in dunya and akhirah.
Want to Attract More Rezeki into Your Life?
If you want to enjoy barakah in your finances the Shariah-compliant way — and build a solid foundation for your family’s future — I’m here to help.
You can WhatsApp me, Helmi Hakim, at 96520134 or simply click here to schedule your FREE consultation.
I can only take 5 new clients per month, so do book early.
Let’s plan your halal wealth journey — with gratitude, patience, and rezeki in abundance, insyaAllah. ☺️
5 Reasons Why Building Shariah Compliant Passive Income Is a Good Idea in Singapore…
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1. Peace of mind to know that you have money if business is not doing well or should you become unemployed…
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If you run a business, you like to think that your business will prosper forever.
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Yet you and I know that is not always true.
Reality on the ground, that is not the case. In business there are cycles. … Sometimes our business is doing good. Sometimes our business is not going so good.
We accept that thats the asam garam, the reality of being an entrepreneur!
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Having extra cashflow from Halal sources of passive income in Singapore
helps when your business is not doing so good
as you need to have some breathing space to pivot or restrategise.
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Similarly if you are an employee.
You like to think that you have a solid iron rice bowl that you can rely on for the rest of your lives.
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You will like to think that you will stay employed with the same company through your lifetime.
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My question to you now.
How confident are you that your current skills will remain relevant for the next 20-30 years of your life?
How confident are you will remain to be as agile,
as fast,
as versatile today
and in the years to come? Beautiful life today does not mean beautiful life forever!
Thats the reality on the ground.
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With the advent of artificial intelligence, most jobs that are in demand today might be replaceable tomorrow.
With globalisation, the world that we think is big yesterday is now shrinking.
You are not just competing with a younger workforce who can do your work at cheaper, better, faster rate in Singapore. You are competing with every single human that exist on this planet!
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So Nauzubillah… If your employer decides to “downsize”,
decides to “scout for new talents to replace the old ones”,
decides to “pivot and your role now is now made redundant”, an additional source of Halal Passive Income definitely helps!
You will have the peace of mind and perhaps some breathing space to carefully think of your next course of action.
I mean. Kita merancang. Tuhan menentukan.
This small steps you are taking today when all is good will help your future you when things are no longer as rosy and beautiful as it is today.
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2. Passive Pahala for the rest of your life and beyond
2nd reason Why Building Shariah Compliant Passive Income Is a Good Idea in Singapore is
because
not only you can enjoy the tangible fruits today, you also can get passive pahala for the rest of your life and beyond!
You can use your Halal Profits to fund your dream holiday with your beautiful family..
(I liquidate some of my profits for my recent holiday to Bali.)
Alhamdulillah… I have been a financial planner for almost 18 years.
Some of my clients have been with me for 18 years.
15 years.
10 years.
The beauty of shariah compliant investments is that you can use Halal profits to fund your yearly holiday.
To fund your umrah.
To fund your Haj.
To fund your child’s tuition, enrichment classes(these can really eats up to your monthly cashflow and having Halal profits to fund it is simply amazing!)
And while you are saving money every month the shariah compliant way, you are getting passive pahala.
I mean you can save your money in any ways you want. But you consciously choose to do it the Halal way! The Shariah Compliant Way!
Dunia dapat. Akhirat pun dapat. Isnt that beautiful? 🙂
Alhamdulillah! 🙂
Talking about passive pahala on earth.
Why not also create passive pahala for yourself in the hereafter by using the vehicles of Wakaf?
Make your money work hard in this dunya.
And make your money work harder for your hereafter.
3. You have clarity and certainty that your Halal passive income strategies work
3rd Reason.
It’s good to start building your Halal source of passive income now — especially while you’re financially stable.
Why? Because if you’re starting from zero experience in investing, this is the best time to learn. With the right guidance from mentors and Islamic financial planners, you’ll slowly build confidence that Halal passive income is possible.
Many of my clients start from ground zero — No $1 million in the bank. Not even $100,000. Some don’t even have $10,000.
But you don’t need a fortune to begin. As the Malay proverb goes: “Sedikit-sedikit, lama-lama jadi bukit.” (Little by little, a hill is formed.)
The key is to start. And when you’re financially stable, it’s the ideal time to build the “oven” that will generate future passive income. ✅ You’ve already set aside 3–6 months of emergency funds. ✅ You’ve got comprehensive hospitalisation plans for your family. ✅ You’ve protected your income with Shariah-compliant insurance.
✅ Now it’s time to take the next step: Build your Halal source of passive income. So you don’t just survive — You thrive, in dunya and akhirah.
Alhamdulillah. It’s now or never. You start it. You finish it. AS A CHAMPION! 💪
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4. More Time For Family and Ibadah
4th reason Why Building Shariah Compliant Passive Income Is a Good Idea in Singapore is
because
Passive income frees up your time. Instead of constantly chasing dollars, you get to focus on what truly matters — ❤️ Spending time with your loved ones 🤲 Investing in your akhirah through ibadah 💞 Giving back through charity and community work
It’s good to start building your Halal passive income now, while your responsibilities are still manageable and your finances are stable.
Because the earlier you start, the sooner you’ll enjoy that freedom. The freedom to choose how you spend your time. The freedom to say yes to your family and yes to moments that bring you closer to Allah S.W.T. — without worrying about your next paycheck.
This is how we move from working for money, to making money work for us — the Halal and Shariah-compliant way.
It’s not just about wealth. It’s about barakah. It’s about purpose. It’s about building a life where your rizq continues to flow even while you rest, travel, pray, or play with your children.
Passive income, done right, gives you more than just money. It gives you meaning. Alhamdulillah 🤲
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5. You Become a Role Model of Responsible Islamic Wealth-Building
One of the most overlooked benefits of building Shariah-compliant passive income is this:
You inspire your family — especially your children — to follow the Halal way.
📚 Your children see you investing ethically, avoiding riba, and staying true to your values. 💬 They hear you talk about barakah, not just ROI. 💡 They grow up understanding that success is not just about how much you earn — but how you earn it.
By taking action today, you break the cycle of financial confusion and riba-dependence.
You’re planting seeds of knowledge, values, and confidence that your family will benefit from for generations.
That’s how legacies are built.
✅ You don’t just leave money behind. ✅ You leave a mindset. ✅ A method. ✅ A message of integrity and istiqamah.
This is how we build wealth with purpose. This is how we raise future leader with iman. This is how we bring deen into our dunya — not just for ourselves, but for our descendants.
“And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves…” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:19)
Let’s not forget who we are, and what kind of legacy we want to leave behind.
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 5 Reasons Why Building Shariah Compliant Passive Income Is a Good Idea in Singapore….
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
(Myself with my 1st mentor, Brother Shahul Hameed a veteran in the industry)
I still remember the day I left my old agency.
An agency in which I spent 14 years of my career.
A second home which gave me my breakthrough in Islamic finance.
A fantastic work environment where I flourished and thrived.
Yet, I HAD to leave.
I did not want to. But I HAD to. With a heavy heart. For the greater good.
The day I handed in my badge, I did so with tears in my eyes.
I pondered for months. Should I stay, or should I go?
It wasn’t an easy choice. But ultimately… it was the right one.
So Why Was Leaving A Tough But Necessary Decision?
(Myself sharing on investment planning with my fellow colleagues in the industry)
Over the last few years, the Islamic Finance industry in Singapore has evolved dramatically.
When I first started out, there was just one shariah-compliant financial solution in Singapore.
Now, the market is inundated with such plans and policies.
The number of Islamic Financial Planners has increased multiple fold as well.
So what does this mean for you – Our Muslim Brother and Sister looking to protect your finances and create wealth the shariah-compliant way?
It means more options. More choices. More opportunities.
Due to this paradigm shift, I felt that restrictions in my previous agency did not allow me to serve my fellow Muslims to the best of my abilities.
If you’re wondering what exactly these restrictions are, let me explain more below.
Tied Agency Vs Independent Financial Agency – What’s The Difference?
My previous agency is a tied agency.
This means that as an Islamic Financial Planner under their purview, I was only allowed to offer plans/products from that ONE agency.
This was fine back in the day, when the Islamic Finance market in Singapore was still in its infancy stages.
However, as the industry grew, and more shariah-compliant products were made available, I felt that this was a major roadblock in my quest to serve my fellow Muslims in their financial matters.
Hence, I left and joined an Independent Financial Agency.
As a newly-minted Independent Islamic Financial Planner, all the wondrous possibilities of modern Islamic Finance were unlocked.
I could offer my clients the very best Islamic Finance plans, policies and products.
I could help them to increase their coverage, while still saving significant amounts (3-figures/mth) on premiums.
I could “mix-and-match” products from various world-class providers to provide high potential returns on their investment.
It felt like the shackles were removed.
It was liberating. Exhilarating. Super exciting!
Now can you see why I made the hard choice to quit my old agency, to become an Independent Islamic Financial Planner for the greater good?*
*(Is your current financial planner from a tied or independent agency? If you’re not sure, it’s good to find out so you can have 100% clarity over the options available to you.)
(Alhamdulillah. Blessed to kongsi ilmu with a group of NUS undergraduates recently)
Since my big move, I’ve taken my Islamic Finance game to a whole new level.
More money saved.
More coverage secured.
More returns generated.
Alhamdulillah! 🙂
Those are the positive outcomes my clients have been enjoying!
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Now…
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
Alhamdulillah….It has been quite some time since my last blog post, but I am excited to announce that I am back in action and ready to share more practical and shariah compliant financial planning strategies with you. 🙂
As you may know, Islamic Financial Planning is an important aspect of our lives, especially in a fast-paced city like Singapore.
However, many of us struggle to find financial solutions that align with our values and beliefs. That’s where shariah compliant financial planning comes in, offering a holistic and ethical approach to managing our finances, the Halal way.
No Riba. No Maysir. No Gharar.
Alhamdulillah. I am now a full fledged independent financial advisor in Singapore.
Which means, I am able to handpicked and specially curate for you the best Islamic Financial solutions from 15 different insurance companies in Singapore.
I have your best interest at heart.
With the grace of Allah S.W.T., I will also be sharing with you some of the latest and most effective financial planning strategies, specifically tailored to the needs of Singaporeans Muslims like us who are looking to build wealth while staying true to our faith.
From investments that are compliant with Islamic laws to budgeting and saving tips, I will be covering it all in my future blog posts.
I believe that Islamic Financial Planning in Singapore should not be a daunting task.
With the right guidance and knowledge, anyone can take control of their finances and reach their financial goals.
So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, I invite you to join me on this journey to a brighter financial future.
Amin… Amin… Insya’Allah…
With that, I will like to end with. FINANCIAL CONSULTANT, HELMI HAKIM IS BACK! 🙂
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Now…
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
I know that many of you out there are having a roller coaster ride this year 2021.
Some cannot sleep at night. Heart feels uneasy.
Debts around your waist.
Insurmountable challenges weight down on your shoulders (and the burden feels just too heavy!) Many are very worried about the future. 🙁
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The Covid19 pandemic around the world has impacted us again in Singapore!
It’s a strange kind of feeling where we now have heightened measures this time round
which feels quite similar to the painful circuit breaker we had last year.
Officially we Muslims in Singapore only celebrated 3 days of Hari Raya Puasa with 5 unique visitors per visit. And now, we are back home
with our children occupied with full home based learning.
Back to square 1.
The point where we first started. 🙁
I took some time to reflect on my life and read books for inspiration to lift myself up.
Maintain my sanity.
And make myself feel better.
I want to share these life saving secrets with you.
I want to tell you, despite all challenges, all setbacks that befall us, never lose hope that the brighter future awaits us.
Presenting….
5 Secret Ways To Make Yourself Feel Better When Handling Challenges In Your Life
Read on…
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1. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
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I always believe this.
Focus. Be in Control.
Take charge. Empower.
Be at the driver’s seat. Steer the wheel.
And the only way you can do that is by following this mantra. When life gives you lemons, you turn that sour lemons into a sweet lemonade drink. Add a lot of sugar to it. 🙂
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Basically, turn your ‘challenges’ into “something you can be grateful for”.
Alhamdulillah…..Reframe your challenge No 1 Alhamdulillah…. Reframe your challenge No 2 Alhamdulillah….Reframe your challenge No 3 Alhamdulillah….Reframe your challenge No 4 Alhamdulillah…Reframe your challenge No 5
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Examples for me…. 🙂
Alhamdulillah. I can now work from home and can spend more time with my family.
Alhamdulillah. I can now pray awal waktu for my 5 daily prayers at home. I can be a full time imam for my family.
Subuh, Zuhur, Asar, Maghrib and Isyak 🙂
Alhamdulillah. Responsible measures are finally in place to ensure that Singapore is one of the safest places on this earth.
Alhamdulillah. Since offline strategies are non existent, I need to learn & embrace NEW social media strategies like Instagram and TikTok to reach my customers.
Alhamdulillah. Now is a good time to watch my diet since we can’t dine out at restaurants.
Alhamdulillah Ala Kulli Hal. All praise to Allah S.W.T. for everything…
When you do this, you are placing yourself in a more EMPOWERING position to confront any challenges in your life.
You see things from a different perspective.
You feel in control.
I have been doing it for a while to maintain sanity and
make myself feel better.
Especially when I am down.
And I need to rise up back! It works for me most of the time! Try it for yourself! 🙂
2. Allah does not burden a soul beyond it can bear
In life, definitely there will be challenges.
Yet.
Sometimes, I feel that the challenge is too BIG for me to overcome.
Tried to reframe. Yet felt powerless.
Feel hopeless.
Helpless. Weak.
Like nothing can be done. Nothing!
When that happened, I recall this ayat from Allah S.W.T.
ALLAH does not burden a soul beyond it can bear
ALLAH does not burden a soul beyond it can bear
ALLAH does not burden a soul beyond it can bear
I always believe that everything that happens to us happens for a reason. And the reason is to serve us.
For every musibah that befalls us, there will be hikmah.
We have to be patient with Allah’s test and move ahead.
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3. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
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I realised that whenever challenges come to me, it is a sign that Allah S.W.T
wants to lift my martabat.
wants to make me stronger.
wants to prepare me for something big.
We won’t know what we are capable of unless we persevere. We cannot discover new oceans unless we have the courage to lose sight of the shores.
Time and time again what I have learnt is that when we face setback.
When life throws stones at us. And we feel pain.
Endure it a bit. Tahan.
Because pain is temporary.
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Take 1 step forward.
And 1 more.
And 1 more.
Whatever it is, just keep moving forward.
Soon you will realise that all this pain is over
and you can grasp your goals with your 2 hands.
Good things will come.
Never falter. Or worst, never quit.
Because pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.
4. Do your best to steer away from Riba
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Within your hearts, plant a niat that you will do your best to steer away from RIBA.
From interest based loans. Allah S.W.T. told us in the Holy Quran 1400 years ago that Riba is Haram.
There is no barakah in it.
My friends,
Don’t be over-consumed with the vicious rat race.
Never compare yourself with others.
Wow! That person has nice car.
Wow! That person has nice house.
Wow! That person has XXXX…
List never ends.
Keeping up a lifestyle you can’t afford.
And when you can’t afford, you take loans with interest.
Again. There is no blessings in it.
Impossible for Allah to set the secret of happiness and contentment of the heart on something that is prohibited.
Too many people spend money they don’t have
for the things they don’t need,
to impress people they don’t like.
Free yourself from the chains of Riba. You will feel good.
You will nurse the unease in your heart and will be always be at peace with yourself.
You will feel better and live life on your own terms.
Not on other peoples’ expectations!
If you have the inkling to compare yourself with others, go on and compare.
Yet make it a source of inspiration.
And not a cause of depression.
And if you feel stressed, very easy. Close facebook. Close instagram. Close tiktok.
Just focus on yourself. Have faith in yourself.
Focus ONLY on your progress.
Because Your Progress = Your Happiness!
5. You will be completely feel at ease when you firmly believe that everything in this world happens by the will of Allah
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We always hear of this Arabic proverb.
Man Jadda, Wa Jadda.
Whoever strives shall succeed.
This time round, change it to Man Fi Sajaddah, Wa Jaddah.
My friends,
Our hard work is not just the hustle and bustle with fellow human beings on this planet. Our hard work is equally, if not MORE important on the sajadah.
On the prayer mat when we sujud to Allah S.W.T.
Allah hear our cries for help. Release all the burdens on your shoulder.
Seek his divine intervention.
Surrender to Allah.
Understand this.
Whatever that happens in this world is beyond our control
Don’t be despaired on things that you cannot control.
Don’t think…..
that you can stop the rain from falling.
The sun from rising from the east.
The moon from glowing.
The stars from twinkling bright at night.
Don’t.
If you have done your best and things still happen, believe me that its meant to be.
Don’t say, if I do this. This wont happen.
If I do that, that wont happen.
I should have done this.
I should have done that.
Instead say… Everything happens by the will of Allah. Whatever He wills happens,
and whatever he does not will does not happen.
We do our best. Let Allah do the rest.
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(An advice that I remind myself when I was hospitalised 2 years ago. Very relevant today!)
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my personal sharing, 5 Secret Ways To Make You Feel Better When Handling Challenges In Your Life…
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
A certified financial consultant, Helmi Hakim has won praise for his patience, perseverance and practicality when solving his clients’ financial concerns. For more information on how you can manage your finances better, contact Helmi Hakim at 96520134.
