A controversial subject , First thanks to SRK and Karan Johar for bringing the reality it is a daring act and involves huge risk. There is a cross response and mixed reviews for this movie. Hats off to trio SRk , Kajol and Karan Johar it is need of the hour there is frisking everywhere and terrorist need not be a muslim. The depiction in many of the movies are against.
Many thanks for taking a risk you had won hearts of many.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Renewable Energy
We should look into all viabilities and speeden the process all over the world since global warming is becoming a concern. We don't have the right to deny clean environment for the future generation. Let all of us join hands and do bare minimum contribution. Atleast in places where the resources are available let us implement it. It might be a costly investment but it will help a lot in long term. Please find below types
Renewable Energy: What are My Options?
This section outlines the different types of renewable energy, and how exactly they are produced. Generating clean and environmentally-efficient power is easier than you think, and there is a ton of research and development in the renewable energy market going on right now. The push for renewable energy standards is a hot topic, so understanding what your options are will help you understand where the renewable energy market may be headed in the near and distant future.
Hydropower
The power of water is abundant—approximately 73 percent of all renewable energy according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Hydropower is generated using the mechanical energy of flowing water by forcing it through piping called a penstock, which then turns a generator in order to produce electricity. Water power also consists of wave and tidal energy, which are both in the infant stage of research, as scientists try to discover how to harness the energy produced from movement of the ocean. The Hoover Dam is the largest hydropower system in the U.S.
Solar Power
Solar cells made from silicon absorb the sun's radiation, also called photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic process involves the movement and displacement of electrons to absorb the sun's radiation and create electricity, but there are also solar systems that use large-scale mirrors to heat water, or produce high temperatures and generate steam, which is used to turn a generator.
Wind Power
Wind power is a very simple process. A wind turbine converts the kinetic energy (motion) of wind into mechanical energy that is used to generate electricity. The energy is fed through a generator, converted a second time into electrical energy, then fed into the grid to be transmitted to a power station. Wind power is abundant in California and Texas, with the two largest wind farms in the world residing in West Texas. Wind is unique because it carries incentives for farmers to give parcels of land for building wind turbines, and has the most potential as far as widespread adoption due to the large areas of land with consistent wind available to harness.
Geothermal Power
The process involves trapping heat underground, then building energy that rises near the surface in the form of heat. When this heat naturally creates hot water or steam, it is harnessed and then used to turn a steam turbine to generate electricity. The Italians were the first to use geothermal energy for commercial purposes in the early 1900s.
Biomass
Biomass is a very versatile form of renewable energy. Biomass power plants burn biomass fuel in boilers to heat water and turn a steam turbine to create electricity. Biomass fuel is everything from wood to landfill trash, which is currently being used to convert into methane for the production of dry natural gas. Agricultural research is seeing unique results, including dairy farms in Texas converting cow manure into energy.
Renewable Energy: What are My Options?
This section outlines the different types of renewable energy, and how exactly they are produced. Generating clean and environmentally-efficient power is easier than you think, and there is a ton of research and development in the renewable energy market going on right now. The push for renewable energy standards is a hot topic, so understanding what your options are will help you understand where the renewable energy market may be headed in the near and distant future.
Hydropower
The power of water is abundant—approximately 73 percent of all renewable energy according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Hydropower is generated using the mechanical energy of flowing water by forcing it through piping called a penstock, which then turns a generator in order to produce electricity. Water power also consists of wave and tidal energy, which are both in the infant stage of research, as scientists try to discover how to harness the energy produced from movement of the ocean. The Hoover Dam is the largest hydropower system in the U.S.
Solar Power
Solar cells made from silicon absorb the sun's radiation, also called photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic process involves the movement and displacement of electrons to absorb the sun's radiation and create electricity, but there are also solar systems that use large-scale mirrors to heat water, or produce high temperatures and generate steam, which is used to turn a generator.
Wind Power
Wind power is a very simple process. A wind turbine converts the kinetic energy (motion) of wind into mechanical energy that is used to generate electricity. The energy is fed through a generator, converted a second time into electrical energy, then fed into the grid to be transmitted to a power station. Wind power is abundant in California and Texas, with the two largest wind farms in the world residing in West Texas. Wind is unique because it carries incentives for farmers to give parcels of land for building wind turbines, and has the most potential as far as widespread adoption due to the large areas of land with consistent wind available to harness.
Geothermal Power
The process involves trapping heat underground, then building energy that rises near the surface in the form of heat. When this heat naturally creates hot water or steam, it is harnessed and then used to turn a steam turbine to generate electricity. The Italians were the first to use geothermal energy for commercial purposes in the early 1900s.
Biomass
Biomass is a very versatile form of renewable energy. Biomass power plants burn biomass fuel in boilers to heat water and turn a steam turbine to create electricity. Biomass fuel is everything from wood to landfill trash, which is currently being used to convert into methane for the production of dry natural gas. Agricultural research is seeing unique results, including dairy farms in Texas converting cow manure into energy.
An investment plan for indians living in dubai
JEEVAN ANAND (ZINDGI KE SAATH BHI, ZINDGI KE BAAD BHI)
Jeevan Anand (Double Advantage Endowment) is an innovative plan from LIC International which combines the benefit of an endowment plan & whole life cover policy.
Under this plan, you pay premium for limited period (5 years) but your policy coverage continues though-out your lifetime to the extent of the sum assured without any further premium. This plan assuring you a Lump Sum payment (Sum Assured and Bonus) after the maturity of your policy(10, 15, 20 or 25 Yrs)
Key features of Jeevan Anand
Sum Assured with Bonus on Retirement.
Limited premium payments.(Only 5 Years)
Free whole life risk cover, even after you stops paying premiums
Double Accidental Death & disability cover up to age of 70.
Encashment/Surrender of the policy
Loans available.
Receive all benefits in choice currency
Policy can be transferred to any LIC branches in India, if you chose to.. (On repatriable basis)
Illustration for Age 35 & premium contribution Qtly 2700 (Only for 5 Years)
ü Life Cover (any cause):starting from first day $50,000 increasing every year to about $ 78,000* at chosen retirement.
ü Accidental Cover : Death / Total & Permanent Disability (from first day): $ 100,000 total
Amount*you receive at retirement (after 20 yr.):$ 78,000
Plus
Free insurance cover thereafter- Accidental = $ 100,000 Natural Death=$ 50,000 (global cover, natural death cover for whole life)
Jeevan Anand (Double Advantage Endowment) is an innovative plan from LIC International which combines the benefit of an endowment plan & whole life cover policy.
Under this plan, you pay premium for limited period (5 years) but your policy coverage continues though-out your lifetime to the extent of the sum assured without any further premium. This plan assuring you a Lump Sum payment (Sum Assured and Bonus) after the maturity of your policy(10, 15, 20 or 25 Yrs)
Key features of Jeevan Anand
Sum Assured with Bonus on Retirement.
Limited premium payments.(Only 5 Years)
Free whole life risk cover, even after you stops paying premiums
Double Accidental Death & disability cover up to age of 70.
Encashment/Surrender of the policy
Loans available.
Receive all benefits in choice currency
Policy can be transferred to any LIC branches in India, if you chose to.. (On repatriable basis)
Illustration for Age 35 & premium contribution Qtly 2700 (Only for 5 Years)
ü Life Cover (any cause):starting from first day $50,000 increasing every year to about $ 78,000* at chosen retirement.
ü Accidental Cover : Death / Total & Permanent Disability (from first day): $ 100,000 total
Amount*you receive at retirement (after 20 yr.):$ 78,000
Plus
Free insurance cover thereafter- Accidental = $ 100,000 Natural Death=$ 50,000 (global cover, natural death cover for whole life)
Save Paper Save Trees
Conserve paper
So why does saving paper even matter?
For starters, the pulp and paper industry is the third largest consumer of energy and uses more water to produce a ton of product than any other industry. In 2005, out of 245,000,000 tons of waste 34.2% was paper according to the EPA. That is over 83,300,000 tons of paper that is wasted every year.
When I first heard about Blog Action Day I knew this was a way that everyone, including designers, could easily help the environment.
About 20,000,000 trees are cut down annually for virgin paper used for production of books in the US alone. So think green and save the environment while saving yourself some money by using less paper.
What can You do to Kill Paper Waste instead of Trees?
Buy Recycled Paper, DuhAccording to the City of Seattle a ton of paper made from recycled paper, as opposed to virgin paper, saves the equivalent of 4,100 kilowatt hours of energy, 7000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions, and 3 cubic yards of landfill space.
Check Your Work to Avoid Printing Copies that Have to Be Thrown AwayMake sure to spell check your work, and even read over it on screen. Use the Print Preview feature to preview your work to make sure everything lines up correctly.
Use the Print Range feature to Print Only what You NeedYou can use the Print range feature available in most programs to print only the exact pages or the selected text that you need.
Don’t Throw Away Your Mis-prints, Keep it as Draft PaperYou can keep paper that you may have printed earlier which you no longer need, and print on the blank side instead of throwing it way like I am sure we have all done before. You can even use it to jot down notes for yourself instead of wasting Post it notes.
Make Use of Double Sided PrintingIt’s actually pretty simple. First print the odd pages by editing the Print range after pressing Ctrl+P. Then flip the pages over and put them back in the paper tray. Then just print the even pages by editing the Print range once again.
Avoid Printed Envelope Labels, And Print Directly on to the EnvelopeSave paper by avoiding printing addresses on to labels, only to turn around and stick that label on an envelope. It is very easy to addresses and more right onto the label using Microsoft Word or other word processing programs.
Send Documents via eMail or eFaxAlthough you may not always be able to, try to send stuff via email whenever possible. If you are going to fax something, many times people never use the functionality of many printers which allows for eFax. With eFax you don’t have to print something out just to stick in the fax machine and then throw it away when your done.
So why does saving paper even matter?
For starters, the pulp and paper industry is the third largest consumer of energy and uses more water to produce a ton of product than any other industry. In 2005, out of 245,000,000 tons of waste 34.2% was paper according to the EPA. That is over 83,300,000 tons of paper that is wasted every year.
When I first heard about Blog Action Day I knew this was a way that everyone, including designers, could easily help the environment.
About 20,000,000 trees are cut down annually for virgin paper used for production of books in the US alone. So think green and save the environment while saving yourself some money by using less paper.
What can You do to Kill Paper Waste instead of Trees?
Buy Recycled Paper, DuhAccording to the City of Seattle a ton of paper made from recycled paper, as opposed to virgin paper, saves the equivalent of 4,100 kilowatt hours of energy, 7000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions, and 3 cubic yards of landfill space.
Check Your Work to Avoid Printing Copies that Have to Be Thrown AwayMake sure to spell check your work, and even read over it on screen. Use the Print Preview feature to preview your work to make sure everything lines up correctly.
Use the Print Range feature to Print Only what You NeedYou can use the Print range feature available in most programs to print only the exact pages or the selected text that you need.
Don’t Throw Away Your Mis-prints, Keep it as Draft PaperYou can keep paper that you may have printed earlier which you no longer need, and print on the blank side instead of throwing it way like I am sure we have all done before. You can even use it to jot down notes for yourself instead of wasting Post it notes.
Make Use of Double Sided PrintingIt’s actually pretty simple. First print the odd pages by editing the Print range after pressing Ctrl+P. Then flip the pages over and put them back in the paper tray. Then just print the even pages by editing the Print range once again.
Avoid Printed Envelope Labels, And Print Directly on to the EnvelopeSave paper by avoiding printing addresses on to labels, only to turn around and stick that label on an envelope. It is very easy to addresses and more right onto the label using Microsoft Word or other word processing programs.
Send Documents via eMail or eFaxAlthough you may not always be able to, try to send stuff via email whenever possible. If you are going to fax something, many times people never use the functionality of many printers which allows for eFax. With eFax you don’t have to print something out just to stick in the fax machine and then throw it away when your done.
Save Tiger campaign
Save Nature Save Tiger.
The future generation might not be denied an oppurtunity to see it.
The word tiger should not be a history in future.
I think it is too late it was stressed even 15 years back when am in college that period it was roughly 3900 odd now reduced down to half. Please read the article below
Tiger population falls dramatically in IndiaIn environment, world on August 15, 2009 at 8:22 am
A century ago, India’s wild lands were home to about 40,000 tigers. Today, it’s estimated only 1,000 tigers remain as a result of poachers and big game hunters.The two reserves, Panna and Sariska National Park, no longer have a tiger population.Many of the tigers have been lost due to Asia’s demand for tiger bones, claws and skin. The animal parts are used in traditional medicines.Tigers have also died as a result of electric fences, illegal logging and fighting among the few remaining males.Panna park, once home to 24 tigers, has had no sightings since January.The Wildlife Institute of India had stated in 2007 that the nation’s tigers were doing well within the reserves but not in the protected forest areas. At that time it was urged though for measures to be taken to save the species.National Geographic reported in 2007:
“Indian tigers are not entirely down and out,” said Sujoy Banerjee, head of the species conservation program at the Indian branch of the international conservation organization WWF.”But if we don’t wake up now, the only tigers we will see will be at the zoo.”
The number of tigers surveyed that year seemed to differ from conservation groups and the Indian government. It was stated that the government did not want to report that the number of animals had decreased as much as the wildlife groups had indicated.As the numbers dwindled in 2008 wildlife experts urged the government to save the felines.BBC reported then:
“It is now time to act and save tigers from human beings. We have to create inviolate areas for tigers and provide modern weapons to forest guards,” conservationist Valmik Thapar told Hindustan Times newspaper.
Valmir Thapar spoke to the Wall Street Journal about the demise of tigers in his native India.
In India, 18 per cent of the land that is left as forest land. As that land degrades, the water supply also degrades. The disappearance of the tiger is a sign of the destruction of the ecosystem, something that has an impact on the entire animal population including humans.It is becoming doubtful that the tiger population in India can be saved.Since as far back as 2005 the nation’s forest ministry sent warning bells to the government but the local authorities did not heed them.Dr Raghu Chundawat, an independent scientist is one of those who has been sounding alarms. He says that the state government is still refusing to listen to the seriousness of the problem.Ashok Kumar, deputy chair of the Wildlife Trust of India, believes that India can reverse the population decline with the tigers. “The long-term future of the tiger can be saved.”That hope is echoed by Madhya Pradesh’s forest minister Rajendra Shukla reports the BBC:
“Panna is our only park which has lost on this count,” he says. “Three of state’s reserve forests – Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench – have been adjudged among the best managed tiger reserves in the country.”
That statement though may be overly hopeful. Experts believe that the population is already to small for tigers to have a viable future. Even if the population could right itself the lack of law enforcement stopping poachers puts the situation on a downward spiral. Factoring in the ever expanding human population in the tiger’s habitat brings the chance of survival for this magnificent feline down even lower.Ireland Online reports:
“The government must address the core problem of sufficient protection.“Unless heads roll, translocation of animals is not going to help as these too might be lost and the situation will not change,” Mr Bhargav, a member of the National Board for Wildlife in India said.
The future generation might not be denied an oppurtunity to see it.
The word tiger should not be a history in future.
I think it is too late it was stressed even 15 years back when am in college that period it was roughly 3900 odd now reduced down to half. Please read the article below
Tiger population falls dramatically in IndiaIn environment, world on August 15, 2009 at 8:22 am
A century ago, India’s wild lands were home to about 40,000 tigers. Today, it’s estimated only 1,000 tigers remain as a result of poachers and big game hunters.The two reserves, Panna and Sariska National Park, no longer have a tiger population.Many of the tigers have been lost due to Asia’s demand for tiger bones, claws and skin. The animal parts are used in traditional medicines.Tigers have also died as a result of electric fences, illegal logging and fighting among the few remaining males.Panna park, once home to 24 tigers, has had no sightings since January.The Wildlife Institute of India had stated in 2007 that the nation’s tigers were doing well within the reserves but not in the protected forest areas. At that time it was urged though for measures to be taken to save the species.National Geographic reported in 2007:
“Indian tigers are not entirely down and out,” said Sujoy Banerjee, head of the species conservation program at the Indian branch of the international conservation organization WWF.”But if we don’t wake up now, the only tigers we will see will be at the zoo.”
The number of tigers surveyed that year seemed to differ from conservation groups and the Indian government. It was stated that the government did not want to report that the number of animals had decreased as much as the wildlife groups had indicated.As the numbers dwindled in 2008 wildlife experts urged the government to save the felines.BBC reported then:
“It is now time to act and save tigers from human beings. We have to create inviolate areas for tigers and provide modern weapons to forest guards,” conservationist Valmik Thapar told Hindustan Times newspaper.
Valmir Thapar spoke to the Wall Street Journal about the demise of tigers in his native India.
In India, 18 per cent of the land that is left as forest land. As that land degrades, the water supply also degrades. The disappearance of the tiger is a sign of the destruction of the ecosystem, something that has an impact on the entire animal population including humans.It is becoming doubtful that the tiger population in India can be saved.Since as far back as 2005 the nation’s forest ministry sent warning bells to the government but the local authorities did not heed them.Dr Raghu Chundawat, an independent scientist is one of those who has been sounding alarms. He says that the state government is still refusing to listen to the seriousness of the problem.Ashok Kumar, deputy chair of the Wildlife Trust of India, believes that India can reverse the population decline with the tigers. “The long-term future of the tiger can be saved.”That hope is echoed by Madhya Pradesh’s forest minister Rajendra Shukla reports the BBC:
“Panna is our only park which has lost on this count,” he says. “Three of state’s reserve forests – Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench – have been adjudged among the best managed tiger reserves in the country.”
That statement though may be overly hopeful. Experts believe that the population is already to small for tigers to have a viable future. Even if the population could right itself the lack of law enforcement stopping poachers puts the situation on a downward spiral. Factoring in the ever expanding human population in the tiger’s habitat brings the chance of survival for this magnificent feline down even lower.Ireland Online reports:
“The government must address the core problem of sufficient protection.“Unless heads roll, translocation of animals is not going to help as these too might be lost and the situation will not change,” Mr Bhargav, a member of the National Board for Wildlife in India said.
Online money making
Do You Want a Massive Dollar Income, sitting right here in the UAE… Using only your computer and an Internet connection?
I and friend Siraj attended the above program at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel . Was it worth he has done his marketing well let uis think over since he is demanding AED 9000 plus for 2 day workshop plus one year free membership plus online VIP support.
I and friend Siraj attended the above program at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel . Was it worth he has done his marketing well let uis think over since he is demanding AED 9000 plus for 2 day workshop plus one year free membership plus online VIP support.
Travel By Metro
Traveled by metro yesterday with friends Safi and Sadiq . There were 5 stations which were closed on the way we travelled from Al Rigga to Mall of Emirates and back from Mall of Emirates to Union Square. The metro was launched in 09-09-2009 it took 5 months for us to take a trip was it right on our part as residents of dubai? Still we are yet to go to observation desk at Burj Khalifa the tallest man made structure in world.
Muslim Husband
Characteristics of a Muslim Husband (sure the same is applicable to every other husbands too) No one ever thinks about the characteristics of a Muslim husband. It is always what a wife should do for the husband...and the list never ends; home management, tutoring, ferrying the kids, caring, cooking, cleaning, washing, working, you name it, she is doing it. So what about the brothers? Our beloved Prophet SAW was not like this. So, why the men of this ummah ? It is quite interesting. So I thought I'd share it with you!!! What a Muslim husband should be like... 1. Dress up for your wife, look clean and smell good... When was the last time you went shopping for designer pyjamas? Just like the husband wants his wife to look nice for him, she also wants her husband to dress up for her too. Remember that the Prophet (PBUH) would always start with Miswak (brushing of the teeth) when returning home and always loved the sweetest smells. 2. Use the best names for your wife. Call your wife by the most beloved names to her, and avoid using names that hurt their feelings. 3. Don't treat her like a fly. We never think about a fly in our daily lives until it 'bugs' us. Similarly, a wife will do well all day - which brings no attention from the husband - until she does something to 'bug' him... Don't treat her like this; recognize all the good that she does and focus on that. 4. If you see wrong from your wife, try being silent and do not comment! This is one of the ways the Prophet (PBUH) used when he would see something inappropriate from his wives (R.A). It's a technique that few Muslim men have mastered. 5. Smile at your wife whenever you see her and embrace her often. Smiling is Sadaqah and your wife is not exempt from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling.Remember also those Ahadith when the Prophet (PBUH) would kiss his wife before leaving for Salaah, even when he was fasting. 6. Thank her for all that she does for you. Then thank her again! Take for example a dinner at your house. She makes the food, cleans the home, and a dozen other tasks to prepare. And sometimes the only acknowledgment she receives is that there needed to be more salt in the soup. Don't let that be; thank her! 7. Ask her to write down the last ten things you did for her that made her happy. Then go and do them again. It may be hard to recognize what gives your wife pleasure. You don't have to play a guessing game, ask her and work on repeating those times in your life. 8. Don't belittle her desires. Comfort her. Sometimes the men may look down upon the requests of their wives. The Prophet (PBUH) set the example for us in an incident when Safiyyah (R.A) was crying because, as she said, he had put her on a slow camel. He wiped her tears, comforted her, and brought her the camel. 9. Be humorous and play games with your wife. Look at how the Prophet (PBUH) would race with his wife Aisha (R.A) in the desert. When was the last time we did something like that? 10. Always remember the words of Allah's Messenger (PBUH): 'The best of you are those who treat their families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family.' Try to be the best! In conclusion: Never forget to make Dua to Allah - ta'ala to make your marriage successful. And Allah ta'ala knows best!! NOW BE BRAVE AND SEND THIS TO ALL YOUR MALE FRIENDS AND TO THE FEMALES
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Please rate this book bloggers. This book is referred in all the workshops debating quick money making. But in life there is a certain percentage of luck involved, offcourse there has to be an initiative but is quick money all in life or life means only money? There are more other things in future what is going to be the state of Charity , Non profit making institutions ? Will there be people who wish to indulge themselves in these activities.
May god save the world.
May god save the world.
Simple Life
18 Tips to Simplify Our Spending
The simplicity movement has swept across America. People are sick of the rat race-the fast-paced, stressful culture that has developed. They want to kick back, relax and live simpler, much less complicated lives.
Part of this means reducing the material objects that have cluttered our lives. Generally, it means living with less and being happy.
Sadly, Muslims are not immune from the rush for the material trappings of modern society. Muslims in some communities literally compete to see who has the bigger house, the nicest cars and clothes or the most expensive education.
But a Muslim was never supposed to live this way. He or she should be the representative of the "less is more" concept when it comes to material things. Some Muslims are, while others may be struggling to be. Others perhaps just want to get out of debt. Still others may want to completely revolutionize the way they've lived their lives and their finances are just another aspect of this.
Whatever your reasons, below are some tips to help you simplify your life's material side, and see the bigger picture.
Tip #1: Think about this Dua
"And of them (also) is he who says: 'Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire'" (Quran 2:201).
This is a common Dua of Muslims, and it indicates that we don't have to abstain from seeking the good in this world to attain good in the next.
Tip #2: Make your will
This may be scary but it will give you a true picture of where you are and where you have or want to be. Who doesn't want to die debt-free, with money left for loved ones? By making a will, you will see the bigger picture-how much you owe, how much you have left to give-and it could provide the much needed kick in the pants many of us need to start doing things we have to do to get our financial house in order.
Tip #3: Question your sources of income
Is it Halal? Where is my money coming from? These are life-changing questions. Be ready to take a hard look at the job you may have been doing for years. Be ready to take a drastic but gradual step towards an income that may be less but Halal as opposed to one that is more but Haram. When it comes to Halal income, less really is more in terms of blessings and protection from Allah's punishment.
Tip #4: Make a personal financial plan a second grader could understand
When people hear budget, they may think of cold accountants expressionlessly number crunching over a stack of papers. But your personal budget does not have to be this way. If you like computers, get a program that can help you do this. If not, get a notebook or folder and start doing this. Make it simple. Picture yourself as a second grader and ask yourself how you would budget your money. Remember, the only math functions you really need for this are what you probably learned in grade two: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, that's all.
The purpose is to help you identify where your money is really going, how you can pay off debts and spend your money more wisely.
Tip #5: Write down and pay off all of your debts
Whether it's the $20 you borrowed from your wife for your haircut last week, the $100 you were lent by your brother or your student loan, write down every debt that you have and incorporate repayment of all of your debts into your personal financial plan. In fact, set a specific part of your income whenever you receive it for this purpose only. Just start. Don't wait to have a big amount. Put in $5, $10, $15. Whatever the amount, begin today.
Tip #6: Avoid buying unless you've got the money
It's this very attitude that promoters of the credit card seek to change. They want you to think that this silly piece of plastic is the ticket to happiness. It means you can buy when, where and how you want.
Not true. Remember, if you buy on credit, you will have to deal with the stress of paying off this bill before the interest kicks in. If you don't, the original price will keep increasing. Not only is this a headache. Taking and paying interest is Haram.
Tip #7: Try to reduce borrowing
Unless it's really necessary, avoid borrowing money, even if it's interest-free from a relative or friend. This just adds to the stress of constantly remembering that you have to pay someone back and it takes away from your ability to spend on what is really important. In some cases, it can have a negative effect on relationships with people (if the lenders are family or close friends). Pay off what you have left and try to avoid this habit. If you practice tip #2, you will have have less of this problem, Insha Allah.
Tip #8: Don't use shopping as a fix
Shopping is not simply a mechanical activity in our culture. It's what many do when they are depressed or want to have a good time. Whether it's the teenagers who hang out at the mall, or those who see getting groceries on Saturdays as a family trip, shopping has become recreation. Make a rule that you will not go shopping unless you have an exact item you want to buy or some real work to do. Then take up some other interesting activity to replace your fix: family time, a Halaqa, sports, reading, etc.
Tip #9: Read this Dua before entering the shopping mall or market
La ilaha illallahu Wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulko wa la hul hamdo youh yee wa youmeetu wa huwa hayyu la yamooto bi yadihil khayru wa huwa 'ala kulli shayin qadeer.
Translation: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is living and does not die. In His hand is all good and He is over all things, omnipotent.
This was reported in Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim
Tip #10: Try to avoid shopping without a list
And stick to it, even if there are only one or two items on it. Normally, people use this for groceries but the concept can be extended to buying clothes, shoes, etc. If you can stick to the list, you can see beyond the fancy marketing gimmicks at the front of the store and just walk right to wherever you have to go, get what you have to get, and leave without being suckered into buying some useless knickknack or other object on sale that day.
Tip #11: Set a quota for your obsessions
Tell yourself you will not spend more than say, $50 per month on things that aren't really necessary, but you like to have (i.e. lots of clothes, chocolate, junk food, computer games and videos, etc.) or whatever your obsession is. Then keep only this amount in your wallet. Don't withdraw any more from your account.
Tip #12: Give, give, give
Sadaqa does not decrease wealth. Be on the lookout for opportunities to give (i.e. Ramadan, if you know a relative or another Muslim in need, etc. ).
Tip #13: Treat interest like the disgusting thing that it is
When you start to refocus and begin to identify the Halal and Haram of your financial life, you will see that perhaps many of the things you used to do (i.e. your source of income or how you spent it) are not in line with Islamic values. Giving and taking interest is one of these (to see why it's not in tune with Islam, check out Verses of the Quran and Ahadith about Money Matters. Treat interest like what it is: a disgusting disease that enslaves people and makes them miserable. Be conscious of it and avoid it at all costs, no matter how little. Encourage others to do the same.
Tip #14: Save a specific percentage of your money
This is not so you can hoard lots of money. Emergencies happen. Your savings can help you out here. Or you lose your job and you're the sole supporter of your family. Your savings can help you in the short-term by at least covering the bare necessities until some other arrangement is worked out.
Tip #15: Resist the urge to "keep up with the Jameels"
The Jameels got a new house. But then the Syeds got a bigger one. In response the Sakrs got a mansion. And the cycle continues. This kind of competition for material things is another example of material enslavement. Resist the urge to keep up with the Jameels or anyone else for that matter. If the pressure is too intense, consider widening your circle of friends to those who don't base their relationship with you on how much money you make or how many cars you have.
Tip #16: If you can, chuck the T.V. or reduce how often your kids, especially, watch it
Television is one of the best things to ever happen to peddlers of toys, weight loss gimmicks and insecurity. Getting rid of it or reducing its consumption, especially for your kids, will decrease the need to buy the latest action figure, Barbie and what not. That doesn't mean the desire will go away. But when kids (adults as well) are not bombarded with daily messages feeding on their need to have the same toys or insecurities their friends have, these items will have less importance and help reduce the need to use material things as a source of personal satisfaction. (See Sound Vision's UnTV guide)
Tip #17: Do Istikhara before buying major items
An interesting true story: a sister and her husband went to buy a sofa. They found two they liked. They decided to do Salatul Istikhara. When they got back to the store, one of the sofas was sold. The lesson: (for me at least) before buying big ticket items, seek Allah's guidance and help, and He will give you what is best. It will also give you time to think about whether or not you want to spend over $500 on something or look for something cheaper.
Tip #18: Imagine yourself as a traveler
What do you notice about travelers? They are focused on their destination, and keep very few things that will load them down. Our destination as Muslims, Insha Allah is Jannah. We need to keep our eyes focused there. That also means not getting too bogged down in things like fancy homes and cars (which are almost always purchased using interest. See some choices without Riba).
The simplicity movement has swept across America. People are sick of the rat race-the fast-paced, stressful culture that has developed. They want to kick back, relax and live simpler, much less complicated lives.
Part of this means reducing the material objects that have cluttered our lives. Generally, it means living with less and being happy.
Sadly, Muslims are not immune from the rush for the material trappings of modern society. Muslims in some communities literally compete to see who has the bigger house, the nicest cars and clothes or the most expensive education.
But a Muslim was never supposed to live this way. He or she should be the representative of the "less is more" concept when it comes to material things. Some Muslims are, while others may be struggling to be. Others perhaps just want to get out of debt. Still others may want to completely revolutionize the way they've lived their lives and their finances are just another aspect of this.
Whatever your reasons, below are some tips to help you simplify your life's material side, and see the bigger picture.
Tip #1: Think about this Dua
"And of them (also) is he who says: 'Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire'" (Quran 2:201).
This is a common Dua of Muslims, and it indicates that we don't have to abstain from seeking the good in this world to attain good in the next.
Tip #2: Make your will
This may be scary but it will give you a true picture of where you are and where you have or want to be. Who doesn't want to die debt-free, with money left for loved ones? By making a will, you will see the bigger picture-how much you owe, how much you have left to give-and it could provide the much needed kick in the pants many of us need to start doing things we have to do to get our financial house in order.
Tip #3: Question your sources of income
Is it Halal? Where is my money coming from? These are life-changing questions. Be ready to take a hard look at the job you may have been doing for years. Be ready to take a drastic but gradual step towards an income that may be less but Halal as opposed to one that is more but Haram. When it comes to Halal income, less really is more in terms of blessings and protection from Allah's punishment.
Tip #4: Make a personal financial plan a second grader could understand
When people hear budget, they may think of cold accountants expressionlessly number crunching over a stack of papers. But your personal budget does not have to be this way. If you like computers, get a program that can help you do this. If not, get a notebook or folder and start doing this. Make it simple. Picture yourself as a second grader and ask yourself how you would budget your money. Remember, the only math functions you really need for this are what you probably learned in grade two: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, that's all.
The purpose is to help you identify where your money is really going, how you can pay off debts and spend your money more wisely.
Tip #5: Write down and pay off all of your debts
Whether it's the $20 you borrowed from your wife for your haircut last week, the $100 you were lent by your brother or your student loan, write down every debt that you have and incorporate repayment of all of your debts into your personal financial plan. In fact, set a specific part of your income whenever you receive it for this purpose only. Just start. Don't wait to have a big amount. Put in $5, $10, $15. Whatever the amount, begin today.
Tip #6: Avoid buying unless you've got the money
It's this very attitude that promoters of the credit card seek to change. They want you to think that this silly piece of plastic is the ticket to happiness. It means you can buy when, where and how you want.
Not true. Remember, if you buy on credit, you will have to deal with the stress of paying off this bill before the interest kicks in. If you don't, the original price will keep increasing. Not only is this a headache. Taking and paying interest is Haram.
Tip #7: Try to reduce borrowing
Unless it's really necessary, avoid borrowing money, even if it's interest-free from a relative or friend. This just adds to the stress of constantly remembering that you have to pay someone back and it takes away from your ability to spend on what is really important. In some cases, it can have a negative effect on relationships with people (if the lenders are family or close friends). Pay off what you have left and try to avoid this habit. If you practice tip #2, you will have have less of this problem, Insha Allah.
Tip #8: Don't use shopping as a fix
Shopping is not simply a mechanical activity in our culture. It's what many do when they are depressed or want to have a good time. Whether it's the teenagers who hang out at the mall, or those who see getting groceries on Saturdays as a family trip, shopping has become recreation. Make a rule that you will not go shopping unless you have an exact item you want to buy or some real work to do. Then take up some other interesting activity to replace your fix: family time, a Halaqa, sports, reading, etc.
Tip #9: Read this Dua before entering the shopping mall or market
La ilaha illallahu Wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulko wa la hul hamdo youh yee wa youmeetu wa huwa hayyu la yamooto bi yadihil khayru wa huwa 'ala kulli shayin qadeer.
Translation: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is living and does not die. In His hand is all good and He is over all things, omnipotent.
This was reported in Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim
Tip #10: Try to avoid shopping without a list
And stick to it, even if there are only one or two items on it. Normally, people use this for groceries but the concept can be extended to buying clothes, shoes, etc. If you can stick to the list, you can see beyond the fancy marketing gimmicks at the front of the store and just walk right to wherever you have to go, get what you have to get, and leave without being suckered into buying some useless knickknack or other object on sale that day.
Tip #11: Set a quota for your obsessions
Tell yourself you will not spend more than say, $50 per month on things that aren't really necessary, but you like to have (i.e. lots of clothes, chocolate, junk food, computer games and videos, etc.) or whatever your obsession is. Then keep only this amount in your wallet. Don't withdraw any more from your account.
Tip #12: Give, give, give
Sadaqa does not decrease wealth. Be on the lookout for opportunities to give (i.e. Ramadan, if you know a relative or another Muslim in need, etc. ).
Tip #13: Treat interest like the disgusting thing that it is
When you start to refocus and begin to identify the Halal and Haram of your financial life, you will see that perhaps many of the things you used to do (i.e. your source of income or how you spent it) are not in line with Islamic values. Giving and taking interest is one of these (to see why it's not in tune with Islam, check out Verses of the Quran and Ahadith about Money Matters. Treat interest like what it is: a disgusting disease that enslaves people and makes them miserable. Be conscious of it and avoid it at all costs, no matter how little. Encourage others to do the same.
Tip #14: Save a specific percentage of your money
This is not so you can hoard lots of money. Emergencies happen. Your savings can help you out here. Or you lose your job and you're the sole supporter of your family. Your savings can help you in the short-term by at least covering the bare necessities until some other arrangement is worked out.
Tip #15: Resist the urge to "keep up with the Jameels"
The Jameels got a new house. But then the Syeds got a bigger one. In response the Sakrs got a mansion. And the cycle continues. This kind of competition for material things is another example of material enslavement. Resist the urge to keep up with the Jameels or anyone else for that matter. If the pressure is too intense, consider widening your circle of friends to those who don't base their relationship with you on how much money you make or how many cars you have.
Tip #16: If you can, chuck the T.V. or reduce how often your kids, especially, watch it
Television is one of the best things to ever happen to peddlers of toys, weight loss gimmicks and insecurity. Getting rid of it or reducing its consumption, especially for your kids, will decrease the need to buy the latest action figure, Barbie and what not. That doesn't mean the desire will go away. But when kids (adults as well) are not bombarded with daily messages feeding on their need to have the same toys or insecurities their friends have, these items will have less importance and help reduce the need to use material things as a source of personal satisfaction. (See Sound Vision's UnTV guide)
Tip #17: Do Istikhara before buying major items
An interesting true story: a sister and her husband went to buy a sofa. They found two they liked. They decided to do Salatul Istikhara. When they got back to the store, one of the sofas was sold. The lesson: (for me at least) before buying big ticket items, seek Allah's guidance and help, and He will give you what is best. It will also give you time to think about whether or not you want to spend over $500 on something or look for something cheaper.
Tip #18: Imagine yourself as a traveler
What do you notice about travelers? They are focused on their destination, and keep very few things that will load them down. Our destination as Muslims, Insha Allah is Jannah. We need to keep our eyes focused there. That also means not getting too bogged down in things like fancy homes and cars (which are almost always purchased using interest. See some choices without Riba).
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