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. 🙁
……
….
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…
…………………
……….
…….
1. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
.
.
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. 🙂
….
.
…………..
……
…
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
………………
……….
…….
…
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.
………………………..
………………
……
3. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
.
.
.
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.
………..
…..
.
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
.
.
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
.
.
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.
………………
…………
…..
(An advice that I remind myself when I was hospitalised 2 years ago. Very relevant today!)
…………………..
……………..
………….
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.
“Labbayk, Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, Innal Hamda wan nimata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak.”
Translation in English:
“I am at Your service, O Allah, I am at Your service.
You have no partner. I am at Your service.
Praise and blessing belong to You, and the Kingdom.
You have no partner.”
……………………………………..
……………
……..
Alhamdulillah. 3 days ago, we Muslims in Singapore celebrated Hari Raya Haji.
Also known as Hari Raya Adha. Great Day of Sacrifice!
Alhamdulillah… As of now, all of the Hujjaj (persons who performed Haj in Mecca)have done Tawaf Ifadhah, Sa’ie Haji, Korban and Cukur Rambut (Tahallul).
Now they are proceeding to stone at 3 Jamrah on the days of Tasyrik.
11th Zulhijah, 12th Zulhijah and 13th Zulhijah.
(Muslim pilgrims walk to perform ‘stoning of the devil’ ritual at one of wall pillars (jamrah) in Mina Saudi Arabia. it is one of the rituals to complete the Haj.)
.
.
All 3 Jamrah represent the DEVIL: Jamratul Aqabah/ Jamratul Kubra (largest):
the first and largest represents his temptation of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) against sacrificing his son Ismail;
Jamratul Wusta:
the second represents the temptation of Prophet Ibrahim’s wife Hajar to induce her to stop him;
Jamratul Ula/ Jamratul Sughra (smallest):
the third represents his temptation of Ismail to avoid being sacrificed.
The devil was rebuked each time, and the throwing of the stones symbolizes those rebukes.
The stoning of the Jamrah also represents the repudiation of Man’s self and the act of setting aside one’s low desires and wishes.
……………………………………………………………………..
………………………………….
…………………………
Today, I would like to go in a bit deeper, and reflect on the meaning of sacrifices (pengorbanan).
Anything we want to achieve in life requires sacrifices.
Whether we plan to achieve our goals in this world.
Or we plan to achieve our goals in the hereafter.
It requires sacrifices.
To sacrifice is never an easy task. SACRIFICE.
To my mind, it requires Shukor.Adab.Commitment.Redha.Ikhlas. Focus. Istiqamah. Courage and Elmu
………………………………………………………….
………………………..
…………..
Shukor
.
First thing first, we have to shukor.
We have to feel grateful because that Allah S.W.T. has blessed us with bountiful rezeki.
Placed us in the position to give.
To contribute to the Ummah.
Contribute to the Fuqara Wa Masakin.
We can only sacrifice what we have and not what we don’t have.
And because of that, we need to shukor.
……
.
.
Adab
Adab refers to good manners.
Good morals.
Good decorum.
Good decency. Good humaneness.
When it comes to Umrah and Haj, there are are adab, tata tertib and restrictions (pantang larang) that we have to follow closely.
(My last umrah with my family was when I was in secondary school)
.
.
(Already registered for Haji at MUIS. Insya’Allah waiting for Allah’s calling.)
…………………….
……..
..
Mekah and Madinah are Bumi wahyu.
The place where Allah S.W.T. sent his revelation to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) through angel Gabriel.
………….
….
…
So, when one welcomes the call of Allah S.W.T for Umrah or Haj.
When one is in the state of ihram, one has to exercise adab.
Cannot curse and swear.
Must observe good behaviour.
Must sabar and don’t get angry. Don’t quarrel or get into fight.
And there are tata tertib and restrictions specifically when one is in ihram.
A man in the state of ihrammust not tie any knots or wear any stitched items. Must not use any scents on the body or on the robes.
Aside from being as clean (purified) as they are for prayer, male Muslims are expected torefrain from cutting their nails, and trimming their hair and beards.
Observing adab,tata tertib and pertinent restrictions (pantang larang) are important when one sacrifice for Allah S.W.T.
……………………..
……
.
.
Commitment
I salute all the volunteers who help with the Ibadah Korban without asking anything in return.
It’s not only the selfless attitude that wins my heart.
It’s the level of COMMITMENT.
Determination.
To go through all levels of obstacles to make sure that our Ibadah Korban is smooth sailing.
May Allah S.W.T. reward them dunia akhirat. Amin. Insya’Allah.
(A group of volunteers preparing to slaughter a buffalo during Eid Al-Adha)
…….
.
.
.
Redha…
Redha means one wholeheartedly agrees to the decision to what Allah has decided upon.
You know why we celebrate Hari Raya Adha. It traces back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him).
Prophet Ibrahim (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) was commanded to offer his only son Ismail up for sacrifice to the Lord.
Though it grieved him greatly, he redha. He made ready to perform the task.
However, as he was about to strike his son, Allah S.W.T. stopped him and revealed that it was a trial of his devotion to the Lord. Ismail’s life was spared and a ram sacrificed in his place.
……
.
Ikhlas
Ikhlas means sincerity.
It reminds me of Habil and Qabil story.
Prophet Adam (Peace and Blessing Be Upon Him) had 2 sons.
The elder son was called Qabil.
The younger son’s name was Habil.
Qabil was a farmer and Habil was a shepherd.
Habil herded sheep, goats and other animals, whereas Qabil worked as a farmer, tilling the fields.
One day, they decided to offer a sacrifice to Allah S.W.T.
Habil chose a fat and healthy sheep for Allah S.W.T. Qabil brought his bad crops.
Allah accepted the sheep offered by Habil.
But Allah did not accept the crops offered by Qabil!
1 sacrifice accepted, 1 not… because why..?
Ikhlas.
Sincerity.
You do something.
You do your best, with utmost sincerity. Lillahi ta’ala (for Allah S.W.T.)
…….
.
.
Focus, Istiqamah, Courage and Elmu
Other good qualities that I learnt about sacrifices during Hari Raya Haji is that one need to be Focus.
There are a lot of tata tertib and restrictions (pantang larang)
when performing Haj.
When doing Ibadah Korban.
Thus one need to be vigilant and be very Focus.
……………………………..
….
Another good quality is Istiqamah.
Consistent in doing good deeds.
Aisha (r.anha) narrated: Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said:
“The most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even though it is little.” (Muslim, Musafirin, 218. Also see Bukhari, Riqaq, 18)
…………………
…………..
….
One also need to have Courage. Courage to battle one’s Nafs.
Self. Ego. Desire.
That is a great challenge.
Last but not least, you need Elmu (Knowledge).
……..
….
…
Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on What We Can Learnt About Sacrifices During Hari Raya Haji………
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… I was invited to Google Dance Singapore 2018recently.
It was an awesome event.
I was very excited to learn from the panel of experts on how to promote Islamic Finance in Singapore using the internet.
At the same time, I was eager to explore the Google HQ office at Pasir Panjang.
I heard many good stuff about Google’s work culture and their creative office.
And feel very privileged to also be invited for a tour! 🙂
I snapped too many pictures. If you would like to see how Google Singapore office looks like, click here to view them on my facebook page!
In this post I want to share with you 3 Things I Learnt From Google Dance 2018…..
.
.
.
.
1) Technology Saves Business Cost
During the session, I learnt about lots of cool gadgets, apps, software and hardware that can drive up profitsand help save business cost.
I learnt how Google Bot works.
(Cute little Google Bot, a memento I received from the Google Search Team)
…………………………………..
……………………..
……………..
I learnt about Google Search Console (if you are a web developer, this tool is relevant for you)…..
……………………….
…………………..
…………………..
However, most importantly, the one that caught my attention and AMAZED me the most is
Tilt Brush by Google.
This technology blew me away.
Tilt Brush by Google allows you to express your creativity by drawing in 3D. very atas
View this video to understand how it works. 🙂
I usually use the Illustrator app on my Ipad to draw and also to take notes.
But now.. to be able to enter another world….
virtually.
And draw on 3D is simply SPECTACULAR! 🙂
Never in my mind, I thought of entering another visual world and having FUN. Painting rainbows with virtual brushes.Expressing my creativity. Building a safe refuge.Creating a world of my own. How wonderful is that?🙂
………………………………………………….
…………………………
…………….
Then I started to think about practicality. About pragmatics.
Okay. This gadget is cool.
But how exactly this technology can be USEFUL in our REAL world?
I do understand that this technology may be helpful for developers, developing virtual 3D games.
But how is exactly useful for common people like us?
Basically, how can this be a practical business application? ………………………………… ………………… …….
I spoke with one of the participants.
He mentioned that there is a cleaning company in Singapore that leverages on this technology.
All of us know that the employment turnover rate in the cleaning industry is HIGH at 30-40%.
Before the cleaners were deployed, they need to be trained. That is $$$.
They need to be trained by in-house qualified trainers. That is $$$.
The in-house qualified trainers also have to be trained. That is $$$.
When the cleaners leave the job, another new one comes in, also need to be trained. $$$again.
Trainers also leave and when new trainers come in, they need to be trained. $$$ and more $$$ needed again!
So what the cleaning company did is they created a SYSTEM leveraging on such technology.
New cleaners will wear such gadgets as above, and be trained to clean in the virtual world.
At the end of the session, they will have to take a test in the virtual world and PASS the minimum scores.
To my mind, this is brilliant way for the cleaning company to save business cost! 🙂
………………………………….
…………………..
……………
2. Robots cannot replace humans completely
Someone asked the panel of experts about Google Robots.
He asked some technical questions that appear gibberish for me.
I’m not a technical person.
Html, C++, Javascript codes.
I know nothing of it. Serious.
He asked how to befriend the robots through coding of websites.
What the panel of experts shared was simple yet profound.
The panel of experts told us to focus more on users’ experience.
When you write a blog post (like mine), don’t write like you are communicating with a robot. Write as if you are communicating with your friend.
……………………………..
…………………..
…………….
If your friend or your target market read your blog post, and they feel OKAY. Google Bot will also feel OKAY.
If your friend or your target market read your blog post, and theyDON’T FEEL OKAY.
Google Bot will also feel NOT OKAY.
…………………………….
……………….
……….
The panel of experts also mentioned about chatbots.
Chatbots are basically like virtual human beings, programmed to ask and answer questions from prospects or clients.
How some developers designed their chatbots is that they just take ALL the questions from survey forms and program it as automated questions to ask potential clients at the chatbots.
Questions like..
-what is your name?
-what is your age?
-what is your gender?
-what is your house address?
-do you smoke?
-what is your highest qualification level?
You know what? It is super duper boring.
The panel of experts suggested us to add human elements. Personalise our message.
Make the robot as human as possible.
Again. Make the robot as human as possible.
To me, this is cool.
Because it only means 1 thing.
It only means that human beings are still needed on this earth.
If you are in the service industry, this is GOOD NEWS for you.
Human beings still want to deal with other human beings. Robots are just good for simple, repetitive and mundane tasks.
ROBOTS CANNOT REPLACE HUMAN BEINGS COMPLETELY! 🙂
They can help us make our jobs easy.
But never, ever replace us completely.
…………………………………..
…………………..
………….
3. Your network is Super important
During the event, I gauged that almost 60-70% of the audiences came from overseas.
Vietnam… Malaysia, Thailand… Indonesia… Japan..
I made friends with a number of them.
And still maintain contact.
I have a quote that I think hold relevant in today’s competitive business environment.
.
.
. “Excellence of yesterday is a commodity today and will become obsolete tomorrow.”
.
.
Which means: Something that is so unique, so enterprising,
so powerful yesterday, has become normal or baseline standards in today’s context.
And my favorite solution to prevent our business from being a commodity.
Or worst… Obsolete.
Is to reinvent ourselves by networking and continuously learning from people from other countries.
From other fields. From other industries.
Because.
They know something what we don’t. And we know something that they don’t.
If I find something that works super well in other countries.
I always think, if that same stuff can be apply in my business in Singapore.
Boyyyyy….. Google Dance provided me the platform to network with other brilliant IT/marketing practitioners.
I learnt from them lots of cool apps, gadgets that I can’t wait to implement for my business.
Super awesome stuff that can help my clients achieve the financial goals that they want to achieve.
Using tools that never come across my mind before.
…And yes, that is why your network is super duper important.
There is a saying, “Your network = Networth”.
I embrace that idea completely.
………………………..
………..
……
I hope you learn something valuable from my sharing.
In my capacity as a financial consultant, I devote time, energy and a lot of resources to perfect my craft.
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical, UP TO DATE, and modern ways on how you can save, accumulate and grow your money the shariah compliant way in Singapore, let me do the heavy lifting for you.
Are you on track to ACHIEVE the goals that you set for yourself? 🙂
Many of us have deviated from our goals. Or at times, totally forgot about it.
Today, I want to share with you 5 steps on how you can maintain your laser beam focus to achieve your goals.
Personally for me, one of my goals is to be debt free by 1st March 2019.
Will I achieve it?
Make Doa for me that I will stay focus and istiqamah to achieve my goal!
And may Allah S.W.T. grant the same to you too!
Amin. Insya’Allah! 🙂
………………………………
………………
.
Today, I want to share with you….
5 Steps To Maintain“Laser Beam Focus”To Achieve Your Financial Goals, The Shariah Compliant Way in Singapore.
These 5 steps are the exact steps that I have taken to maintain my focus to achieve my goals.
And I am confident, it will be useful for you too!
…………………………………………………………
………………………………….
…………..
1. Super Clear and Specific Goals
.
First thing first, you need to be clear on what you want to achieve.
.
Too many people when I asked them what they want to achieve.
.
They gave me vague answers.
.
I want to be rich. I want to be happy. I want more money.
.
I want to be super fit.
.
My personal take on this, unless you are super clear on what you want, it is difficult for you to achieve your goals.You need to be super clear and be as specific as possible on what you want to achieve.
. And then you WORK RELENTLESSLY towards ACHIEVING them.
Myself sharing with fellow financial practitioners on how to guide their clients to set financial goals
Example if you aim to buy a car. so geram that COE prices in Singapore now lowest in 8 years. Just bought mine 2 years ago!!!
……………………………………….
……………………..
…………….. BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE!
………………………………………….
.
Are you aiming for a new car or a second hand car?
Are you aiming for a Japanese car like Honda Civic Hybrid,
Mazda MX 5-RF , Subaru Impreza 5D, Toyota Alavalon?
Or perhaps a continental car like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen or Volvo?
………………………………………………….
…
Aiming for a Porsche Boxter is VERY DIFFERENTcompared to aiming for a Chery QQ! 🙂
Segregate your goals into short term goals.
And also long term goals.
When will you like to drive that Porche Boxter?
By end of the year? In 2 years time? Or in 10 years?
Be very specific on them.
And MEASURE your progress.
…………………………………………………….
………………..
………..
2. Belief System
. The 2nd step to maintain “Laser Beam Focus” To Achieve Your Financial Goals
The Shariah Compliant Way in Singapore
is to BELIEVE that achieving those goals that you set for yourself is POSSIBLE.
…………………………..
…………….
……….
Napolean Hill says, “Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, your body can achieve.”
…………………………………..
…………..
…
I agree with Napoelean Hill 100%.
As most of you have known, I am a financial consultant whospecialises in helping Muslim families plan their finance the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
And it is common in my line of work, that I face many skeptics.
Skeptics when it comes to growing their money the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
Deep in their heart, they want to do it. But at the same time, they don’t believe that it can be done in Singapore.
………………………………………………..
…………………………
…………………..
They told me,
” Islamic Finance is EXPENSIVE. It is only reserved for the rich Arabs.”
“It is DIFFICULT to understand.”
“It is troublesome/leceh/mafan.”
……………………………………………….
………………………….
………………
Before I get anyone to engage me as their financial consultant, I make them BELIEVE first that planning your finances the shariah compliant way in Singapore is POSSIBLE!
Planning your finance the shariah compliant way can be done in Singapore! 🙂
I debunk the myths or their self imposed/self limiting beliefs one by one.
(Powerpoint Slide From a Seminar I Conducted at Singapore Management University)
……………………………………….
……………..
………
I showed them case studies.
Numbers.
Evidences. On how it can be done in Singapore.
I transfer my personal conviction by sharing my shariah compliant investment philosophies, relevant to Singapore’s context.
I told my skeptics.
You have to believe that it is possible.
In fact, I make sure that all my clients are as convinced as me before I agree to partner with them to plan their finances, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
I turn my skeptics into ambasaddors.
You have to believe and be 100% convinced that your goals are achievable!
Only then, you can make it happen! 🙂
………………………………………
………………….
And of course, when you set goals you gotta to be REALISTIC.
Too many people set a goal that is not realistic.
Deep in their heart that they dont believe they can achieve it.
Every year, set goals and never achieve them.
At last, it becomes a self fulfilling phophecy.
When they set goals, they dont achieve it.
When they set goals, they dont achieve it.
This happens even when the goal involves a super low target. Because it has become a self fulfilling phophecy.
My advice is for you. Touch your heart.
Set a goal that you strongly believe that you can achieve and work relentlessly towards achieving them.
3. Your Surroundings
.
Thirdly, you have to take note of your surroundings.
.
Your environment.
On the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash’ari, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said “A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace.” Bukhari and Muslim
…………………………………
……………………
………
You need to maintain a positive circle of family and friends.
Friends who want to see you succeed.
Friends who genuinely feel happy for your success.
One of my business mentors used to say, “If you hang out with 9 losers, you will see the 10th later.”
Be conscious of who you surround yourself with. You need put effort in that.
(Fellow Muslim financial consultants in Singapore at a recent Hari Raya event)
………………………………………….
……………………..
To become a shariah compliant champion investor has its own set challenges.
Surround yourself with positive minded friends.
Surround yourself with people who are interested in finance. In entrepreneurship.
In personal development.
Especially those who earnestly looking at doing things the shariah compliant way.
No man is an island.
Work together with people.
Encourage each other.
You can go far alone. Your can go further together! 🙂
.
.
4. Eliminate Distraction
.
Eliminate distraction.
When you set out your goals, whether you want to clear your riba based loans in Singapore.
Or whether you want to achieve any of your financial goals the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
Confirm + Chop, there will be people who are negative towards your ambition.
They say you are not good enough.
They say you cannot do it.
Doesn’t matter what evidence you provide. What justifications you give. Whatever things you say to convince them. They insist that your goals are impossible to achieve.
Even worse – they try to bring you down.
They membawang spread rumours about you. Some are plain jealous.
What I want you to do is to spend lesser time with them.
Don’t cut off silaturahim.
Just spend lesser time with these people.
You cannot satisfy everybody.
…………………………..
………….
.
You know in this world, there is one particular animal.
One insect which only sees shit.
In this world, there are many beautiful things. Flowers. Trees.
But this insect – similar to a group of people – only sees shit.
In their eyes, they only see problems.
My entrepreneur friends term these people as LALAT… or flies.
Don’t bother about them.
Think about your BIG WHY.
Think about your love ones who want to see you succeed.
Kalau orang DOWNkan you. You kena tunjukkan you UP!!!
………………………………………….
…………………………
……………….
I am sorry that I am a bit emotional about this.
I have seen too many good businesses get sabotaged due to envy.
Too many people quit because of what other people say.
My friends, our lives in this world are temporary. We are preparing bekalan for the akhira which is forever.
Timeline of a human being
………………………..
…….
..
Why worry about what other people say?
Why do we want to focus on unnecessary distractions?
Those Who Mind Don’t Matter, and Those Who Matter Don’t Mind!
…………………………………………………………
……………………………………….
Let me share with you what distractions did to me.
I stay in Punggol. And I have an financial advisory appointment with my client at Punggol Waterway Point.
It is just a 5 minutes drive from my home.
Due to many distractions in my mind, I unintentionally drove into an expressway.
To exit and uturn, I had to do it in Tampines.
When I returned back, I got stuck in a traffic jam.
A 5 minutes journey become a 40 minutes journey because of distractions.
What I learnt from here is that if you face distractions, eliminate them.
Stay focused on your goals.
.
5. Mentor/Coach
.
In life, you don’t have to bet on your destiny.
Don’t have to gamble. Find a mentor.
Find someone who has achieved what you set for yourself
and after you find one.
Sami’na wa atho’na. (Surah Al-Baqarah [2]:285)
Listen. And follow.
What I share with my family and friends, once you find a mentor, just follow him/her.
Be humble.
As long as the strategies shared do not trangress shariah and are Halal, just follow.
Dont argue with your mentor. Dont bicker with him.
Because your mentor can see what you cannot see.
And because we want baraqah ilmu.
We want our mentor to give blessings to the knowledge transferred to his/her murid/disciples.
Mentor will ensure you remain on track. And if you deviate, you will return to back to the correct path.
………………………………………..
……………………
…………..
I remember a story shared by one of my business mentors.
We all know donkeys.
Donkeys are known as stupid animals. They are usually preys in the jungle.
One day, a donkey went to the jungle…
All the animals were suddenly scared of that donkey.
All the animals suddenly ran away from that donkey.
Why?
Because the donkey walked in with a lion next to him. The donkey made friends with the lion!
When you make friends with a “lion” or a powerful mentor,
You make friends with people with proven successes.
People with credibility.
Your detractors will be nervous.
And as time pass, you will be like your powerful mentors.
And in return, achieve the goals that you are after.
……………………………………………….
………………………………….
………………………….
Follow these 5 steps closely. I doa that you will achieve all the goalsthat you have set for yourself for year 2018.
Amin. Amin. Insya’Allah. 🙂
……………..
………..
…….
Now… If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can save, accumulate and grow your money the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
I always believe 2 things will shape you to who you become in life. 1) The People Whom You Spend Most Time With Everyday 2) The Books You Read
Alhamdulillah. All Praises to Allah S.W.T. 🙂
A few days ago, I finished reading a New York Times bestseller book: Tools of Titans.
This 700-page book was written by Tim Ferriss who also wrote other successful books such as The 4-Hour Work Week.
I was attracted to Tools of Titans because it has nuggets of wisdom from over 113 world-class performers.
Billionaires.
Global icons.
High-achievers of the world.
My take is that if you want to be successful in whatever you do.
You have to model successful people.
People who have already achieved the results you desire.
And this book offers just that!!! 🙂
I like Tools of Titans because it is generously peppered with simple-to-copy actionable habits & routines done by these world-class achievers.
They are so simple that we can incorporate their habits into our lives – today. 🙂
……………………………………………..
………………………………………….
………………………….
For most of you whom have been following my blog posts dilligently.
You would have known that I am a financial consultant that specialise in helping Muslim families plan their finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
As a practising financial consultant, I actively look out and find ways how to combine traditional, conventional business concepts.
And synthesize them together with shariah compliant best practices in the Islamic World.
In accordance to our glorious Quran and Hadith.
So here I present to you….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………
…………
5 Shariah Compliant Hacks I Learn While Reading ‘Tools of Titans’ Book…
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….
………………………………………..
1. Taking Action is What Matters
There is a saying which goes: ‘Ideas are nothing. Doing is EVERYTHING.’
We can get any information we want using Google. Or borrow books from library.
Ask experts in their own field.
Or perhaps brainstorm them ourselves! 🙂
Yet, what is more IMPORTANT is what we do with the information. Taking action is what matters!
Jim Rohn, a motivational guru, mentioned in this book: “If you let your learning lead to ACTION, you become wealthy.” 🙂
Personally, I like attending seminars and I’ve been attending seminars since 10 years ago.
These seminars are not cheap – some cost thousands of dollars. When I’m at a seminar, I will give my 100% focus and implement strategies on the spot.
If I’m unclear about something, I will raise my hands and even speak into a mic in front of a large audience – just to clarify my doubt.
What happens after the seminar ends?
I apply the strategies ASAP and turn all my new knowledge into ACTION.
My actions have to lead to great results at work.
I will ensure that if I invest $1000 in a seminar, my results will DOUBLE, TRIPLE or QUADRUPLE the $1000 I spent.
In this book, Benjamin Disraeli’s quote: “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action” rings true for me. 🙂
……………………….
…………..
………
During my “Your Financial M.A.P.” session program, I share with my prospects on how they can clear their consumer loans FAST.
And at the same time, save their 3-6 months emergency expenses FAST.
I share with them.
Today, you come to me with money problems. Allah S.W.T. move your heart to meet me.
I never reach out to you. You are the one who come to me. The fact you meet me is a Qadr from Illahi.
I am just the asbab. The intermediary to share with you how you can solve your money problems.
If Allah S.W.T. shows you the way how you can solve your money problems, and you dont take action, you are the one who lose out.
Allah will not change the people, unless the people change what is in themselves.
Doa. Usaha( Action).And Tawakkal.
From an Islamic point of view, knowledge (ilmu) and action (amal) work hand in hand together.
………………………………….
……………….
…….. 2. The best investment is….in yourself.
According to Anthony Robbins, paying $35 for a 3-hour seminar (when he was 17 years old) was the turning point in his life.
He was reluctant to spend that money at first. Why?
Because he was a cleaner earning $40 a week at that time!
But he got clarity and direction with that $35 – which was priceless.
For me, although I am a finance degree holder, and considered fairly experience in my line of duty,
I continue to invest in myself.
I bought books. I took more Islamic Finance certifications.
Undergo more business development courses. More personal development seminars.
I travelled regularly.
To Kuala Lumpur.
To gulf countries like Oman, Dubai. To all parts of the world.
To seek fresh new ideas.
And to seek mentors and learn from the best in the industries.
To me, once you stop learning, you stop earning.
The best investment you can do is… investing in yourself.
Even Warren Buffett took a public speaking course when he was 20 years old.
Warren Buffett may be a legend in the investment field, but he is still a firm believer of investing in himself.
……………………………………
…………………..
…………
The idea of continually upgrading ourselves with ilm (knowledge) is synonymous with Islam.
We educate ourselves to what is right. And what it wrong.
How do we know what is right (Amar) and what is wrong (Maaruf)?
Through guidance from the right mentors and acquiring ilm (knowledge) by reading.
When our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) received his first revelation in the Cave of Hira’ through the angel Jibril (Gabriel), he was asked to read (Iqra’).
………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………
…………………………
……………………………………………………..
………………………………………………
…………………………….
The first words that were revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
were ‘Iqra’ (Read).
and then, Alhamdulillah, our beautiful Deen, Islam was established.
…………………………………………………
…………………………………
………………….
I pray to Allah (SWT) to help us all develop a love for reading beneficial booksand increase us in beneficial knowledge. Amin… Amin… Insya’Allah! 🙂
‘Allaahumma ‘innee ‘as’aluka ‘ilman naafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan.’
(O Allaah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted)
(Recite in Arabic upon rising in the morning)
3. ‘Put the big stones in first’
This quote is from Kaskade, a five-time Grammy-nominated musician.
This quote means: to give time and attention to the important things in our lives first.
For example, my ‘big stones’ (or important things in my life) are my family and my work.
(One of the most important things in life. My family.)
……………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………….
…………………………………….
Imagine holding a glass jar in your hand.
And you have sand, small stones and big rocks on a table next to you.
When we put the small stones and sand in the jar first, the big rocks can’t get in it.
But when we fill the jar with the big rocks first, the smaller rocks and sand can find little corners and spaces to fit in.
Everything fits in the end!
This metaphor means: to block out time every day for the important things (the ‘big rocks’), first.
The little less-important tasks will be scheduled around the ‘big rocks’.
For work, the ‘big rocks’ should be tasks which bring you closer to a big work-related goal.
Prioritise what matters 🙂
……………………………..
……………..
………..
4. Conquer Your Fear with 4 Simple Yet Powerful Questions
Most people will choose unhappiness over uncertainty – according to Tim Ferriss.
Many of us are scared of uncertainty and failure.
If you want to try something very much.
Yet, you are too scared to do so.
You can CONQUER that fearusing these 4 simple yet POWERFUL questions.
They are…
• What is the absolute worst thing that could happen if you did what you are considering?
• What steps can you take to repair this damage and get everything under control?
• What is costing you – financially, emotionally and physically – to postpone this action?
• Do you know anyone who is less qualified than you who has done this before and pulled it off?
……………………………….
…………………….
……………
When I am confronted with “challenges” in life.
OR when I am presented with an opportunity that sends butterflies to my stomach,
I recalled this ayah.
Surah Al Baqarah, Verse 286 in our holy Quran. “Allah does not burden a soul, beyond that it can bear.”
And then, I do my level best to CONQUER that fear using these 4 simple yet POWERFUL questions.
• What is the absolute worst thing that could happen if you did what you are considering?
• What steps can you take to repair this damage and get everything under control?
• What is costing you – financially, emotionally and physically – to postpone this action?
• Do you know anyone who is less qualified than you who has done this before and pulled it off?
………………………………………………..
……………………………………………
…………………..
After answering those questions, usually I will feel good.
More confident. MORE focused. And MORE EXCITED!
And I start to draft out my plan. Because I know that 80% of success in any endeavour boils down to preparation!
And that is how I overcome challnges and prepare myself 101% to succeed in whatever opportunities presented to me! Insya’Allah! 🙂
…………………………………………………………….
………………………………………..
…………………………
5. Long term goals need long term focus
When we are going after our long-term goals, frustrations will crop up along the journey.
Some people thought, successful people have it easy.
Chicken feet for them. Everything goes as planned. No challenges.
Easy peasy!
haha! Not true!
Let me give you a real life example that happened earlier this morning! 🙂
……………………………………………………
…………………………………..
……………………
For the past few months, I have been studying brands worldwide and was inspired to have my own uniform. Takaful.sg set of uniform! 🙂
I want to look good, carry my brand proudly and appear well-dressed in front of my clients.
Thus I spent hours shopping for some good quality shirts.
And sent them to have my logo printed at a printing shop.
Was told that the whole process will take 3 weeks. I waited for over a month.
No calls. No SMS. No whatsapp msges.
Then I decided to pay them a visit.
To my disappointment, when I came down to collect my shirts, the logo was not printed as expected!
It looks amateurish, like plastic stickers pasted on the shirts!
I felt disheartened. Angry. Sad.
Disillusioned.
Takaful.sg is my baby. Is my brand!
It’s what I have been working so hard, day and night to build it to what it is today!
How can they haphazardly smack my brand???!
Then, I recalled what entrepreneur and renowned gymnastics coach,Christopher Sommer (Coach Summer) said in the book, “Impatience in dealing with frustration is the primary reason that most people fail to achieve their goals.”
Facing frustrations is part of the path towards excellence! 🙂
I told myself, we have to stay focused for the long-term if we want to achieve our long-term goal.
We can’t be beating ourselves up for small bumps along the journey.
The path to success is never straight! 🙂
“Learn and appreciate the process,”mentioned Coach Sommer.
……………………………………
……………………
………….
There you have it 🙂
5 Shariah Compliant Hacks Found in ‘Tools of Titans’ Book which not many peeople are aware of! 🙂
I have learnt much, much more than just 5 Hacks from this book.
Every time I open this 700-page book, I will come across a nugget of valuable advice which I did not notice before.
Which other self-help book would you recommend? 🙂
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………….
………………….
If you like to integrate more POWERFUL STRATEGIES in your life.
If you will also like to discover aspects on how you can GROW YOUR WEALTH, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, you can always whatsapp/sms me at 96520134to schedule a FREE consultation.
Or perhaps click here to schedule an appointment.
I make myself available for 5 consultations per week.
Today is the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal, which is our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)’s birthday.
We, Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is the last and final messenger of God.
Since young, when I read the seerah of our beloved Prophet, I am amazed at how much that we can learnt from him.
And today, I will like to touch specifically on 7 Good Business Habits of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
……………………………………..
…………………
…………
1) Trustworthy (Al Amin)
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was involved in trade since his early adulthood.
And he quickly gained the title Al-Amin (the Trustworthy).
Then he came under the employment of a well known businesswoman named Khadija bint Khuwaylid.
He was recommended to her by his uncle, Abu Talib.
“If you had requested this for the sake of a loathed stranger, I would have agreed. How can I refuse when it is for an honorable acquaintance?” she had said to Abu Talib, for she was also familiar with Rasulullah’s reputation.
.
.
In Islam, we learnt that 9/10 of sources of rezeki (income) can be derived from business activities.
And in running our own business, we also seek the baraqah and redha from Allah S.W.T.
To get baraqah and redha from Allah S.W.T. in business, we need to have good character. We need to be Trustworthy.
It’s very easy to be greedy in trade, which is why a lot of cheating, cutting corners, riba and exorbitant pricing happen.
So if you want to seek baraqah and redha from Allah S.W.T., follow the steps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Being transparent, truthful and trustworthy is the first step to gain the trust of your clients and running a successful business.
.
.
2) Always give salam to your customers/prospects
Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with both) narrated that a man asked the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) regarding which aspect of Islam was better.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) replied:
“That you feed (others), say the greeting of salaam to those whom you know and those whom you don’t know”.
Start with, “Assalamualaikum” greetings with your clients and even with your prospects who you don’t know them personally.
“Assalamualaikum” means “Peace Be Upon You”.
.
.
3) Smile
Smile is sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Abdullaah ibn Haarith said, “I’ve never came across a person who smiled as much as Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad regarded smiling to a brother as an act of charity.”
Smiling is like a magnet that attracts rezeki for business people.
The more we smile, the more people will like us.
And we will also attract positive vibes and cheerful customers in our business. Insya’Allah. 🙂
.
.
.
4) Avoid appointments during solat prayer time
“Verily, As-Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours”
[al-Nisa’ 4:103].
.
.
Personally, I do my best to avoid my financial planning consultations during solat prayer time.
Subuh @ 5.28am
Zuhur @ 12.53pm
Asar @ 4.16pm
Maghrib @ 6.54pm
Isyak @ 8.07pm
.
.
.
5) Doa
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said “Dua is the essence of Ibadah (worship).” (HR At-Tirmidzi)
.
.
As Muslims, we believe that there is no middle man between God and his slaves. Any help we need, be it in business or life, we are to call unto him directly.
.
.
God tells us:
“And your Lord says, Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.” Quran 40:60
.
.
And these are the 3 most mustajab time to make doa.
The Last Third Of The Night
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said:
‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says;
“Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him?
Who is asking Me so that may I grant him?
Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.”‘ [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]
While Prostrating
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW), said: ‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa’i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]
Between Adhan and Iqamah
Anas (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.’
[Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]
.
.
.
6) The best humans bring the most benefit to other human beings
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.” [Daraqutni, Hasan]
That is why I always advocate that in whatever business or profession we do, continue to upgrade ourselves.
Perfect the effectiveness and efficiency of our systems. The quality of our service.
So as to provide the best value, the optimal benefit for our clients, our community and the rest of mankind. Insya’Allah. 🙂
.
.
.
7) Understanding Muamalat and Avoid all forms of riba
As business people, when we study Muamalat, we need to pay close attention especially when it comes to practising business transactions.
Muamalat – Actions among men: This refers to how people interact with each other in their day-to-day affairs and dealings with people. This includes such things as trade, partnerships, laws, … as well as Islamic Finance.
Unlike Ibadat, a general principle that applies to Muamalat is that everything is allowed, except for what has been prohibited.Therefore as business people, we need to know the prohibitions. (Explanation adapted from Almir Colan)
Example:
– Prohibition of riba, maysir and gharar
…………………………….
………………….
……………….
As you can see above, there are many things we can learn from our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) when it comes to running our business.
In business, cashflow is king. Having money on hand is important.
Thus, if you will also like to discover aspects on how you can save, accumulate and grow your money the shariah compliant way in Singapore, you can always whatsapp/sms me at 96520134 to schedule a FREE consultation.
Or perhaps click here to schedule an appointment.
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.
