21 Mar 2016

SUBMITTING TO ALLAH



1) This time, I would like to share a very fantastic, simple and meaningful book wrote by my beloved teacher, Madam Nurnazida Nazri. As I read the book, I believe that she wrote it with her soul with the intention to pull us closer to Allah.


2) Nothing is perfect is this world. We are not perfect as well. But Allah cited in the Quran Surah At-Tin verse 4 as: 

"We have indeed created man in the best of moulds"

As mankind, We are the best creature ever created by Allah. A great capabilities are bestowed on us to see whether we are grateful or not.


3) As far as we concern, we might complain or grumble against something  that unease us. Isn't it? It it normal for us right? But this book definitely will make us realize that our life is too short to spend with grumbling and dissatisfaction. Further, with this book I believe that we can comprehend Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216 of Quran better which cited:

"Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not"  


4) As for me, the book pictured and illustrated my life very well especially on part of my marriage. I got married during my pupillage period. Of course its quite early to start a family when most of your friends still enjoy being a single. Honestly, the allowance that I earned that time was not much compared to my commitments. Nevertheless, I still firmly decided to get married and start a new life with wifey.


5) We must have faith that 'rezeki' solely come from Allah. It is the total submission to Allah, that we shall practice instead of begging for a sympathy.  Of course it is not only about 'rezeki', but everything that ever happen to us are from Allah. After all, submitting to Allah is the most important thing to do as a servant of His Almighty to surf a better life. 

Celebrate our anniversary 

Everytime we eat cake, it reminds us about Submitting to Allah ;)


p/s: you can get this book from Madam Nazida at ziedanazri@gmail.com. My wife and I rated the book as follows: (1-10 points)

Price
10/10
Only RM10
Content
9/10
Superb
Design
9/10
Simple & interesting
Mobility
8/10
Small size & thin

27 Jan 2016

LEAVE THE OFFICE AT 5 P.M.



Credit to Stephanie Vozza

PUTTING IN LATE NIGHTS AT THE OFFICE DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN YOU ARE WORKING HARDER. HERE'S HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR DAYS TO GET EVERYTHING DONE.

If you’re still at the office after 6 p.m., the problem probably isn’t your workload; you might not be working efficiently.

"It’s extremely difficult if not impossible to get out of the office by 5 p.m. if you’re disorganized," says Laura Stack, author of Doing the Right Things Right: How the Effective Executive Spends Time. "People are working far too long and far too hard because they are inefficient, disorganized, and waste time during the day."

Part of the problem is that boundaries around work hours have become blurred. "It’s rare to find someone who works from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then turns it off for the day," says Stack. "Most of us bring work home, check emails, and make calls while at our child’s baseball practice."
If you focus on being more productive at the office, however, you can leave on time. But it won’t happen on its own. Here are seven habits that will help you get out the door and home before dinner:

Many people don’t leave work on time simply because they don’t set the expectation that they will, says career coach Lea McLeod.
"Instead, they simply go with the flow of the workday, working on whatever comes their way and neglecting to block time on their calendar for priority work," she says. "Then, at the end of the day, there’s still a pile of work to do—all because they didn’t plan for 5 p.m."

In the morning, identify what time you want to leave that night. Put it on your calendar, set an alarm on your mobile phone, or simply make a psychological commitment to that departure time, suggests McLeod.

"It can also help to join a class or social group that meets at a set time after work, which will give you an extra incentive to manage your day to get out of work on time," she says. Or for working parents, a set day-care pick-up time can be a strong motivation to make sure you make it out the door on time.

You can tell what a person truly values by looking at two things: their checkbook and their calendar, says Kevin Kruse, author of 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management. "Most people would claim they value their family and friends. Most people would say their goal is to be a great parent. Most people would say their health is important to them. But our actions reveal the truth," he says.
The secret is to be crystal-clear as to what you truly value, and then schedule your time appropriately. Highly successful people think through their priorities, schedule time for each, and then enough is enough, says Kruse.

When you tell your colleagues and boss the time you plan to leave, you’ll be more likely to follow through, says McLeod. Set expectations by defining boundaries.
For example, tell your colleagues, "I’ve got to be out of here on time tonight, so if you need something, let me know by 3 p.m.," she suggests.

"By encouraging your coworkers to give you as much notice as possible for any requests and setting the expectation that you won’t be available in the early evening, you’ll avoid unnecessary last-minute assignments or meetings," she says.

"Be assertive," adds Stack. "Don’t be afraid to tell others, ‘I leave work at 5 p.m., on time, every day. I have a 5:30 commitment I must adhere to.’ It’s none of their business that your commitment is with yourself or your family. People tend to support others when their goals are made public."

If you’re spending your time on low-value items such as answering emails and scheduling meetings, chance are you won’t get the important things done. This can make you work late to finish your critical work, says McLeod.

To stay on track, she suggests creating a list with two columns. On the left side, list the three to five most critical priorities you’re responsible for. On the right side, list all the activities you do during the day.

"At the end of the day, match it up," says McLeod. "How much of what you accomplished on the right side was in direct support of your key priorities on the left? If you don’t have a stellar match-up, you should re-evaluate the work you’re choosing to do throughout the day."

If you have control over meeting times, make sure the latest one starts at 4 p.m. and is scheduled to end at 4:30 p.m.
"Block out your calendar beginning at 4 p.m. every day so people can’t schedule with you," says Stack. "And don’t ask people to begin projects at 4:45 p.m. Respect their right to a life, too."

You won’t get out the door on time if you don’t give yourself time to wind things down, says McLeod. She suggests blocking out the 20 minutes prior to your planned departure to finish up details, such as filing papers, organizing your workspace, and making sure all essential email is cleared out.

"Treat these last few minutes like an important meeting with your boss or a client," she says. "Don’t let anything interfere with it, and don’t let anybody schedule in one last meeting with you. This is a priority time slot that’s non-negotiable."

There will always be things on your to-do list and fires to put out, but you don’t have to be a slave to it, says Kruse.

"This is one of those simple concepts that, once it truly sinks in, can dramatically change your life," he says. "The hard truth is that there will always be more to do, so it’s up to you to decide—regardless of the to-do list or the fire to put out—how much time you’re willing to invest at work each day."



source from: http://www.fastcompany.com/3055491/second-shift/7-habits-of-parents-who-leave-the-office-at-5-pm-guilt-free



CALLED TO THE BAR - Advocate & Solicitor / Peguambela & Peguamcara

1) Alhamdulillah..Praise to Allah for giving me a chance to share this valuable experience  with all of you. 

2) First and foremost, I was graduated from University Utara Malaysia in November 2014 with Bachelor of Law (Hons) after 4 years struggled with the law principles laid down by Lord Diplock, Lord Denning, Azlan Shah J and many others. Upon graduation, the first thing that came into my mind was whether I should further another 9 months chambering (then the law graduate will be qualified as an 'Advocate & Solicitor of High Court of Malaya', if otherwise, NO) or further my study at postgraduate level.
My Convocation Day in November 2014

3) After Istikharah (pray to Allah, ask Him for His Guidance), I've made up my mind to challenge myself to kill 2 birds with 1 stone (thanks to my beloved wife for corrected me right on this idiom..haha..). Yes, I've decided to further my chambering at Messrs Zulpadli & Edham and pursued my postgraduate study at Islamic International University of Malaysia (IIUM) in LL.M Islamic Banking & Finance simultaneously. 

4) I started my chambering in August 2014. During my pupillage period, it was a quite terrible life I ever had due to the tonnes of workloads and daily court duty assigned to me. As a chambee (trainee lawyer), I was exposed to the various field of works such as pleading drafting (affidavit, submissions, statement of claim, statement of defence and etc), opinion writing skill , client counselling, marketing skills and etc. Thank you to my supervisor which was also acting as my mentor, sifu, and brother, Mr Mohamad Hanafi bin Jantan (ZNE's lawyer in 2014 but currently he is a Partner at ZNE, Congratss!!) for your efforts in brought me up in this legal career.   

ZNE's family in Langkawi 2015

5) In September 2014, I was enrolled as a LL.M postgraduate candidate on part-time basis. Currently, I am in 3rd semester (2 more semesters to go). Alhamdulillah, Allah gave me this opportunity to further my study up to this level which had opened my eyes on Islamic banking industry. Actually, my classmates came from various background such as Lawyers, Bankers, Shariah Court Judge, Public Prosecutor, Ambassador, Custom officer, Shariah advisers and many more. I felt blessed to know these people because they are older than me in terms of experiences and knowledge. Frankly speaking, they are the people who never looked down on me despite being a freshie seating besides them in the class. 

 
Officially admitted on September 2014

My beloved classmates. Maybe I'm the youngest in this family..
6) In March 2015, my life totally changed. My status changed from 'Single' to 'Married'. Alhamdulillah, Praise to Allah. Our wedding ran smoothly and I felt like "I am King, today" haha. To all my beloved brothers, do expedite your marriage if you can afford for it. There are many reasons behind it, trust me.  All in all, it depends on ourselves how to drive the success in the world and hereafter as it purports to be.    


7) During the Labour Day, Messrs Zulpadli & Edham (ZNE) had sponsored a vacation for all its staffs including the chambees as well. We were sponsored to Langkawi Island for 3 days and 2 nights (Actually, Langkawi is my hometown..hehe). However, something bad happened to me on that day. Unluckily, I was collapsed unconscious then admitted to the Langkawi Hospital for about 9 days due to the spontaneous pneomothorax (the sudden collapse of lung). It happened out of sudden and it shocked my whole family and ZNE comrades. Luckily, my parents and lovely wife were there to be with me. After 1 month on leave, I went back to KL to continue my pupillage as usual same goes to my wife too. 
My dear wife never left me for a while on the bed. Love you, my dear.
 8) After went through such a difficult time, my wife and I successfully completed our pupillage period and will be called to the Bar soon. My wife was called to the Bar on 4th September 2015. I was so proud of her and I wish that she would success in her postgraduate study in UKM. I believe that she will be a successful mom in near future, InsyaAllah aminnnn..

Pertaining to my petition for admission as an Advocate & Solicitor, I was called to the Bar on 16 October 2015 (a bit late as compared to my wife's call due to the technical problem caused by the Bar Council). It's OK as long as I am qualified as a lawyer NOW.

Admitted as an Advocate & Solictor of High Court of Malaya

My wife admitted as an Advocate & Solictor of High Court of Malaya

That's all for this entry. I hope that I will come out with a better writing in the future and pray all the best for you guys. GOOD LUCK !!

"SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY" 


21 Jan 2016

The Concept and Benefits of Takaful

CONCEPT OF TAKAFUL
In principle, Takaful system is based on mutual co-operation, responsibility, assurance, protection and assistance between groups of participants. In other words, it is the provision of shared contributions to help those who are in need.
These fundamentals are based on the Holy Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. Some of the examples are: -

1. Basis of Cooperation
Allah said, “Help Ye one another in righteousness and piety but help ye not one another in sin and rancor...” (Al Maidah: 2).

Allah will always help His servant for as long as he helps others. (Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Imam Abu Daud).



2. Basis of Responsibility
The place of relationships and feelings of people with faith, between each other, is just like the body; when one of its parts is afflicted with pain, then the rest of the body will be affected.(Narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim).
One true Muslim (Mu’min) and another true Muslim (Mu’min) is just like a building whereby every part in it strengthens the other part. (Narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim).

3. Basis of Mutual Protection
By my life, which is in Allah’s power, nobody will enter Paradise if he does not protect his neighbor who is in distress. (Narratted by Imam Ahmad)

Based on the above basis, Islamic scholars had decided that there should be concerted effort to implement the Takaful concept as the best way to resolve these needs.

4. Understanding the Takaful Contract
Although the concept of insurance is permissible under Shariah Law, certain practices in conventional insurance breach Shariah Law. The current Takaful practice uses a combination of two types of main ‘Aqad (contracts).; These are the contract of Tabarru’ (Donation) and contract of Wakalah (Agency) which are free from the elements of (Riba) usury, wager or Maisir (gambling) and Gharar (Uncertainty). The Takaful system stresses the spirit of co-operation and joint responsibility among participants.


BENEFITS OF TAKAFUL
Through the spirit of cooperation and joint-responsibilities among participant, the act of charity and benevolence allows participants the opportunity to obtain two forms of benefit. First the monetary benefits through the Takaful plan itself. Secondly the “benefits” in the spiritual sense, through the act of Tabarru’ (donation), participants will receive God’s grace and blessings in life Hereafter. The Takaful system does not differentiate color or creed; it is meant to benefit all participants, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

(Credit to Takaful Ikhlas Berhad)



Mohd Fakhri
Wakil Takaful Ikhlas
013-3202052

20 Jan 2016

Student's Life : Poor vs Rich

Assalamualaikum..

1) Recently, we were exposed by the social media viral about a number of hungry students queued for the sponsored food. Sad to say but that was the reality happened among the students, especially to the undergraduate. Some of them only lunch or dinner with Maggi. 

2) In reality, most of them are funded by PTPTN, while others might be a scholarship holders (JPA, Petronas, Sime Darby & etc, of course they are very lucky..) and the rest by FAMA (father & mother) sponsorship.



3) During my time at UUM, I had a few friends who took lunch & dinner only with Maggi. When I asked, some of them told me that they had to spend prudently (eat 'nasi bujang', maggie & all cheap foods) in order to survive until the end of semester. For those who dont know what 'nasi bujang' is, you guys can ask univ students. Of course they will be so excited to explain to you. Maybe at UiTM, it is famous as 'Nasi Goreng Student' which only cost RM2.50/plate (during my time in 2009). I guess may be now up to RM3.00 to RM4.00 (due to GST perhaps).

4) For me, it depends on the students themselves on how to manage their own pocket money. PTPTN holder might received RM2,000/semester (after deduct the study fees). Previously, I used 1/3 of the money as capital to set up business. I still remember during my 2nd semester, I started my first business to sell health supplement known as QSI Genius. Even though my profit was not much as compared to other business, that experience taught me to be independent and creative in generating sales.  


5) Next, I ran few other businesses during my study time. The businesses are:
  • 2012 - Supply 'dadih' Warisan to all over cafeterias in UUM. I believe the UUM Student that time really addicted to my 'dadih' (They said "this 'dadih' dah jadi dadah" laa..haha).
  • 2013 - Sell 'kebab' Melawati Doonia to all student's residency blocks. I appointed a few students to be my agent in each particular block.
  • 2014 - Open stall 'Roti Impit Ayamazz' or now known as Ayamazz Frankbunz. This business was shared equally among my  UUM Law Society collegues.

6) All in all, I had gained such a valuable experience during my study time from all these businesses. From there, I learnt a lot especially in business operation,  cash flow management and etc. I believe that such lessons wouldn't be taught in the classroom. So, students shall quit from their comfort zone in order to strive for a better achievement in life.  


The Dean List Award was delivered by Assoc. Professor Dr Rusniah Ahmad to our outstanding final year LL.B student.







19 Jan 2016

WHAT IS UNIT TRUST (Part 1)

I would like to share about Unit Trust. In general, unit trusts are a form of collective investment that allows investors with similar investment objectives to pool their funds to be invested in a portfolio of securities or other assets. A professional fund manager then invests the pooled funds in a portfolio which may include the asset classes listed below:
  1. Cash
  2. Bonds & Deposits
  3. Shares
  4. Properties
  5. Commodities.
Unit holders do not own the securities in the portfolio directly. Ownership of the fund is divided into units of entitlement. As the fund increases or decreases in value, the value of each unit increases or decreases accordingly. The number of units held depends on the unit purchase price at the time of investment and the amount of money invested.


The return on investment of unit holders is usually in the form of income distribution and capital appreciation, derived from the pool of assets supporting the unit trust fund. Each unit earns an equal return, determined by the level of distribution and/or capital appreciation in any one period.

Unit trust investors are typically those with savings to invest, who neither have the time nor the inclination to hold portfolios of direct investments or shares. Rather, they prefer to invest in a secure, reputable investment vehicle which suits their purposes. 

We can choose Public Mutual Berhad as our fund manager in relation to this Unit Trust investment. For Muslim, there are many Shariah-compliant fund had been established out there especially by the Public Mutual Berhad. Thus, we may invest in such funds which permissible according to Shariah principle.

To be continued (Part 2)..

Assalamualaikum..

January 2016 - Starting a journey as a Corporate Lawyer in Kuala Lumpur. I will keep share with you guys the life as corpie. Stay tune!!