5 Reasons Why Building Shariah Compliant Passive Income Is a Good Idea in Singapore…
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1. Peace of mind to know that you have money if business is not doing well or should you become unemployed…
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If you run a business, you like to think that your business will prosper forever.
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Yet you and I know that is not always true.
Reality on the ground, that is not the case. In business there are cycles. … Sometimes our business is doing good. Sometimes our business is not going so good.
We accept that thats the asam garam, the reality of being an entrepreneur!
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Having extra cashflow from Halal sources of passive income in Singapore
helps when your business is not doing so good
as you need to have some breathing space to pivot or restrategise.
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Similarly if you are an employee.
You like to think that you have a solid iron rice bowl that you can rely on for the rest of your lives.
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You will like to think that you will stay employed with the same company through your lifetime.
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My question to you now.
How confident are you that your current skills will remain relevant for the next 20-30 years of your life?
How confident are you will remain to be as agile,
as fast,
as versatile today
and in the years to come? Beautiful life today does not mean beautiful life forever!
Thats the reality on the ground.
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With the advent of artificial intelligence, most jobs that are in demand today might be replaceable tomorrow.
With globalisation, the world that we think is big yesterday is now shrinking.
You are not just competing with a younger workforce who can do your work at cheaper, better, faster rate in Singapore. You are competing with every single human that exist on this planet!
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So Nauzubillah… If your employer decides to “downsize”,
decides to “scout for new talents to replace the old ones”,
decides to “pivot and your role now is now made redundant”, an additional source of Halal Passive Income definitely helps!
You will have the peace of mind and perhaps some breathing space to carefully think of your next course of action.
I mean. Kita merancang. Tuhan menentukan.
This small steps you are taking today when all is good will help your future you when things are no longer as rosy and beautiful as it is today.
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2. Passive Pahala for the rest of your life and beyond
2nd reason Why Building Shariah Compliant Passive Income Is a Good Idea in Singapore is
because
not only you can enjoy the tangible fruits today, you also can get passive pahala for the rest of your life and beyond!
You can use your Halal Profits to fund your dream holiday with your beautiful family..
(I liquidate some of my profits for my recent holiday to Bali.)
Alhamdulillah… I have been a financial planner for almost 18 years.
Some of my clients have been with me for 18 years.
15 years.
10 years.
The beauty of shariah compliant investments is that you can use Halal profits to fund your yearly holiday.
To fund your umrah.
To fund your Haj.
To fund your child’s tuition, enrichment classes(these can really eats up to your monthly cashflow and having Halal profits to fund it is simply amazing!)
And while you are saving money every month the shariah compliant way, you are getting passive pahala.
I mean you can save your money in any ways you want. But you consciously choose to do it the Halal way! The Shariah Compliant Way!
Dunia dapat. Akhirat pun dapat. Isnt that beautiful? 🙂
Alhamdulillah! 🙂
Talking about passive pahala on earth.
Why not also create passive pahala for yourself in the hereafter by using the vehicles of Wakaf?
Make your money work hard in this dunya.
And make your money work harder for your hereafter.
3. You have clarity and certainty that your Halal passive income strategies work
3rd Reason.
It’s good to start building your Halal source of passive income now — especially while you’re financially stable.
Why? Because if you’re starting from zero experience in investing, this is the best time to learn. With the right guidance from mentors and Islamic financial planners, you’ll slowly build confidence that Halal passive income is possible.
Many of my clients start from ground zero — No $1 million in the bank. Not even $100,000. Some don’t even have $10,000.
But you don’t need a fortune to begin. As the Malay proverb goes: “Sedikit-sedikit, lama-lama jadi bukit.” (Little by little, a hill is formed.)
The key is to start. And when you’re financially stable, it’s the ideal time to build the “oven” that will generate future passive income. ✅ You’ve already set aside 3–6 months of emergency funds. ✅ You’ve got comprehensive hospitalisation plans for your family. ✅ You’ve protected your income with Shariah-compliant insurance.
✅ Now it’s time to take the next step: Build your Halal source of passive income. So you don’t just survive — You thrive, in dunya and akhirah.
Alhamdulillah. It’s now or never. You start it. You finish it. AS A CHAMPION! 💪
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4. More Time For Family and Ibadah
4th reason Why Building Shariah Compliant Passive Income Is a Good Idea in Singapore is
because
Passive income frees up your time. Instead of constantly chasing dollars, you get to focus on what truly matters — ❤️ Spending time with your loved ones 🤲 Investing in your akhirah through ibadah 💞 Giving back through charity and community work
It’s good to start building your Halal passive income now, while your responsibilities are still manageable and your finances are stable.
Because the earlier you start, the sooner you’ll enjoy that freedom. The freedom to choose how you spend your time. The freedom to say yes to your family and yes to moments that bring you closer to Allah S.W.T. — without worrying about your next paycheck.
This is how we move from working for money, to making money work for us — the Halal and Shariah-compliant way.
It’s not just about wealth. It’s about barakah. It’s about purpose. It’s about building a life where your rizq continues to flow even while you rest, travel, pray, or play with your children.
Passive income, done right, gives you more than just money. It gives you meaning. Alhamdulillah 🤲
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5. You Become a Role Model of Responsible Islamic Wealth-Building
One of the most overlooked benefits of building Shariah-compliant passive income is this:
You inspire your family — especially your children — to follow the Halal way.
📚 Your children see you investing ethically, avoiding riba, and staying true to your values. 💬 They hear you talk about barakah, not just ROI. 💡 They grow up understanding that success is not just about how much you earn — but how you earn it.
By taking action today, you break the cycle of financial confusion and riba-dependence.
You’re planting seeds of knowledge, values, and confidence that your family will benefit from for generations.
That’s how legacies are built.
✅ You don’t just leave money behind. ✅ You leave a mindset. ✅ A method. ✅ A message of integrity and istiqamah.
This is how we build wealth with purpose. This is how we raise future leader with iman. This is how we bring deen into our dunya — not just for ourselves, but for our descendants.
“And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves…” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:19)
Let’s not forget who we are, and what kind of legacy we want to leave behind.
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 5 Reasons Why Building Shariah Compliant Passive Income Is a Good Idea in Singapore….
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
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.
Alhamdulillah. Since year 2007, I have been privileged to advise thousands of Singaporean Muslims on planning their finance in Singapore.
And of course, there were many concepts
that I used to make my financial planning presentation more vibrant, relatable and meaningful. 🙂
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(Alhamdulillah. Blessed to have the opportunity to share my financial planning ideas recently with our Brothers and Sisters in Pasir Ris Punggol.)
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I love to use Malay Idioms (Peribahasa) in my financial planning presentations.
I love Malay Idioms because they are evergreen and full of wisdom that transcends ages.
Peribahasa that were commonly used during the P Ramlee time of our Pakcik Pakcik, Makcik Makcik
Still applicable today in the “Instagram/Tik Tok”year of 2021.
And will be also be applicable in the future years to come!
Insya’Allah! 🙂
Amongst them,
these are the 7 most popular Malay Idioms that I use to help my clients plan their finance better in Singapore.
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1) Sediakan payung sebelum hujan
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Prepare yourself an umbrella before it rains.
In my professional opinion, you must not only prepare yourself an umbrella before it rains.
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You must make sure that your umbrella is BIG ENOUGH so that you and your family don’t get wet when it rains.
In financial planning context,
how do you prepare and ensure that your “umbrella” is BIG ENOUGH to protect you and your family when in need?
Firstly ensure that you have at least 3-6 months of emergency funds in your bank account at all times.
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If you spend $3000/mth.
$3000 X 3 months = $9000
You need to ensure that you always have $9000 in your bank account at all time.
Why?
If you fall sick, you need to see the doctor.
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To see the doctor, you need money. You dont want to susahkan your family members by borrowing their money.
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And tomorrow, nauzubillah if suddenly you got retrenched,
at least you can survive 3-6 months while looking for another job…..
Got some space to breathe. Not kancheong!
This is very important my friends.
Because we don’t know how long this Covid19 pandemic is here to stay! So make sure that you have 3-6 months emergency funds with you at all times! 🙂
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Secondly, you need to make sure that both you and your family are comprehensively covered with a HOSPITAL INSURANCE PLAN.
In my many years experience as an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore,
I realize not all people are in debts due to poor financial management.
Some of them are due to victim of circumstances.
Family and loved ones hospitalised and saddled with hefty medical bills.
And they started maxing their credit card debts to pay those bills.
The reason why they did so because they weren’t eligible for any financial assistance based on their income.
They then face difficulties in paying off their credit card bills.
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My friends. A simple hospital insurance plan can help save you from this kind of situation.
A hospital insurance plan can help cover your bills.
(I was hospitalised in year 2019 due to a viral infection.)
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Alhamdulillah my hospital bills of $29,144 were taken care by my hospital insurance plan!
If I did not have a comprehensive hospital insurance plan in place, I can look you in the eye and tell you. Koyak beb my pocket! 🙂
2) Alah bisa, tegal biasa
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Alah bisa, tegal biasa.
Something difficult will become easier if we always do them repeatedly.
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As an Islamic Financial Planner, I always share with my clients that there are 2 types of money habits.
Good Money Habits
Bad Money Habits
Examples of Good Money Habits
Save 1st, then spend.
Have enough emergency funds
Have Hospital insurance plans.
Prudent and responsible financial management
Examples of Bad Money Habits
Boros. Spend more than you earn. Borrow other people $$$ and never pay back.
Pay your bills late
Failing to plan for your future
Sometimes when we have been so used to BAD MONEY HABITS for many years of our lives.
It becomes difficult to CHANGE that bad money habits to good money habits.
I always share with my clients. Alah bisa, tegal biasa.
Something difficult will become easier if we always do them repeatedly.
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Alaaaaaahhhh….. It is like when you first learnt to ride a bicycle.
You lose your balance, you fall.
You rise up back!
You fall again and again…But you never give up!!
Soon riding a bicycle becomes a 2nd nature to you.
Anytime anyone gives you a bicycle, you can ride it easily.
Alah bisa, tegal biasa.
At first difficult…..
You do it repeatedly… After that, it becomes easy and becomes a 2nd nature to you!
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My friends,
From my research, if we do something 21 days repeatedly, a new habit will be formed…
I want to help you install a POSITIVE money habit!
Everyday we go out.
We spend money.
We spend money at the market. We spend money at the coffeeshop.
We spend money at the shopping malls. For the next 21 days, what I want you to do is that I want you to leave the dollar notes in your wallet.
And take out all the coins and put in a tabung…
(If you don’t have a tabung, you can start with biscuit tin first! Most importantly, start doing it today! )
Do it for 21 days consecutively and Insya’Allah you will find yourself installing a new POSITIVE money habit!
Saving money everyday becomes a 2nd nature to you. Alah bisa, tegal biasa! 🙂
3) Sedikit sedikit, lama lama jadi bukit
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Literally, bit by bit, after a while, it becomes a hill!
Do small things. Repeat over and over again until it becomes big.
Some people complained to me.
“Helmi. Difficult lah for me to save money. Kais pagi, makan pagi. Kais petang, makan petang.”
How to save money?
I always share with them. No money today does not mean no money forever! 🙂
So how can you kickstart your journey to save money bit by bit and until you have a substantial amount?
Introducing you the 52 week Money Challenge
For those who do not have emergency funds in your bank account,
you can do this as part of your new year resolution to be self sufficient.
1st week, save $1. 2nd week, increase.You save $2 for that week.
Following week, increase some more $3 for that week. Sedikit sedikit, lama lama jadi bukit.
By end year 2021, you would have saved $1378 Cash!
Add this money to the money you save in the tabung for strategy No 2,
you will start to realise that Alhamdulillah you have finally saved up your 3-6 months emergency funds!
4) Genggam Bara Api Biar Sampai Jadi Arang
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Genggam Bara Api Biar Sampai Jadi Arang.
When you are doing or starting a challenging task, you need to pursue it until you have reached your goal.
My friends, A lot of people can begin something.But not many can finish it.
One of the characteristic of successful people.
They begin something and they make sure they see it through the end. They finish what they started!
My friends, There is no magic pill that you swallow and suddenly you have a lot of money.
Success comes in a package of hard work.
Rejections.
Failures.
Mistakes.
Criticisms. All the sacrifices that these super successful people go through.
And the most important thing is never give up.
Work until you achieve your goals.
You do things nonchalantly, you will get meagre, lacklustre and nonchalant results.
My friends,
Success takes time. No one in this world gets married today and gets a child tomorrow.
It involves process. Be patient.
and trust the process.
People who give excuses. Their lives will be full of excuses.
You give your best, you get the best!
Successful people begin something and they make sure they see it through the end. Genggam Bara Api Biar Sampai Jadi Arang!
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5) Melentur Buluh Biarlah Dari Rebungnya
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Literal translation “To bend a bamboo, start when it’s a shoot.”.
Teach your child good money habits when they are young.
Example…
To me, this is not the right way of educating our children on money.
Stop doing that.
If you have been doing that….
Save first and then spend.
When you inculcate this good money habit of, “Save First, Then Spend” to your children.
When they grow up and start working, that is what they are going to do when they receive their paycheck.
Save first and spend! Alhamdulillah….
We fulfil our obligations as a financially educated parent.
And what is the most beautiful part?
They will then educate their children of the same money principles, “Save Money First and then Spend.”
Masya’Allah…. You are inculcating good money habits not just for yourself or your children. You are inculcating good money habits for your generations to come!
Melentur Buluh Biarlah Dari Rebungnya! 🙂
6) Ukur Baju Di Badan Sendiri
Ukur Baju Di Badan Sendiri.
Spend according to your kemampuan (affordability)
My friends,
we need to differentiate between needs and wants. Needs… Keperluan. Wants… Kemahuan.
Needs is MUST HAVE.
Essential. Something that you must have to survive.
Wants is something good to have.
Not essential for survival.
Example of needs… House, transport, insurance, food
Example of wants…
Staycations, Entertainment, Designer Clothes, Dine at expensive Restaurants
My friends,
In order to be financially stable, we must be prudent with how we spend our money….
Don’t Spend Money that you don’t have to impress people you don’t like.
Ukur Baju Di Badan Sendiri. Spend according to your kemampuan (affordability)
7) Air Dicincang Tidak Akan Putus
Air dicincang tidak akan putus.
‘Blood is thicker than water’.
I am a firm advocate of this peribahasa.
Because why?
Because I always believe that there is rezeki in silaturahim.
We know the financial planning strategies already.
At the same time we know that rezeki is all from the source. Allah S.W.T.
If our parents are still alive, we are very lucky.
Always ask blessings and doa from our parents. They are our keramat hidup. Redha dia, redha Allah.
And maintain good relationship with others.
If sometimes, you quarrel with others, do your very best to forgive and mend that relationship.
I know its difficult, but do your best.
Seek forgivesness and mend ties.
Because why?
Because there is rezeki in silaturahim.
(Me and my family)
This is my family. Alhamdulillah, they are super supportive of what I do. I regard them as my strength.
As my BIG WHY to persevere in what I do! 🙂
Air dicincang tidak akan putus! 🙂
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I would like to wrap my presentation with a serangkap pantun.
Kusangkakan panas sampai ke petang
Rupanya hujan di tengah hari
Berjimat cermat bila ada wang
Supaya tenang di kemudian hari
Thank you my friends! 🙂
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my personal sharing, 7 Malay Idioms To Help You Plan Your Finance Better 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.
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I have to put a clause here.
My intention of sharing my journey is not to riak or to show off. My intention sharing my journey is to encourage and inspire others to be debt free, as much as they can.
Being debt free is possible in Singapore.
I was in a dilemma if I should create this blog post. Share my journey, people say I riak.Dont share takut dosa, ilmu simpan sendiri.
However, after much considerations and requests from many, dengan lafaz Bismillahirahmanirahim (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) I decide to document my journey.
I will share with you 2 blog posts…….
This blog post, I will share, Why I aim to be debt free, my challenges and how to be debt free in Singapore.
The 2nd blog post, I will share, How to make it easier for you to be debt free in Singapore.
Keep an open mind. If not, (I am pleading with you) please don’t continue reading this blog post.
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If you are my client, you know that as an Islamic Financial Planner in Singapore, I have come up with a 4-prong approach to my personal finance.
1)Clear my HDB loan + Comprehensive Halal Insurance Coverage 2) Monthly Investment in shariah compliant fund + Top up when there is a market downturn (like the COVID-19 health crisis) 3) Shariah Compliant Stocks
(Act as turbo booster to increase investible assets value in networth statement for the next 5-10 years. Shariah compliant methodology adopted: Dow Jones shariah screening methodology + AAOIFI) 4) Additional Properties
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Alhamdulillah. I have achieved the first 2 stages.
(My final payment to fully clear my HDB loan)
(and finally Debt Free!)
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Alhamdulillah. Yes! I am now officially DEBT FREE! 🙂
It might look like a breeze at the seaside but fact of the matter, it is not.
It requires careful and meticulous planning.
It takes a lot of research.
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When I first got married, I did some personal reflection. (that is when most people start to get serious about life)
I set goals.
Being Debt Free is one of them.
It is ironic because since young, I have been taught about Good Debts.
and Bad Debts.
Good Debts like housing loans are good because interest rate is so cheap in Singapore. Bad Debtslikecredit cards with exorbitant 24% interest are bad. It should be avoided at all cost.
That is what mainstream financial gurus of this century has been advocating over the years.
And I agree with them.
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And in my job as a financial consultant, I preach the idea of being Debt Free.
Most people will look at me in a strange manner.
“Biar betik si dekni.”
I don’t fault them. Because I used to think like them.
I thought it was not possible.
I thought if you want to be debt free in this cosmopolitan sophisticated Singapore,
you have to hold high positions.
Maybe if you are an executive director of an MNC. A vice president of a company. A group division manager at least.
You know, someone with positions. Alaaaah…. Orang berkedudukan with status.
Then only can be Debt Free
If not, not possible.
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Yet, the reasons I still stick to my guns, hold on to my dreams and work myself up to be debt free in Singapore because of a few reasons.
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1) Life is unpredictable.
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Being a financial consultant since year 2007, I have experienced 2 crises. 2008-2009: subprime mortgage crisis. 2020: Health crisis that we are facing now.
The prospect of people losing jobs are real.
The prospect of business closing down are real. The prospect of one depleting their emergency funds in a time of crisis is real.
I see it with my own eyes. People are struggling.
Scared of the future.
Nauzubillah…. I pray it won’t happen to you.
To me.
Or to anyone I love….
Yet, it is comforting and a relief to know that if sh*t happens, at least we still have a roof over our heads.
Better still if the biggest financial obligation of our life has been settled.
In short, from a financial advisor’s perspective, my risk profile for home to stay and risk profile for long term investment is DIFFERENT. As a sole breadwinner in my family, I am very conservative in my approach for house to stay.
Yet, I am aggressive in my approach for long term investments.
2) Job disruption due to rapid development of technology
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Even before the Covid19 pandemic, I have seen major changes in the new economy.
Jobs are replaced by machines.
15 years ago, if I want to do fundamental analysis of companies, I have to download the company’s annual report 1 by 1.
(15 years ago, when I was a student in Ngee Ann Polytechnic)
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I had to create excel spreadsheet to do vertical and horizontal analysis.
Calculated the financial ratios. 1 by 1.
Everything did it by myself. Now, with Artificial Intelligence – with just a few clicks of a button, I can get all the answers I want.
Machines help me out with all that. The role of a financial analyst has being made redundant.
This AI thing is very REAL.
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Let me give you another example in my industry. The insurance industry.
One of the biggest insurance companies in Japan terminated 34 employees in their Actuarial department.
And replaced them with an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can calculate insurance payouts.
The firm believes it will help increase productivity by 30%.
And save $1.2 million a year in salaries.
Now, my point is, If that can happen in Japan, anything can happen in Singapore.
Now, if we are stable with a good job.
If we are stable, with a healthy, profit making business. It is good for us to be conservative on how we spend our money, clear our debts and prepare for rainy days. .
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3) Personal challenge to prove that it is possible to plan our finance the shariah compliant way in Singapore
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In my job as a Islamic Financial Consultant, I always see:
Myths.
Excuses. Justifications.
That in Singapore, it is impossible to plan our finances the shariah compliant way. Too difficult.
Of course, Singapore doesn’t have shariah compliant home financing facilities like, Murabahah, Ijarah Wa Iqtina or Musharakah Mutanaqisah.
For now, we make do with what we have.
Be it HLE loan or bank loan with the lowest interest. Try to clear it ASAP.
It can be done.
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Of course, Singapore doesn’t have the grand infrastructure or enjoy economies of scale to promote Islamic Finance financial instruments
like our counterparts in Malaysia or Indonesia.
Or even gulf countries like Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman or Saudi.
(Me and my wife at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman)
(Beautiful interior of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman)
(Myself and the friendly Dai’s who promote the beauty of Islam at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman)
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For now, we make do with what we have.
Start growing your money the shariah compliant way in Singapore with as little as $5/day.
And don’t look down on that small $5/day.
That small $5/day can help kickstart your journey to be a Muslim millionaire in Singapore. Insya’Allah.
My goal as an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore is to lead by example. Create more success stories.
When people say, its impossible.Change it to “I M Possible”.
When people say, there is no market.Change it to we will CREATE the market. And will EDUCATE and GROW this niche market.
When people play it safe, we charge ahead and go on the offensive.
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It reminds me of the Roger Bannister story.
4 minute mile story.
Long long time ago, humans on this earth were led to believe that running 4 miles (equivalent to 4 rounds in the stadium) in less than 4 minutes is impossible.
Back then, nobody can run that fast.
Everybody believed that it was not possible.
They even had scientists and doctors to come on board and make a detailed scientific report to substantiate with “latest up to date data”.
Substantiate and prove that running 4 rounds in the stadium in less than 4 minutes is impossible.
Impossible because our human body is just not created in a way Impossiblebecause of our bone structure, muscle fiber, tissues, anatomy limited by design Impossible because….. (many more reasons why it wont work)
But you know what? Roger Bannister believes.
For years and years…. No one was able to break that record
Roger Bannister believes he is able to do it.
And he did it!
The amazing thing for me is not Roger Bannister could complete 4 rounds in the stadium in less than 4 minutes.
The amazing thing here is within the 1st week Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile, someone else did it.
And now thousands of people have done it.
Because people have the mindset, “If Roger Bannister can do it, so can I.”
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In my many years journey as an Islamic Financial Consultant, I met quite a number of people already cleared their housing loan in their 30s.
And they look very happy.
And they are just normal people like you and me. Having ordinary jobs.
Working 9-5.
Eat Nasi Padang at coffeeshops for lunch.
And sipping teh tarik gleefully.
The thing here is they look so “normal”. Don’t look like those sophisticated businessmen.
Or the “sovereign” type.
They are normal everyday people like you and me!
That is my aha moment. My “Roger Bannister” moment.
If they can do it, so can I.
(I watch this video every time I feel down and demotivated)
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Thus, I began interacting with people who share the same values as me.
I begin to ask the correct questions.
How can I make this work?
I began documenting things down. Identify the traits of financially successful people.
I develop Your Financial M.A.P. model and trademark it.
It is a simple 3-step model.
(Whatsapp Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim at 96520134 to get free video, “5 Shariah Compliant Ways To Save More Money in Singapore”)
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Wallah….. These are the exact strategies I used to accumulate a lump sum of money fast.
Be it for my wedding. For my honeymoon.
For my renovation expenses.
For me to buy my car without loan.
And also Alhamdulillah, for me to clear my housing loan.
Again my intention of telling you all this is not to brag.
I just want to give you the assurance that I am genuine. I am real. I am your fellow Singaporean Muslim friend who walks the talk.
I understand your struggle and I want to help. Especially in this challenging times.
No bullsh*t. No textbook stuffs. Simple actionable steps that even a 13 year old can understand.
I am with you.
My advice to you is just listen in to my 7 minutes video.
And just follow step by step.
No need to think too hard.
As long as whatever I share does not transgress shariah, is not haram.
Just do it!
Give your 1oo%! Do your best and leave the rest to Allah S.W.T.
Go key in your details. And start taking action.
I will share in greater detail on how to make it easier for you in my 2nd blog post. Stay tuned. Wait for it. 🙂
5) Financial Independence is my ultimate goal
Many of you know the definition of Financial Independence.
When you are financially independent, it means your monthly passive income > monthly expenses.
When you clear your housing loan, it means you have lesser monthly expenses.
Thus, you need lesser passive income every month to achieve your financial independence.
Another benefit of clearing loan is that you will have lesser stress.
People with lesser money-related stress have a clear mind.
Their brains are not shrouded with how to survive in the vicious, never ending rat race.
Their brains can think creatively.
Innovate.
Create opportunities.
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my personal sharing, Clearing My 5 Room HDB flat loan at age 34….
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
I 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.|
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)
