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.
We are in the 2nd week of “circuit breaker” in Singapore.
Although I have to work from home, I’m blessed because I still have a job that makes me excited everyday. 🙂
Alhamdulillah…I am thankful to NTUC Income for acknowledging and recognising my hard work by having my name mentioned in Straits Times.
I would like to thank my wife, Shikah Anuar for being my pillar of strength and believing in what I do.
My manager, Irene Ho for your continuous guidance to keep me focused on my goals.
I would like to thank my clients for your trust and support over the years in engaging my expertise to help you plan your finances, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.🙂
There are a lot of ups and downs. Moments where I just feel like giving up. Yet your tremendous support and encouragement continue to spur me forward.
Thank you all once again! 🙂
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Many have asked me on the story of my “overnight success”.
Being an Islamic Finance practitioner in Singapore since year 2007 is a dream come true for me.
It is my 1st job after ORD from the army.
Yet, my story began long before that.
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… My ambition when I was young was to become a school teacher. I love interacting with kids. And I love teaching, sharing my knowledge with others.
So after my O’Levels, I applied for Diploma in Teaching of Malay Language with Ministry Of Education.
I was called for an interview but unfortunately did not make the cut.
I was doing OKAY with my Malay language but I think my “peribahasa terabur” at that point of time because I was too nervous! That was my 1st interview in my entire life!:p
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So my second option, was to go for my Diploma in Accountancy.
My logic back then is that every company in Singapore needs an accountant.
To my mind at that point of time is that an accounting job is the most sheltered and safest job one can have.
The job will be irreplaceable and very secure!
So I applied for NP. I was living with my parents at Marsiling.
(My family and I celebrating Hari Raya a few years ago)
(Beautiful and spacious Marsiling before the BTO flats sprung up like mushrooms over the years)
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I thought studying in Nanyang Polytechnic – which is just next to the MRT – would be very convenient.
When I got the results of my posting., I got the shock of my life. I found out that NP stands for Ngee Ann Polytechnic!
and not Nanyang Polytechnic!
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There is hikmah to be rejected for my interview to be trained as a school teacher
and hikmah for me to accidentally choose to study in Ngee Ann Polytechnic,
because that choice CHANGED the course of my entire life!
In Ngee Ann Polytechnic was where I was exposed and trained to love and understand numbers.
Not numbers without meaning. 🙁 Practical numbers that will determine the life of a business. 🙂
Will the business succeed? 🙂 Or the business fail? 🙁
Can the stock make money? 🙂 Or the stock lose money? 🙁
We learnt how to create company’s annual report.
Trading, Profit and Loss Statement
Balance Sheet.
Statement in Changes of Equities
ALL FROM SCRATCH!
We computed Financial Ratios.
Analysed them. Interpreted them.
And presented them in front of our “clients’. Alhamdulillah. That was my first exposure to public speaking
and someway, somewhat, somehow, I enjoyed it…. 🙂
(My first experience presenting details of a financial statement in front of our “clients” 15 years ago)
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And in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I joined the business club.
Me and my business partner were 18 years old at that point of time.
We went for a business plan competition and Alhamdulillah was awarded with a funding of $3000. (that was a lot of money when you were students)
As we were below the legal age to set up a company, we used our fathers’ names to register a private limited.
The business failed.
Yet I learnt many important lessons from that episode that shapes me to who I am today! 🙂
(My business while I was still studying in Ngee Ann Polytechnic)
(While waiting for my enlistment in the army, I did a sales job promoting credit cards for a marketing company.
Alhamdulillah. I topped the whole company for 3 months before my enlistment.)
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(Myself in the middle after POP from BMT)
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Whilst serving my national service, i did my research.
I knew back then after ORD,
I wanted a job that allows me to have freedom of time.
I don’t want a desk bound job. I want to be my own boss.
I don’t want to stick myself to the 8-5 routine (just thinking about the morning peak rush hour makes my head spin)
And at the same time allows me to share my knowledge on finance with the common people on the streets.
That is where a career as a financial consultant looks appealing to me.
I did my research.
1 thing that I want to be assured is that my job must be Halal. I emailed MUIS and was directed to the fatwa on permissibility of cooperative insurance in Singapore.
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Alhamdulillah. We know the Hukum of getting cooperative insurance in Singapore is Harus (neutral).
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Yet, I know financial planning is beyond insurance.
What about savings for child’s education? Retirement? Wealth Accumulation?
And I discovered NTUC Income has numerous shariah compliant funds at that point of time.
NTUC Takaful fund (which now follows the Dow Jones Shariah compliant screening methodology)
NTUC Amanah Equity fund
NTUC Amanah Bond (Sukuk) fund
To me, having shariah compliant funds closely monitored by Islamic Finance scholars 24/7 is important.
Thus, that’s where I began my journey as an Islamic financial consultant in a cooperative insurer in Singapore.
(Picture with Alvin Soong’s team, my 1st mentor who brought me in to the financial planning industry a decade ago)
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When you first start out in the financial planning industry.
It was not easy. It was not a bed of roses.
If you think just by joining the financial planning industry, can immediately drive flashy cars.
Buy a yatch. Relax by the beach everyday.
No. Its far from it.
Many times, I felt like giving up.
In fact, I felt like giving up everyday.
To me giving up is easier than persevering.
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When we first started, we earned based on commissions.
(My first month commission when I first started my career as a financial consultant in year 2007)
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We don’t have the luxury of immediately earning a stable basic salary $2-$3k/month.
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Not only that. We have costs to pay.
If you see financial consultants doing roadshows at Malls or exhibitions, on average they need to pay $300/person for rental of space.
So imagine. My $700 commission minus off $300. I am only left with $400 to survive.
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Not only that. Year 2008, 2009.
Was the subprime mortgage crisis which lead to the global economic crisis.
That was the period of Lehman Brothers Minibonds Saga.
Many people were reluctant to part away with their money. People were very afraid of financial consultants.
I remember doing roadshows, and was told “Young man. I just lost $100,000 in XXX scheme. And you want me to invest with you?”
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I remember at that point of time……
Not even having enough money to top up my EZ Link card because minimum top up is $10. I only had $5 in my wallet.
I remember at that point of time,
having to turn down invitations by friends to eat buffet for lunch at the restaurant because I didn’t have enough money.
I remember at that point of time,
the nikmat of sharing briyani on a dulang at Wak Tanjong mosque when I broke my fast during the month of Ramadan.
That briyani was a luxury to me because I only had single digit $ in my bank.
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These memories evoke deep sad bitter sweet emotions within me that I can feel even till now.
I felt like a total failure.
But as Muslims, I always remember this. We are not alone. We have Allah S.W.T.
I make a lot of doa to Allah S.W.T.
As Muslims, I remember the words of Allah S.W.T.
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Alhamdulillah. Allah’s promise is true.
With strong support from my family and clients, I persevered. (eternally grateful for them because I have nothing to showcase at that time.)
After hustling for a while, things got better.
Once things stabilised, I then subsequently upgraded myself by taking my degree, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Banking and Wealth Management with University of Wales (UK).
My favourite module back then was Islamic Banking and Finance.
Alhamdulillah, with the guidance of our beloved teacher , Professor Asam, I aced the module.
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(Testimonial from Islamic Finance Professor during my undergraduate days)
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And Alhamdulillah, what came as a surprise for me at that point of time was when I was informed that I was amongst the top 3 students in my whole cohort upon my graduation.
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You have to understand this.
All my classmates were financial consultants, bankers and seasoned practitioners (some with decades of experience).
And to become amongst the top 3 students never came across my mind.
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(My proud moment receiving an award on stage)
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That gives me the determination and direction..
Allah gives me the rezeki.
The amanah.
Puts me in a very favourable position. For a REASON. (if you know me on a personal level, I rasa betul2 tak layak. There are many others who are way better than me)
I find that this is part of fardu kifayah.
And I have the responsibility to shoulder this tanggungjawab to share with our community the pragmatic aspects of Islamic Financial Planning in Singapore.
I have to prove and make it work in Singapore.
For me success in Islamic Finance is not just me, myself clearing my own riba based loans and growing my own money the shariah compliant way in Singapore. Success in Islamic Finance is helping others plan their finance, without riba, maysir and gharar in Singapore.
Why I continue to stay in this line after so many years is
because I believe I will be able to HELP many more Muslim families plan their finance,
the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
After I die, in the hereafter, at yaumul mashar, I need to present my deeds in front of Allah S.W.T.
I want to be certain.
Ya Allah. On this earth, you bless me with the rezeki to learn about Islamic Finance.
and I, Helmi Hakim had done my utmost best to educate and share with as many people on how they can plan their finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
My mouth.My hand.My legs.My head.My heart.
All as one will testify that I have done my utmost best, to educate and share with as many people on how they can plan their finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
And all, be it you are my clients. Or just anyone who has benefited from my sharing.
You will be my witness.
You will be my lawyers on judgement day, that Islamic Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim when he was on earth, he had done his utmost best, to educate and share with as many people on how they can plan their finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
Please send him to Jannah. Ya Allah. Amin. Amin…. Insya’Allah. 🙂
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on the Story of Islamic Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim.
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. All praises to Allah S.W.T.
I have completed watching the whole Ertugrul Resurrection series on Netflix. (Yes! I was hooked from the beginning till the end.)
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Ertugrul Resurrection shows the life of the Muslim Oghuz Turks with Ertugrul as their leader.
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(Ertugrul is the father of Osman I, who was the founder of the Ottoman Empire)
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I feel the series is a breath of fresh air.
There are many jewels of wisdom that we can learn and apply in our lives.
Today, I am very excited to share with you 5 Things I Learn From Ertugrul Resurrection Series. 🙂
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1. The Kayi tribe have strong faith in Allah S.W.T.
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As we all know, the Kayi Tribe faced a lot of challenges.
Be it from their enemy.
Or even among their rank.
And the secret to how that managed to overcome all the obstacles, one by one
is by having very strong faith and reliance in Allah S.W.T.
Some of my favourite quotes in the series:
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I always remind myself.
When I feel down, I feel despair.
I feel like everything is not going as planned,
Recite. “Hasbunallah wa ni’mal wakil, ni’man maula wa ni’man nasir”
“Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Guardian; What an excellent Protector and what an excellent Helper.”
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2. Always ask blessings from loved ones and tata tertib when invited to someone’s house
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One thing I noticed about the Kayi tribe is that they have this tradition of asking blessing from their loved ones.
This is good.
I have always emphasized:
One of the most POWERFUL nikmat that you have in this world if your parents is alive is their DOA.
Their prayers for your success. Their blessings.
Restu. Blessings. Prayers from our parents.
From our loved ones are priceless.
Because they are our keramat hidup.
(When we meet our parents or an elderly, we kiss their hands as a way to show respect)
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Another interesting thing I observed is that when tribal chiefs of the Kayi tribe gather together to eat.
Every single one of them brought their own personal spoons along.
Every. Single. One of them.
I was like woah. Why do you bring your own personal spoon? Don’t each household have their own cutlery?
Imagine us going for kenduri or walimah and bringing our own spoons? 🙂
The logical explanation for this is that the spoon actually goes into the mouth of the person. And it gets dirty.
At that time, water was limited. And dish soap has not existed yet.
It makes more senses to bring our own spoon and then clean it ourselves.
Instead of having the host having to clean the number of spoons after we eat.
The takeaway I get from here.
We should observe tata tertib and adab when being invited to one’s house for an occasion.
And make efforts to be a gracious guest to our host.
Make it EASIER for them to host us today and in the time to come.
So they tak serik to jemput us. In that way, we not only preserve silaturahim, at the same time strengthen them.Alhamdulillah! 🙂
3. Build alliance amongst different tribes
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1 particular scene that caught my attention is when Ertugrul requested his companion, Bamsi to bring arrows.
Ertugrul took 1 arrow and broke it easily.
And then he took about 15 arrows, and faced difficulties breaking them.
(Ertugrul tried to break arrows to illustrate the importance of unity)
To my mind, this is synonymous to the Malay proverb. Bersatu teguh, bercerai roboh. United we stand, divided we fall.
A tradition that I realise that is prevalent during Ertugrul’s era is that they build alliance through marriage.
And of course, when alliance were strong, the enemies tried to discow hatred.
Create pandemonium.
Divide and conquer.
Shake away loyalty by offering them gold.
Women. Positions. Power!
Time and time again, we have witnessed how chasing after power or money or anything for any sake other than Allah S.W.T. corrupts the hearts of men and will ultimately lead to their downfall in the end.
In fact, Iblige Hatun put it nicely.
4. Merciful to their enemies who have repented
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1 thing that touched my heart is Ertrugul is merciful to his enemies who have repented.
To me, this is not easy thing to do.
Can you imagine?
His enemy kidnapped his son.
Set up various traps against him.
Tried to kill him.
But when his enemy repents. Ertugrul forgave and freed his enemy.
“How come Ertrugul is so forgiving?”
In his own words, Ertugrul said,
“If it was up to me, I would have torn you to pieces.
However, there is my FAITH that is ABOVE my OWN DESIRE.
This is the order of my religion.
I forgave you by this order, not my own desire.”
He adds on….
5. Ertugul Bey did not like Riba.
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Etrugul Bey did not tolerate riba. Riba is haram.
Etrugul Bey uphold the principles of Islamic Finance.
He publicly denounced the money lenders that loan out money with Riba in his market.
And when he knew his own beloved son, Gunduz who unknowingly partake in Riba, he did not used his power and authority to defend him.
He did not use his position to justify Riba.
Even though Etrugul Bey was a very powerful frontier.
Even though Etrugul Bey has wit, eloquence on choice of words and flair of speech…
Even though Etrugul Bey has the capacity to sweep everything under the carpet, pretending nothing happen,
He did use not his God given capabilities
to justify what is Haram.
He was firm. And he was decisive.
He held on tightly to the Quran and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
After reprimanding his son, he used his own little resources to clear the debt of his tribe.
Because he didn’t want his tribe to be involved with riba.
Masya’Allah. To my mind, that is the epitome of a great leader.
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 5 Things Islamic Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim Learnt From Ertugul Resurrection Series…
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.
In my profession as an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore, I always emphasize the importance of setting goals.
I know. It might sound cliche.
Everyone knows the importance of setting goals in life.
Everyone knows about the SMART goals concept. Specific,Measurable,Attainable,Realistic,Timely.
Yet….
Most never do it!
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Or worst!
They set goals haphazardly!
Anyhow whack.
Setting goals for the sake of setting it. And when they don’t achieve a target, they BLAME everyone else except themselves!
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Today, I want to share with you 1 secret technique.
1 super simple yet powerful exercise that will open your eyes, your heart and your soul
to comprehend the importance of having clear, unambiguous goals.
I’ve never shared this exercise openly in public before.
Reserved specially for my clients to show them the importance for
them to be super clear of their goals.
Yet for the first time ever, I am revealing it to you.
You will understand why by the end of the post.
I promise! 🙂
I want you to take out a pen and piece of paper. Participate in this simple quiz below.
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Choose 1 out of the FEW options below.
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1) Red/ Green / Black / Gold
Choose 1.
Red, Green, Black or Gold?
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2) Full Moon / Crescent Moon / Lunar Eclipse
Choose 1.
Full Moon, Crescent Moon or Lunar Eclipse?
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3) 5 / 14 / 40
Choose 1.
5, 14 or 40?
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4) Wood / Cloth / Stone
Choose 1.
Wood, Cloth or Stone?
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5) Planet / Comet / Stars
Choose 1.
Planet, Comet or Stars?
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Have you made your CHOICE?
Take your time and choose carefully.
Come on…. Complete this exercise before you scroll down. Make sure you have chosen your 5 options….
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Now what if I say, the answer that I am looking at is this… 🙂
Our Singapore flag! 🙂
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Wouldnt it be much easier for you to choose the answers
if I show you the Singapore flagUPFRONT? 🙂
That is why in my job as an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore,
I always share with my clients that they need to be super duper clear of what they want.
Especially their financial goals.
Because Numbers don’t lie.
When you are clear of your goals, only then you can make the right choice.
A goal that is properly set is halfway reached.
In addition to that, I want you to have a small exercise book.
And commit yourself to write down your goals in that book.
Write it. Read it everyday. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be.
Put your future in good hands-your own! 🙂
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And talking about setting goals.
I am honoured to have visionary leaders leading our beautiful country. Our founding fathers set goals early.
Achieved them. And generations to come benefit from their foresight.
On this special day, I would like to wish all Singaporeans a Happy National Day!
Enjoy your day with your loved ones!
And I want to end this post with Singapore’s Papa Rock, Ramli Sarip, singing our National Anthem!
Majulah Singapura! 🙂
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 1 Secret Technique To Show You The Super Power Of Setting Goals………
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how to set goals and how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
I love my job as an Islamic financial consultant in Singapore.
This job offers me the freedom of time.
Do what I want and when I WANT it.
I can choose to pray my fardhu prayers at the mosque
or at the comfort of my home. (My officeis just 3 buildings away from Masjid Ghufran).
I can choose to spend more time with my loved ones,
travelling all over the world.
(Me and my beautiful family spending quality time together)
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And also, being an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore offers me the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life.
I have the opportunity to observe and identify common traits of Singaporean Muslims who have achieved an admirable level of financial success.
They come from different industries.
Yet, all of them share this pattern.
Very common pattern.
I call this “Patterns of Success Dunia Akhirat”
This pattern sets them apart from others.
And I am going to share with you my findings, “5 Shariah Compliant Tips To Achieve Financial Success in Singapore”.
Bismillah! 🙂
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1. Strengten our relationship with Allah + Blessings From Your Parents
Some of you know that the month of June was a challenging month for me.
I was hospitalised for 8 days due to high fever
(Myself being hospitalised for the first time in my life)
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and my father-in-law passed away in that very month.
Sleepless nights.Emotional roller coaster rides – up and down..
I redha what happened.
I accept that it is Qada and Qadar.
Ketentuan illahi.
The episode taught me 1 thing. Treasure your loved ones.
Especially your parents.
They are our keramat hidup. One of themost POWERFUL nikmat that you have in this world if your parents is alive is their DOA.
Their prayers for your success. Their blessings.
(A picture of my parents, my sister, my brother-in-law and us!)
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Everytime I am confronted with challenges in life.
Or presented with opportunities that send butterflies to my stomach.
The first thing I seek is DOA, prayers from my parents.
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I realised those who are successful, they are very, very close to their parents.
They preserve silaturahim with their loved ones.
In addition to that, they understand 1 thing. Rezeki is from Allah S.W.T.
Financially successful Muslims take every action to strengthen their relationship with Allah S.W.T.
Through Solat Taubat.
Solat Tahajud.
Solat Hajat.
Solat Istikharah.
Solat Duha.
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(Sadaqah (Give to charity) andask help from our creator through prayers)
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Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said “la tatahrroku zarratun illa biiznillah”
(Not even a particle can move without the permission of Allah)
Do not depend on anyone.
Place your hopes only on Allah S.W.T.
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2. Pay your zakat harta
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Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam.
In my experience as a financial consultant,
when I conduct financial analysis for the public,
I realise many of our fellow Muslim Brothers and Sisters forget to pay zakat harta.
They pay zakat fitrah every Ramadhan.
But they overlook their zakat harta. They totally forgot about it!
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Some even question me the rationale.
The logic of paying Zakat Harta.
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“What Helmi? Because I have $100,000 for the past 1 year and multiply it with 2.5% –
I need to pay zakat of $2500 cash.
If I have $200,000 – I have to pay $200,000 X 2.5%.
I need to pay zakat of $5000! $5000 IS A LOT OF MONEY!!”
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I replied.
Zakat is 1 of the pillars of Islam.
(5 pillars of our Islamic Faith)
It is OBLIGATORY upon every adult Muslim of sound mind and means.
Zakat Harta is OBLIGATORY for Muslims whose wealth/savings that has reached its Haul (more than 1 year) and has reached kadar Nisab value (Refer to MUIS website for the current Nisab value).
The amount of Zakat to be paid is 2.5% of Nisab.
(Niat Zakat)
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Allah S.W.T. told us in the Quran, Surah at-taubah verse 60, on how zakat is disbused to the 8 asnafs.
“The alms are only for the Fuqara’ (the poor),
and Al-Masakin (the needy)
and those employed to collect (the funds);
and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam);
and to free the captives;
and for those in debt;
and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything);
a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.” [Al-Quran 9:60]
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If you need to pay zakat, you should shukur. You should be grateful.Because it means you are self sufficient.
You are in the position to give.
And if you are yet to have the opportunity to contribute to zakat harta due to not fulfiling the syurut of zakat/ requirements above, give sadaqah jariah.
Because by giving sadaqah jariah, Insya’Allah you will be blessed with the rezeki to contribute to zakat harta in the near future.
Amin. Allahumma Amin… 🙂
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3. Just Do It
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I like NIKE’s tagline.
Just do it.
That is the tagline of financially successful people.
After they seek ilmu, they don’t ‘terhegeh hegeh’ (procrastinate). They immediately take action! 🙂
I always share with my clients. Knowledge is not power. Knowledge TURNED into action is POWER!!!
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You know the ways to FATTEN your wallet
These are the ways to have more numbers in your Al Wadiah savings account
These are the ways to GROW your money the Halal way
These are the ways to CREATE your streams of shariah compliant passive income
You seek the knowledge. And what should you do? Take action immediately!
The best way for you to learn something and get results is to do it.
DO THE REAL THING….
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(Cone of learning shows that the BEST way to learn and GET RESULTS is by doing the real thing)
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I have never met anyone becoming successful just by reading books, and not taking action. To me knowledge is not power. KNOWLEDGE TURNED INTO ACTION IS POWER!!!
Knowledge without amal (action) is like a tree that does not bear fruits. Wasted right? 🙂
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4. Mentor
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The 4th shariah compliant tips to achieve financial success is to have a mentor.
I have been sharing this many times.
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There is nothing new on this earth created by Allah S.W.T.
Whatever you want to achieve, somebody else has already achieved it. ..
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So what you need to do.
You need to find them.
You need to befriend them.
And you need to model them.
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Financially successful people have mentors and coaches to guide them.
To show them the ropes.
To warn them if there are any obstacles at their blindspot.
Success is by design, not by accident my friends. We have to plan our success.
And having a mentor who has achieved what we want to achieve is a sure fire way to shortcut your route to be a financially successful Muslim in Singapore.
Amin. Insya’Allah. 🙂
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5. Ultimate Vision is Jannah
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Ultimate vision for us on this planet earth is to go to heaven in the hereafter.
This world is temporary.
Before we come to this earth, Allah S.W.T. asked all the creations, if we want to undergo a test.
Life is the test.
Allah S.W.T. told us, that the angels, the animals and the mountains refused, because they knew, they cannot bear that test. But we humans in our ignorance, agree to be tested. All of us.
Indeed, we offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it and feared it; but man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant. (Quran 33.72)
You will say now:
I don’t remember being asked. Me too, I don’t.
We all don’t.
That knowledge was been wiped out for the period of the test.
But on the day of judgement, we will all remember that.
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My friends… We will die.
And we will be resurrected. And we will be held accountable on the day of judgement for our deeds in this dunya.
That is why I always ask myself.
Anything I do.
Every single action I take. Will it bring me closer to Jannah?
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One aspect that I hold on dearly is managing one’s personal finances.
Financially successful Muslims are very concerned with how they earn their money.
How they grow it. And how they spend it.
We ensure that every single step to earn our money.
To grow our money. And to spend our money.
Is shariah compliant. HALAL!🙂
Because why? Because we will be held accountable on the Day of Judgement.
Financially successful Muslims set our targets on Jannatul Firdaus.
Amin. Insya’Allah! 🙂
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 5 Shariah Compliant Tips To Achieve Financial Success 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.|
It is a not a magic formula.
Yet I am highly confident, if you read and apply the strategies that I am about to share. It will work like magic for you! Allah Ya Mujeeb! (Allah The Responsive One)
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1) Work as if….
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First thing first you have to understand this.
In business, people pay for value.
How much you are paid commensurates with the value you deliver to the marketplace.
What I want you to do
Be it if you are self employed OR a full time employee….
If you earn $2000/mth, work as if you are paid $4000/mth.
If you earn $5000/mth, work as if you are paid $10,000/mth.
If you earn $10,000/mth, work as if you are paid $20,000/mth.
Yet sometimes, I have people who told me.
I work for more than I’m paid.
“My boss doesn’t appreciate me. Pay increment is not in his dictionary.”
Well…
If you are an employee, it is time for you to build up your emergency funds (6-12 months expenses), and find a new boss.
If you are a business person, it is time for you to review your business strategies.
Yet, 1 common denominator that I strongly advocate is HARD WORK. ‘Man Jadda, Wa Jadda’ whoever strives shall succeed.
The more value, you deliver, the more money you make.
Below is an idea I get while reading Russel Brunsen’s book, and I find it super relevant.
It is called the “Value Ladder”.
I call it, “The More Value You Give,The More Money You Make“ Financial Ladder. 🙂
(“The More Value You Give,The More Money You Make“ Financial Ladder)
When you are at work, always, always EXCEED expectations.
Deliver more value than you are required to.
Do your best wherever you are! And in whatever you do!
Soon, Allah S.W.T. will show you the path to people who will pay you for what you are worth. Insya’Allah
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2) Mix with people who earn double or triple your income
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In your industry, definitely there are people earning double or triple your income. Make friends with them.
Okay. If they are self employed like you.
Yet earn double or triple your income.
They know something that you don’t.
They think differently from you.
Yet, most probably they are busi….er than you.
Eat the humble pie.
Make it easier for them to help you. Give first.
Add value to their business first. Then seek help.
Most people called it “Law of Reciprocity”. I call it, “You help me. I help you.” concept.
It works. 🙂
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Another super fast way for you to mix with people who earn double or triple your income is to join personal development/ investment or business seminars.
Usually for seminars, they have success stories.
They have testimonials.
Better still, if they have rag to riches story.
Last time, Person A was not doing so well.
Alhamdulillah after joining a certain seminar, Person A is now doing well. Learn wholeheartedly from the seminar, and make a conscious effort to befriend “Person A” and others.
What we want is the connection.
The circle.
Circle is important.
I know many parents who send their children to good schools because good schools have students with well connected parents.
And the students have a head start to becoming successful, well known, established individuals in the future. The parents want their child to have a good circle in the future.
If you want to double or triple your income, you can consciously alter your circle. I am not asking you to dump your friends!
I am asking you to make more friends with people who are MORE SUCCESSFUL than you.
It is like thermostat adjusting to a certain temperature.
Soon, you will realise that your income will match the circle of friends that you have just built from scratch.
Choose your circle carefully. Because your circle will shape who you become, and your family generations to come.
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3) Write down your gratitude list every morning when you wake up from sleep
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I read from “The Secret”.
They mentioned that to change your life fast:
Use gratitude to shift your energy.
When you put all your energy into gratitude, you will see miracles taking place in your life.
Joy attracts more joy.
Happiness attracts more happiness.
Peace attracts more peace.
Gratitude attracts more gratitude.
Kindness attracts more kindness.
Love attracts more love.
I learnt that as the “Law Of Attraction”. ………………….
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When I learn more about our beautiful religion Islam, I realize a bit of similarity. Allah S.W.T say in Surah Ibrahim, Chapter 14, Verse 7 If you are grateful, Allah will certainly give to you more.
I want you to write down your gratitude list every morning when you wake up from sleep.
Example how to write your GRATITUDE list:
Alhamdulillah, Ya ALLAH. I am grateful because I am alive today.
Alhamdulillah, Ya ALLAH. I am grateful because I believe Allah is God and ProphetMuhammad (Peace be Upon Him) is the messenger of God.
Alhamdulillah, Ya ALLAH. I am grateful because I have a loving family.
Alhamdulillah, Ya ALLAH. I am grateful because I have a fully paid car.
Alhamdulillah, Ya ALLAH, I am grateful because I like my job as a financial consultant. And I have very friendly and understanding clients.
and you have to remember this.
Allah mengikut sangkaan hambanya. (Muttafaqun ‘alaih).
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When you write your GRATITUDE list every morning,
you will attract the good in your life.
Because you thank Allah S.W.T. the goodness that you have in your life.
And you believe that Allah S.W.T. will continue to bring goodness in your life.
What you write, you think, you feel.
You say and do, they are DOA that Insya’Allah will be granted by Allah S.W.T.
Write good.
Think good.
Feel good.
Say good.
and do Good!
It will become a DOA.
Allah Ya Mujeeb! (Allah The Responsive One)
Grant the doa of all my blog readers reading my blog now.
Amin. Amin. Insya’Allah.
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4) Outsource
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If you earnestly do the first 3 actionable ideas I shared with you above, I assure your income will increase. Time will be my witness.
We are still focusing on the 1st step of Takaful.sg “Your Financial M.A.P.” model.
Make Money. So what can you do to Make More Money?
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The next idea is very relevant especially if you are self employed or running your business.
You have to understand this.
”’ You are not Superman.
You are not Batman. You are not Ultraman. Captain Planet.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Or POWER RANGERS! (my favourite)
””
You and me. We are just normal human beings.
Normal human beings with our strengths and limitations~~~ Learn to OUTSOURCE!
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I remember one of the quotes of wisdom,by a Singaporean entrepreneur, Sant Qiu,
“Whatever you can do, you can do it bigger, better, faster……
with the right team.
So assemble the right team as early as you can and achieve bigger, better results FASTER!”
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Yes. Don’t work alone.
No man is an island.
Even if you follow the movies, you will realise something. Superheros nowadays don’t work alone! 🙂
Gone are the days, where Superheros have their own turfs.
Superman takes care of Metropolis.
Batman takes care of Gotham City.
Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther all have their own turfs.
Today, we see Ironman assemble his team and combine all these superheros together, to become AVENGERS!
As Avengers, they are now the elite team to guard the world and make it a safe place for all of us.
My question for you. Do you still want to work alone? 🙂
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Last time, when I have a goal, my brain will think this way. “How can I achieve this?”
Now with a team. I think this way. “How can my team and I achieve this?”
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5) Focus on 80:20
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When you focus on everything, nothing changes.
When you focus on one thing, EVERYTHING WILL CHANGE!
In you are in business, you have to realize that 20% of your activities give 80% of your results.
I define this as my “give me a lot of results” task.
I call it, “give me a lot of results” task because I know if I complete these tasks, I will get a lot of things done for the day!
So everyday, when I have my to do list, I will make sure that I complete my “give me a lot of results” task FIRST.
Then, everything else.
By prioritising to complete a task that matters FIRST, I assure you that you will be more productive. And in return your income will increase. I am very confident in that.
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6) Start your day early, don’t sleep after Subuh prayers and perform your Duha prayers
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All the successful people whom I’ve met and had the opportunity to ask questions, I realise they have common traits.
Common patterns.
Things that you can follow and model upon.
1st things 1st, they start their days early.They don’t go back to sleep after their Subuh prayers.
Secondly, Solat Duha.
If you feel too narrow in rezeki, pray 8 rakaat.
If not, 4 rakaat.
Minimum 2 rakaat.
Do it daily.
And consistently.
May Allah S.W.T. bless us with bountiful rezeki! Allah Ya Mujeeb! (Allah The Responsive One)
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7) Istighfar,
Avoid the Haram and Sadaqah
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Istighfar means I seek forgiveness from Allah S.W.T.
The more you Istighfar, Insya’Allah… the more rezeki you will have.
Refer to Surah Nooh, verse 10-12
Second thing is Taqwa.
Avoiding the Haram.
Do what Allah like, and Allah will give us what you like.
Have faith in Allah S.W.T.
And finally Sadaqah.
Strategy No 3, I shared with you about Law Of Reciprocity.
Give first and you shall receive back.
Law with reciprocity with a fellow human being on this earth is very different with law of reciprocity with Allah S.W.T. Law of reciprocity with a human being…1- 1 = 0
Today, you help me. Tomorrow, I help you.
We are done. We are even.
Law of reciprocity with Allah S.W.T. through our sadaqah jariah is different. Law of reciprocity with Allah S.W.T. … 1 – 1 = 10
You give 1, Allah S.W.T. will return you in 10 manifolds.
Bi’iznillah.
Continue to give value. Trust the process.
Make the world a better place to live in.
And Allah S.W.T. will path the way to people who appreciate you for who you are
and the services you offer.
Allah Ya Mujeeb! (Allah The Responsive One)
Grant the doa of all my blog readers reading my blog now.
Amin. Amin. Insya’Allah.
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 7 Ways To Double Your Income, The Shariah Compliant Way in Singapore……
If you like to go to the next step of “Your Financial M.A.P” model, how you can accumulate and grow your money, 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.
(Niat Zakat)
