The Barakah Effect

Reeza shares insights from Surah Al-Furqan on Muslim character traits. Topics include patience, kindness in conflict, and the power of comprehensive Du'ah. Discusses qualities of Eba'adur-Rahman and importance of reflection, as well as the art of patience and choosing silence.

Delve into the importance of sincerity in all aspects of life, from parenting challenges to seeking approval. Explore the power of intentions in pleasing Allah and aligning daily activities with worship. Reflect on society's perception of exercise and setting long-term goals for productivity. Guard sincerity in good deeds and parental influence for future success. Emphasize the significance of sincere intentions in achieving happiness and fulfillment.

The podcast explores the evolution of fiqh and why there are differences of opinion in Islamic jurisprudence. It discusses the historical divisions in Islamic prayer practices and the impact of historical events on the evolution of fiqh. The importance of respect and open-mindedness in Islamic jurisprudence is emphasized. A book review of 'Evolution of Fiqh' is also included, highlighting its foundational importance.

In this episode, we tackle the common challenge of procrastination and share effective strategies to overcome it. Join us as we explore the negative consequences of delaying tasks and how they can lead to missed opportunities. We begin by discussing the definition of procrastination and its psychological impact. Through personal anecdotes and experiences, we open up about our own battles with procrastination and the areas we have successfully overcome. From managing professional certifications to quitting harmful habits, we reveal the turning points and strategies that helped us break free from the cycle of procrastination. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, understanding the psychological discomfort that comes with delaying tasks and finding ways to overcome negative emotions. We share practical techniques, such as breaking tasks into smaller, achievable milestones, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals for support, and embracing the power of accountability. Join us as we navigate the journey from procrastination to productivity, sharing insights, tips, and inspiration along the way. If you're tired of letting procrastination hinder your progress, this episode is for you. Tune in to the Barakah Effect Podcast and start unlocking your full potential today. Don't forget to leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Together, let's conquer procrastination and embrace a more productive and fulfilling life. 0:00:00 Start  0:04:33 Overview: Themes of discussion 0:07:36 PART 1: Real Examples - Our procrastination stories 0:20:30 PART 2: why do we procrastinate? What actually causes procrastination?  0:32:46 Perfectionism: the mother of procrastination? 😱 0:38:00 the Snowball-Avalanche Effect  0:39:58 PART 3: Whats the big deal? Why is this topic of procrastination so important?  0:49:19 PART 4: The "How" - strategies in overcoming procrastination 0:50:46 Breaking it down to digestible, workable chunks 0:54:59 Gaining momentum and the Pomodoro technique  0:57:38 Five-second rule  Use Checklists  1:02:50 Learn! Equip yourself with knowledge of anti-procrastination tools 1:10:28 Surround yourself with like-minded peers  1:14:04 Create a sense of Urgency & Accountability  1:19:40 Striving and willpower? Mujahadah

Assalamualaikum - hi friends! For this episode, I reviewed one of my favourite books: “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if your life depended on it.”  Authored by Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator for over 20 years, Chris shares some practical, tried-and-tested negotiation tactics, bringing forth many interesting real-life applications throughout his hostage negotiation experience and how we can apply those techniques in everyday scenarios. I gotta admit… Before I read this book, I had zero interest in the subject of “negotiation” - to me. I have always perceived negotiation as something sleazy and manipulative or being forcing people. Besides, I always thought: why bother? I barely ever have to use it in my day-to-day responsibilities in my job, anyway.  This book totally changed my mind. Turns out, what I thought was “negotiation”: that was actually terrible negotiation! As Chris Voss highlights, effective negotiation is about emotional intelligence, active listening, empathy, perspective-shifting, and even being cheerful (who would have thought?). Mind you, we’re talking about a guy who used to deal with terrorists, here! Not only did the book convince me to appreciate negotiation, it also completely expanded the ideas about what negotiation is about, with how practical and effective the techniques are in every day application: not only in the many facets and dimensions at the workplace, as an engineer, manager, subordinate, and presenter, but also in surprising other applications in my personal life, such as effective parenting, day to day conversations, and yes - even da'wah! Above all, this book did to me what I thought was impossible: to actually ENJOY negotiation. And to appreciate it as one of the most important life skills you can learn. I mean, one of the techniques of the book - Mirroring - was so effective, that the author said that people think it’s some kind of Jedi Mind trick. Dude. A book that teaches you to be a Jedi. Need I say more? Join us for our review of “Never Split the Difference”, and strap yourselves in for a paradigm shift of one of the most surprisingly important and effective life skills we can possess! -Faisal

How is your iman after Ramadan? Do you feel like your righteous deeds have taken a dip (or a tumble) since the arrival of Shawwal? If you’re anything like us, this slump we’re experiencing makes Ramadan might feel like such a distant past: though it’s barely even been a month! Feelings like these are normal. What we SHOULD do is pick ourselves up, reforge our motivation and regain our focus. Join us this Sunday, 21st May, at 11:00am (GMT +8), as we discuss and brainstorm some practical ideas to try to help each other get back on track, discover inspiration to motivate one another, and find reasons to be optimistic post-Ramadan. As always, we would also love to hear from you if you have any practical ideas and suggestions to share with the rest of us. See you there! BarakAllahu fikum

Al-Fatihah. We recite this surah a minimum of 17 times a day, every day - even more so if we do additional sunnah prayers, especially throughout this blessed month of Ramadan. Yet, how many of us truly ponder and reflect upon its meanings, let alone internalize them and translate them into action? How many of us truly feel the great honor of repeatedly reciting the greatest surah in the Final Revelation of Allah, and allow these Divine Words to have an effect on our lives? Or has our recitation of Al-Fatihah become a mundane, mechanical act, devoid of soul or of any impact to our hearts - Mere words of repetition that we utter just to get it over and done with and move on? Join us on Sunday, 16th April on 11:00am (GMT +8) for this fifth and final series of Treasures from Qur'an! As we close upon the final days of Ramadan, Brother Faisal will share some reflections upon the greatest surah of the Qur'an, Al-Fatihah: ✅ How Allah uses concise, powerful Words in Al-Fatihah to re-orient our purpose and goals in life, while nurturing positive, productive mindsets in our lives such as gratitude, love, focus, togetherness, humility, forgiveness, and more ✅ As we perform our 5-daily prayers recite Al-Fatihah throughout the course of our day to day lives - as we are working, studying, taking care of our families, going through challenges - How we benefit put this recitation into practice, so it can be something that can transform our akhlaq, our attitude, and hence improve ourselves towards becoming better human beings for the sake of Allah See you there, insha Allah! BarakAllahu fikum

Sabbihisma rabbikal a'laa - "سَبِّحِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ ٱلْأَعْلَى" - The opening words of a surah we hear being recited every night in Ramadan, on witr prayers at the end of Solat Taraweeh. And even more so, as some imams recite every Friday in Jumaah prayers.  What is the significance of this surah?  What are the key messages behind them, and hence, what are the wisdom behind why the Prophet ﷺ repeatedly recite it so frequently in many different prayers, and by extension, taught us to do so? For this week's session Treasures from Qur'an, brother Aziz will be sharing from Surah Al-A'laa, the 87th Surah from the Book of Allah.  Join us, together, we ponder and reflect upon the Divine Words of the Almighty, extracting some important life lessons and practical wisdoms from the Final Revelation.

Of the amazing miracles of the Quran is that its concise words are filled with depth and can make the heart tremble out of awe and submission. These are parts of the reasons why the Quran is a mercy to the believers, a constant reminder and guidance to a straight path for the ones who reflect and whose hearts are attentive. Come & join us this Sunday 2nd March 2023 on the 11th day of Ramadan 1444AH, as we continue the "Treasures from Qur'an" series to reflect upon the Divine Words of the Almighty, extracting some important life lessons and practical wisdoms from the 102nd Surah: At-Takathur presented by brother Reeza.

Allah started off by reminding us all about the reality of a human being- that we were once nothing, unknown to the world - so that we are humbled by the greatness of Allah and realize that we are not anything except with the Will and the Power of Allah.  Brothers and sisters, these are the beginning words of Allah in Surah al-Insan. Hence, in the second part of "Treasures from Qur'an" series, the The Barakah Effect will be talking about Surah al-Insan, a brief overview of the surah and verses that resonate with us the most.  Come & join us this on our double-weekend special of Treasures from Qur'an, starting this Saturday 1st April 2023 on the 10th day of Ramadan 1444AH, as together, we ponder and reflect upon the Divine Words of the Almighty, extracting some important life lessons and practical wisdoms from the Final Revelation.