For example, you have your job, the kids need something, the chores need to be done and you want to focus on your spirituality, just to name a few. Given the endless to-do lists, it’s often difficult to know where or how to slot relaxation in.

In this article, I hope to show you how you can make the time to truly unwind and relax without feeling like you’d rather get something else done!

Is relaxation a waste of time?

Imagine this scenario: you have a deadline to meet, perhaps for work or school/university. You cannot possibly take a break or unwind for a while. You think working all night will be productive – you’ve seen other people doing it so surely it must be productive, right? Wrong!

It is clear from the life of Prophet Muhammad that there needs to be boundaries between time for work and for ‘play’. In other words, he worked productively for a set time and then rested productively when needed. There are countless examples from the seerah showing us how Prophet Muhammad used to carry out his duties and then spend his time with his wives and with the sahabah (companions). The Prophet Muhammad is certainly the most productive of creation; his life is an example of how to use our time productively and, in turn, relax productively. Relaxing productively is about changing our definition and perception of what relaxation is. Even sleeping with the intention of re-energising yourself for worship and fulfilling your duties is rewardable. This completely refutes the notion that relaxation is a waste of time! In fact, I would say it is a necessary thing to schedule, so women do not burn out with all the different roles they have to fulfill, so using resources like massage therapy from sites like 강남출장안마 is actually a great idea for this.

“I’m not sure I know how to relax!”

The fact of the matter is, some women are so caught up in the ‘ashamed to relax’ cycle that they may have forgotten how to relax!

The reality is we do need to go back and find proper ways to relax, in an age where relaxation often involves the very same tools we use for work, i.e. computer screens, smartphone screens and tablet screens. Many of us work at a desk all day then spend the entire evening watching YouTube videos as a form of taking a break. We work on that assignment all day and then read all night on our iPad. Sound familiar? Is it any wonder we don’t feel relaxed or don’t even remember how to relax?

Relaxation can be split into two categories: spiritual and non-spiritual. In sha Allah, with these tips, you can learn to take rejuvenating breaks that will increase your over-all productivity.

Spiritual relaxation

• Salah

Whilst we are aware that the five daily prayers are obligatory, what if we looked forward to these times as the ultimate form of relaxation? From a purely worldly perspective, it is clear that salah offers us the chance to disconnect from the world in order to focus on what is truly important: Allah . Yasmin Mogahed sums it up well by saying that right at the moment when we are becoming too engrossed in dunya, prayer time hits again. That is Allah’s way of pulling us back to Him, subhanAllah!

When we share our day with our best friend or spouse, we unload our burdens to feel lighter and more relaxed. Imagine how you would feel when you are sharing your day for a minimum of five times a day with your Creator: our Ultimate Best Friend. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed – those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow (in worship).” [Quran: Chapter 5, Verse 55].

So, use salah as a time to unload all your worries and stresses unto the Only One who can truly change your situation.

Of course, our khushu’ fluctuates in salah, and it is different from person to person. So this form of ‘relaxation’ is not necessarily a quick fix, but something to be worked on over time. The point is, give your heart to Allah and really focus on the words you are reciting, especially ‘Allahu Akbar’: God is Greater than anything distracting or troubling you.

• Dhikr

Have you ever been with other women and marveled at how quickly they’re moving their prayer beads? It can sometimes leave you feeling like you’re not doing enough. However, the key is quality not quantity. Take time to reflect on the words you’re saying. True dhikr should speak to your heart and if possible leave you in tears from the sheer glorification of Allah ; it is after all only a hardened heart that cannot cry at the remembrance of Allah . Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. Those are in manifest error.” [Quran: Chapter 39, Verse 22]

There is also a beautiful hadith, which shows an example of quality dhikr over quantity:

“The Mother of the Believers, Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith reported: “the Prophet Muhammad came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet said, “Are you still in the same position as I left you?” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet Muhammad said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. They are:

Subhan-Allahi Wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)]” [Sahih Muslim]

During and after true dhikr, you will notice your heart rate slowing down, your worries disappearing (even if momentarily) and a feeling of calmness will overwhelm you. Even if it’s for a minute or less, a few simple heartfelt ‘subhanAllah’s’ can calm you down immensely, when you ponder on its meaning.

• Reciting Qur’an

In times of stress, distress or sadness, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan recommends randomly opening the Qur’an and reading the two pages in front of you. I highly recommend this for women as a form of relaxation. Indeed, Allah tells us in the Qur’an:

“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” [Quran: Chapter 13, Verse 28].

Read mindfully and slowly. Let the words move your heart. If you do not understand or cannot read Arabic, then read a translation. Give this a try and note how you feel before and after.

Non-spiritual relaxation

• Spend quality time offline

Those of you who use Google Chrome to browse the internet will know that when you are offline, Google displays the image of a dinosaur. This speaks volumes about our society’s opinion of the importance of the internet. However, why is it that we are so stressed? Why is it that we have forgotten the art of communication? Is the internet helping or harming us in the long term?

Islam is a religion of moderation. Allah tells us in the Qur’an that:

“He likes not those who commit excess.” [Quran: Chapter 7, Verse 31]

Ask yourself how much time you spend mindlessly scrolling and clicking through websites, only to look at the clock and realise hours have passed by.

So, sisters, my suggestion is to have set times in the day when you will remain offline. This includes your phone: put it on silent during your offline times. If this really is not possible, then have different ringtones for family to ensure that you will only pick up the phone if necessary. Keeping your phone on silent and only checking it intermittently throughout the day can do wonders for your stress levels.

When you spend more time offline, you will find that over time you feel calmer, experience better sleep (to help even more with this you can use a traditional alarm clock rather than your phone – the further away from your bedroom it is, the better!) and are much more productive during the day.

• Get outdoors

Get out of the house and appreciate the creation of Allah and the beauty of the world. Allah encourages us in the Qur’an to travel and marvel at His creation, as they are signs for the believers. I find that lying in the garden and just watching the clouds is so therapeutic, and 10 minutes of this will make you feel calm and relaxed.

In order to make it truly relaxing, put your phone on silent if you are alone, or if you are going out in a group, only bring one phone between you all for emergencies. Make a rule that the rest of the time only face-to-face conversation is allowed – no taking pictures or browsing the net!

• Schedule ‘me time’

This may be difficult to slot in for mothers, but ‘me time’ does not have to be long in order to be beneficial.

The best way to ensure you’re getting your ‘me time’ is to pre-arrange it. Plan ahead for what you know relaxes you and set aside time to do exactly that. Make all of the necessary arrangements to make your me time possible. For example, leave the children with your parents or ask your husband to take the them out for a while. Your ‘me time’ can be something as small as a cup of tea in the garden to a full-blown spa day (either at home or at the spa itself), reading, writing down your thoughts, listening to lectures or podcasts, or performing light exercise. Try and minimise use of technology for your ‘me time’.

• Embrace sisterhood

Allah tells us in the Qur’an:

“The believers are but brothers.” [Quran: Chapter 49, Verse 10].

Sisterhood in Islam is a very powerful tool that we should use to help us unwind and relax. Plan picnics, gatherings, or walks in the parks with the kids. Talking to other sisters is a great way to relax and offload our stresses too.

• Lighten up!

Sometimes we find that we are in fact making ourselves stressed rather than the situation being stressful itself. Rather than doing, we are thinking about the long list of ‘to-dos’ and that is worrying us.

Take heart and inspiration from the Mothers of the believers who, despite their trials being greater than anything we will ever face in life, found time to be light-hearted, as they often played games with Prophet Muhammad [Sunan Ibn Majah].

Don’t feel guilty

The key to all of the above tips is to not feel guilty for taking time to relax. It defeats the very purpose of relaxation! Relax with a present mind knowing that when you come back, you will be more productive in fulfilling your various roles, In sha Allah. By feeling guilty, you are neither relaxing nor achieving anything from your to-dos.

To truly unwind and feel rejuvenated, relax mindfully. Whatever activity you choose, do it mindfully and guilt-free. Try to incorporate some form of relaxation on a daily basis, even if only for a few minutes, taking time away from all technology. Lastly, view your obligatory acts as a gift from Allah and you will see how ultimately spirituality is the key to true relaxation.

How do you make time to relax and what activities do you find most relaxing? Let us know in a comment below!

The post Relax, Sister: How to Take the Rejuvenating Breaks You Need appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Formation of Good Habits

While we might try to convince ourselves that Ramadan is a holy month and therefore requires more effort, it is important to remember that an act done consistently, even if a little, pleases Allah : “And the most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are continuous, even if they are few.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]

But, how exactly can you maintain the heightened feelings of spirituality AFTER the holy month? If we are blessed enough to be able to see the next Ramadan? Do you want to enter it in the same state you entered this one?
Imam Shaafi’ once said, ‘”There is nothing more sacred after the fundamental obligations of faith than searching for knowledge” (Kitab al-Um).

Therefore, if we are to be seekers of knowledge throughout our lives then surely we should use each Ramadan to build upon our successes of the previous one?

Do Not Compare Yourself with Others

One easy way of becoming disheartened by the progress you have made as an individual during Ramadan is to compare yourself with others. Yes, your best friend may have read the Qur’an 4 times over during Ramadan but if you have completed half of it and last year you barely read a page, then this dear brothers and sisters is an achievement. It is extremely important – as Productive Muslim teaches and constantly reminds – to have sincere intentions and work hard.

Allah reminds us in the Qur’an  “do not despair of the mercy of Allah” [Qur’an: Chapter 39, Verse 53].

Have the faith that Allah will be looking at your actions alone and not comparing you with anybody else.

Keep Up the Habit of Fasting

There are many hadiths to suggest the importance of fasting on Monday and Thursday:
Narrated Usamah ibn Zayd: “… The Prophet of Allah used to fast on Monday and Thursday. When he was asked about it, he said: The works of the servants (of Allah) are presented (to Allah) on Monday and Thursday [Sunan Abi Dawud].

While it is clear that these fasts are not fard upon us, the benefits are obvious. Your stomach is easing back into its normal routine after a month of fasting so giving it days off are a good idea, and your spirituality will be heightened on a regular basis too. Also, for those people who have missed any fasts for whatever reason, this gives you the opportunity to beat procrastination and make up your outstanding fasts in good time.

In addition to the above recommended times for fasting, it was narrated from Abu Ayyub that the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Also, Abu Dharr  said: The Messenger of Allah  said to me: “When you fast three days out of a month, then fast the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth.”  [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

Even non-Muslims are even beginning to see the health benefits of fasting intermittently throughout each month. Refer to this link for some examples of the health benefits.

Keep Your Dua Fresh

A previous ProductiveMuslim article emphasises the importance of keeping your dua fresh. Allah reminds us that He listens and answers the call of all of His believers and worshippers. Allah says in the Qur’an: “I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 186]

So don’t hold back. This is your chance to ask for everything that you want and need in life. Your chance to thank Allah for your blessed existence. You have nothing to lose in asking Allah for everything that you want.

Make a list for your duas. Don’t necessarily keep the same list as that of Ramadan. As your needs and life evolve over the years, your duas should evolve with you. If you think about it carefully, it makes no sense for your duas at the age of 30 to be the same as that of your duas when you were 15. So much is likely to have changed in those fifteen years, especially In sha Allah your spirituality and religiosity. So ask yourself if your duas should also change.

To keep yourself productive, do not forget the following simple and short but powerful dua:

‘Allahumma inni ‘a’udhubika minal hammi walhuzni, Wal’ajzi walkasali, walbukhli waljubni, Wa dal’id-daiyni wa ghalabatir-rijal.’

‘O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.’

Trying to Change Too Much?

From experience you’re probably aware of the fact that New Year’s Resolutions are rarely stuck to past the month of January due to the sheer number of things people try to change in their lives at once.

If the above practices seem far too daunting to maintain throughout the year after Ramadan has finished, then focus on one area that seems sustainable for you. Again, do not concern yourself with anybody else. Focus on what works for YOU. Focus on maintaining what is achievable and right for YOU.

Your affair is between you and Allah alone. Don’t let other people discourage you on your own spiritual journey.

How Can I Uphold the Productive Practices of Ramadan?

Below is a suggested list of steps to take to make a sustainable plan for maintaining the productive practices of Islam.

1. Compare yourself now to how you were after the previous year’s Ramadan.
How do you behave differently? How do you feel spiritually? Do you feel you could have done better in some areas? Make a list comparing the present you and the you last Ramadan. How are you different? If you have truly striven to participate fully in the holy month then I am sure you will have no problem completing this exercise.

2. Make a list of the practices that you adopted during THIS Ramadan. How was your life different during Ramadan compared with the rest of the year? Below are some points to consider:

• Were you praying on time for every prayer?
• Did you update your dua and keep it fresh?
• Did you give more charity?
• Did you sleep early and wake up early?
• Did your diet and eating habits change? Were you eating lighter, healthier food? Were you following the sunnah of keeping “… one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
• How about your patience? Did your attitude towards others change? Did you refrain from backbiting and/or slandering others?

3. From the above list, choose 1-3 areas that you wish to improve upon and maintain in the months before the next Ramadan.

The Sahabah used to start preparing for the holy month 6 months beforehand. Yet we somehow convince ourselves that we only require a few weeks to do so! Set yourself a target of how you envisage yourself by the time you reach the next Ramadan In sha Allah. This way you can keep focused what it is you’re working towards.

The above steps are not exhaustive and we welcome your suggestions of what has worked for you in the past. Get interactive and share your tips, experiences and advice with other Productive Muslims!

The post Sustaining the Good Habits of Ramadan appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Learning Arabic can be viewed as one of the ways we can grow closer to Allah . Insha Allah this article will look at why Arabic is so important in our lives, and also outline some practical tips to get you started.

Modern Standard Arabic or Classical/Qur’anic?

Of course there are two forms of Arabic: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Classical Arabic, that of the Qur’an. You need to decide why it is you are learning Arabic. What do you hope to get out of it? The ability to converse with other Arabic speakers? The ability to be able to read the words of Allah with complete understanding?

I have met many people who suggest that learning MSA alongside Classical is the best method. However, only you can know what works best for you, and most importantly what you have time for.

While we can grasp the meaning of the Qur’an through translation it will never be the exact meaning as that of the Arabic words. Arabic is an extremely rich language and often there are no equivalent words in other languages such as English. Therefore, without learning Arabic it is unlikely we can ever fully appreciate the meaning and linguistic beauty of the Holy Qur’an.

Arabic and Our Relationship with the Qur’an

Needless to say, that if you understand the words of the Qur’an as intended by Allah then you are likely to feel closer to your Creator as a result thereof. Learning Arabic can be viewed as an extension of gaining knowledge in Islam.

Let us not forget Allah asks in the Holy Qur’an: ‘“Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”’ [Qur’an: Chapter 39, Verse 9].

The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge. [Muslim]

Imagine: you are praying behind one of the famous imams in Masjid al Haram and you are able to understand everything being recited. Imagine the feeling of Allah speaking directly to your heart. You are likely to have greater khushoo in your prayer because of your increased understanding of the language and therefore the impact of the meaning.

This, in turn, is likely to encourage you to read the Qur’an more often, and learn more surahs for recitation during salah. If Allah is speaking to you directly through Arabic, then this is sure to make your reading of Qur’an and salah more meaningful and productive; ultimately helping you to improve your life, overall.

Allah has made Islam easy for us. In the Qur’an it is written: ‘And indeed, We have eased the Qur’an in your tongue that they might be reminded’ [Qur’an: Chapter 44, Verse 58]. With the right intention, Allah will help you to achieve your Arabic goals.

Benefits of Learning Arabic

As well as the many benefits for increasing our understanding of our Deen, learning Arabic can provide other benefits too:

1. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an that we should continue learning throughout our lives and ask to have our knowledge increased: ‘And say: “My Lord, increase me in knowledge”’ [Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verse 114].
   As Muslims, we should always be seeking ways to increase our knowledge – mastering Arabic is certainly a beneficial way to do this.
2. Depending on the type of Arabic you are learning e.g. different dialects. Your travel to the respective parts of the Arab world will be easier as you find yourself able to communicate with the locals.

A ‘How to’ Guide for Learning Arabic

1. Practice, practice, practice – make mistakes, be fearless, and make dua that Allah makes learning Arabic, easy for you.
2. You don’t have to be living in an Arabic-speaking country to practice your new language skills. There are thousands of resources available on the Internet e.g. quizzes, listening exercises, pronunciation guides. You can also find yourself a ‘language buddy’ via Skype through which you can exchange languages e.g. Arabic in exchange for English. This is a great – and free – way to practice your speaking skills in a non-Arabic speaking country.
3. Read the Qur’an regularly – remember the first word of Revelation was: Iqra’ (recite). Therefore, take the advice of your Creator and develop the habit of reading Arabic or reciting regularly. You will soon begin to recognize common words and therefore begin to grow your vocabulary bank. Your new best friend will be your dictionary!  Making flash cards can help you to remember and revise vocabulary. Be sure to revisit new words regularly to test yourself.
4. Allocate set days and times of the week when you can focus on your studies. Find a suitable location where you know you can study in the kind of environment that works best for you.
5. Discover how best you learn. If you learn better by listening and practicing conversations then there seems little point in sitting for hours every day and reading a grammar book. Discover your learning style and you will see the difference.
6. Focus on the skills that you need to practice. It may not be the best use of your time to practice your speaking skills if your main objective is to perfect your listening skills e.g. for listening to Qur’an recitations.
7. Surround yourself by the language. Read the Arabic newspaper. Read the Qur’an. Watch Arabic shows. Listen to Arabic radio stations. Who is your favorite reciter of Qur’an? Listen to them on CD. Try to have conversations with other Arabic speakers. If possible, travel to an Arabic-speaking country so you have no choice but to use the language that you have learned!
8. Make it fun! When you think of language learning perhaps you imagine pages and pages of grammar rules. It doesn’t have to be this way. If it’s not fun, then you will only find excuses and reasons why you cannot study. Have you considered a language exchange via Skype?
9. Start small. As with anything, make it manageable otherwise you will only be discouraged. Bithnillah, the days will slowly turn into weeks and you will be amazed at how much you have learned.
10. Stop procrastinating! If we want to do something, we have to make time for it and possibly make some sacrifices too. We all lead busy lives these days, however there is no excuse for not finding time for something which can bring us closer to Allah .
11. Join a class or self-study. Only you can decide how best you will acquire the language and also what you have the time for. If you know that you can only study once the kids have gone to bed or before Fajr then self-study is likely to be your best option.

We’ve perhaps scratched the surface of why you should be learning Arabic and how best to do so productively. What are your experiences of learning Arabic? Share your productive tips with readers below.

The post [Productive Hobbies] A Guide to Learning Arabic appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

You might think that a meeting can be a last-minute event and still be a success; but as the old saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” It can be helpful to think of the meeting in stages: before, during, after. These categories can help you to break down what needs to be done at each stage of the meeting process. Remember that adding more stages to the planning aspect is not meant to overwhelm you and add extra work; on the contrary, by planning stage by stage, the whole process will be easier, smoother, and most importantly, more productive.

Before

1. Agenda

This is really important. Without an agenda the meeting is likely to not only extend beyond the allotted time, but also stray into irrelevant territory. Keep the agenda brief – mention the main points to be covered in a numbered list and also, if possible, the members of the team that are going to be present. Circulate a copy of the agenda BEFORE the meeting begins.

2. Time blocking

This might sound a little strange as, surely, each meeting is likely to be different. True, all meetings have a different amount of information to cover and therefore some might be longer than others. However, if you block out times for the meeting, then you know that you have a set time in which to cover all the points – something which will help to keep the meeting focused, efficient, and ultimately, productive. Allah reminds us many times in the Quran how quickly time passes:

“And on the Day when He will gather them, [it will be] as if they had not remained [in the world] but an hour of the day” [10:45].

A good way to ensure you are not wasting time is having a set amount of time for the meeting; for example, one hour before Maghrib. Once it’s time to pray, the meeting is done and you can all end on a high note and make du’a for the success of all that was discussed. Remember that

“prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times” [4:103]

– so salah times are the perfect way to organise your day.

3. Time and place

Plan a time and place suitable for all. If you find that the same time each week, or fortnight (however often you have meetings) works well for all members, then stick to it. After all,

“the most beloved deed to Allah is the one which is done regularly even if it is little” [Bukhari].

Keep it consistent and you can reduce the possibility of people showing up on the wrong day!

4. To segregate, or not? That is the question…

Know how your meetings work: e.g. sisters and brothers in one room? Separate meetings, and the coming together of ideas? There is no right or wrong way; simply keep it within the bounds of Islam and know what works well for your ISOC/MSA. Also, remember you can’t please everyone, but taking into account all opinions and suggestions is a good idea. There’s nothing worse for team morale than a president who brushes aside other team members’ comments/suggestions, and doesn’t take the time to listen to others. Remember there is a difference between a good leader – as exemplified by our Prophet Muhammad – and a tyrant!

5. Structure, structure, structure

The previous article spoke of having a structured ISOC/MSA, and before the meeting has even taken place it is important that everyone knows what their role is. For example: have you arranged for the secretary or somebody to take the minutes of the meeting? Have you allocated somebody to draft and send the agenda prior to the meeting each time? Who books the venue?

If the ISOC/MSA is structured in advance and everyone is clear on what their roles are, then you can avoid the awkward moment when two members of the team thought the other was meant to book the venue. Learn from the example set by our Prophet and have a leader to guide this process.

6. Break the mould

When we think of meetings, we often think of a stuffy seminar room, with all sitting round a table with at least one member of the team trying their best not to fall asleep. Why not break the mould? If you live somewhere where you can rely on the weather, then why not take the meeting outside? A place where everyone is happier and more relaxed is definitely the right venue for a productive meeting.

Do not forget the beauty of nature and its close link to Allah :

“And [He has subjected] whatever He multiplied for you on the earth of varying colours. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who remember” [16:13].

During

1. Bismillah

Always start the meeting in the name of Allah . Perhaps even a du’a that the meeting be a success and Allah guides you to work hard, with sincere intentions, and most of all work towards what is best for the ISOC/MSA, and therefore the students for whom you are having the meeting.

2. Adapting the plan

Although you have planned what is to be covered in the meeting, if a new issue arises then tackle it, or make a note for next time. Don’t be rigid with the plan and therefore ignore important points arising from the meeting just because they don’t appear in the agenda.

3. No ‘I’ in Team

Are there any housekeeping points of discussion? The president needs to arrange the all-important one-to-one meetings with various team members – and the end of the meeting can be a good time to arrange this. However, it is important to remember that everybody does not have to stay behind to listen to these parts.

I’ve been to plenty of unproductive meetings in my time to know that things irrelevant to the needs of the team as a whole do not need to be tackled in the meeting itself.

4. Remember the vision

Whatever the agenda of the meeting is, it is important to ensure it is in tune with the vision of the ISOC/MSA; and if not, how can it be adapted? Is the vision still relevant? Does it require updating?

It is important to involve all members of the team if adapting the vision, otherwise there is the risk of the meeting turning into a one-man band.

5. Keep it relevant

Camaraderie and getting along with other group members is great, but the ISOC/MSA meeting is NOT the place to discuss how your final essay of the term is going, or what you are doing for your holidays. By all means have these conversations, because the better team members get along, the more likely they are to work hard towards a shared goal. Being socially productive doesn’t necessarily lead to a productive meeting though. Keep these discussions separated from the meeting itself. Along with the person keeping the minutes of the meeting – depending on the size of the team – it might be worthwhile having a chairperson who can help guide the meeting according to the agenda, and keep a check on time.

6. Re-cap

At the end of the meeting, re-cap, and make action points for next time. Importantly, in the name of Allah thank everyone for making the effort to turn up to the meeting and their continued efforts in being part of the ISOC/MSA committee.

7. Salah

Learn from the life of our beloved Prophet and pray your salah together. InshaAllah you will all feel the benefits of this for team building.

After

Re-cap and rearrange

Send a re-cap email – this is helpful for those members that couldn’t make it, but also provides a reference point for those that did. It can also be beneficial to use as a means of checking progress throughout the year – to check if the ISOC/MSA is on track for meeting its goals. If not, then you know what to cover in your next meeting!

Use this re-cap email to also confirm the meeting time and place for next time (even if it stays the same every time). To keep this process productive, the person whose task it is to distribute the email should have a template saved in their draft folder so that information required every time doesn’t have to be typed out repeatedly.

In addition to the above tips for a productive meeting, do you have any more? Share them with us below!

The post Productive Students: Guide to a Productive ISOC/MSA Meeting appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

This article serves as a reminder both to myself and to Productive Muslim followers of the need to master time and make the most of our journey through dunya. The following hadith shows us how important this is, and in fact the importance placed upon us as Muslims to utilise time efficiently:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, ‘Allah said: “The son of Adam hurts Me by abusing Time, for I am Time; in My Hands are all things and I cause the revolution of night and day”’[Bukhari].

Below are some tips on how to remain efficient at any time of the year and make the most of your time.

Social Media

You don’t need me to tell you that the likes of Facebook and Twitter can be huge time wasters. If used selectively, good can come of them, but as with all things, moderation is key. This can be difficult when you’re sucked into reading the ins and outs of other people’s lives and Shaytan creeps in. Before you know it hours have passed and your to-do list is just as long as when you sat down at your desk. Ramadan was a detox for your body and mind – why not do the same now for your social media habits? Continue to connect with your loved ones, but in real life!

Multi-Tasking

It might be tempting to multi-task when you have countless pressing tasks. However, it is evident from a previous ProductiveMuslim article that our Prophet Muhammad did not. Modern day productivity tips also suggest that focusing on one task at a time actually means you work more efficiently – see other Productive Muslim articles for more information on this, or visit the likes of www.zenhabits.net. The idea is to focus on the most difficult task as soon as possible, and take the easier tasks one by one following completion of this.

Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow…

We all know the saying, yet how many of us actually take note of the wisdom it imparts? How many times have you said ‘I’ll do this tomorrow, inshaAllah’ when deep down you know you won’t? Instead, ask yourself: Do I have time for this today? Yes? Then just go do it! Ultimately, only Allah knows how long we have in this life, so don’t take the time you have been blessed with for granted. Use every day to be productive in some way!

Have set times for doing certain tasks so that they become part of your routine. This way you won’t need to waste time thinking which task comes next. Try to plan for the following day the night before – inshaAllah you can then hit the ground running the next morning.

Know Yourself

Take a good hard look at when you seem to work the best – if you’re not sure then experiment with different timings to see when you are most productive e.g. after Fajr salah, or between Maghrib and Isha. Utilise this time slot, and plan your schedule accordingly – tasks allocated to these periods are likely to be completely more efficiently.

Gradual Change

Perhaps the most important tip is not to make all of these changes at once. If you do, you’re more than likely to stop after a week or so. Make the changes gradually and inshaAllah you will see the benefits over time.

Efficiency vs. Workaholic

It is important to remember that being efficient does not mean you have to be a workaholic or have no life outside of work. In fact, if you are being truly efficient, then you should have spare time left for other activities. Being efficient is related to all aspects of life, including family time and doing other things you love e.g. getting back to nature. The beauty of this is they work in an interconnected way – time for both work and play means you are more productive in both areas of your life, and you appreciate that time better. After all, the saying goes that if you want something done then give it to someone with a packed schedule – they will find the time to do it because they have limited time. The time spent with family and friends is also all the better because of it. Of course working hard, coupled with good intentions, is the key to being a productive Muslim; however, don’t spend all of your time working as this will simply lead to overall inefficiency.

Islam and Time

Allah tells us in the Quran that:

“Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another” [3:195].

Allah also asks:

“Then did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned?” [23:115].

In Surah al-Asr we are told:

“By time, Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience” [103:1-3].

InshaAllah let us remember these verses in our attempts to become more efficient with our time.

Do you have something in particular that helps you become more efficient with your time? Share your tips below with other readers.

The post Does Inefficiency Go Against the Teachings of Islam? appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

Zakat: What is your definition of the third Pillar of Islam? We might often assume it means money alone, but it is important to note that charity can take multiple forms.

Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari: The Prophet said, ‘On every Muslim there is enjoined (a compulsory) sadaqa (alms).’ They (the people) said, ‘If one has nothing?’ He said, ‘He should work with his hands so that he may benefit himself and give in charity.’ They said, ‘If he cannot work or does not work?’ He said, ‘Then he should help the oppressed unhappy person (by word or action or both).’ They said, ‘If he does not do it?’ He said, ‘Then he should enjoin what is good (or said what is reasonable).’ They said, ‘If he does not do that?’ He said, ‘Then he should refrain from doing evil, for that will be considered for Him as a Sadaqa (charity)’ (Sahih al Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 73, Hadith 51).

It is clear from this hadith that volunteering can form a large part of our charity. So, instead of throwing money at any given cause, why not throw yourself into it? Give charity the Productive Muslim way!

I’m Too Busy

There are so many distractions in our lives nowadays – TV, internet, video games – all of which, in the long run, are of no benefit to us. Now, take a look at how you spend your time during the week, and I am pretty sure you’ll find some time you could use for volunteering.

Two considerations to make are:

1. In Person or Online: decide which is likely to fit in better with your lifestyle.
2. Short-term or Long-term: from days to months to years – YOU decide!

3 Reasons Why You Should be Volunteering

1.  Invest in your Deen
   Rather than something that takes seconds like donating money, invest your time. Remember: you get out of it what you put in.
2. Be the change you wish to see
   What are you waiting for? Rather than wondering where your money went after you clicked the Donate button, the results are in front of you.
3. Social Productivity 
   Get out there and prove by example what being a Productive Muslim is about. (See Productive Muslim Newsletter for more on Social Productivity).

How to Get Started

Now you know why you should be volunteering you’re probably wondering how you can get started. Here are some tips to get you started along the right track:

1. Ask yourself: What am I passionate about?

This is perhaps the most important step. Just as you research where your money should go, do the same for your time. Your volunteering is likely to be more productive if you really care about the cause. Organizations are looking for passionate volunteers, not bored ones! If you have children, why not get the family involved and dedicate time to a project together? Not only does it teach by example, it can be your bonding time.

2. What am I good at?

Make a list of where your strengths lie. For your volunteering to be productive, you need to know what skills you can offer.

3. Search for opportunities

Great – now you’ve found your niche, you need to find the perfect match for your skills and availability.

Local Volunteering

If you want to volunteer locally, your local community is likely to have a volunteer service which can provide information. Ask around at the masjid or do a trusty internet search. Is there is a specific organization you want to volunteer for? Check their website for opportunities.

Online Volunteering

This can be a very quick way to start volunteering. Again, if there is a specific organization you have in mind then check their website to see if they accept online volunteers. A sure-fire way to get a relevant online volunteer role is by visiting www.onlinevolunteering.org. This is a good portal to match your skills to the needs of organizations. I found my first major volunteer role on this site and haven’t looked back since.

Overseas Volunteering

If you have more time to spare and fewer commitments, then this is for you. If you’re already in the country then ask around – hostels and tourist information centres can provide information on local roles.

Alternatively, you can research before you go and arrange what you will be doing once you arrive. Before you go, make sure you and the organization are clear on what is included (or not). Some key questions are: Do you have to pay to volunteer? (I’d personally steer clear of those roles where you do – there are plenty of opportunities out there where giving your time is not a money-driven business). Is accommodation/food provided? Each organization is different so it is important to check these details.

Feel Good Factor

It’s as simple as that. Follow the steps and you’re ready to volunteer. Once you start volunteering, the feeling of giving is greater than donating money alone. After all, the best things in life are free.

Happy Volunteering!

Do you channel your productivity into volunteering? Have any tips for productive volunteering? Share your story with other Productive Muslims by commenting below.

The post Can You Volunteer Your Skills? appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.