Barakah Jobs

How to Easily Calculate Zakat: Sheikh Uthaymeen’s Guide

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, Knowledge centre

A translation of a profound yet simple method for easily calculating Zakat by Sheikh Muhammad ibn al-Uthaymin رحمه الله :

"If you have wealth and want to know the amount of zakat (you should give), Then the matter. I mean, is easy.

Divide the money by 40 and the result is the zakat.

So if someone has 40,000 dirhams, how much is their zakat?

Divide 40 by 40 is 1.

So 1,000 Riyal.

And from 120,000, 3,000 Riyal.

And so on.

Point being, if you want to take out the zakat divide what you have of wealth, meaning gold, silver, and business over 40, the result is the zakat."
Get a Free TEFL Certificate (Yes, Really) – What Barakah Jobs Users Need to Know

Category : Jobseekers
Teaching English Abroad or Online? Here’s a Helpful (and Free) First Step.

If you're aiming to work as an English teacher—whether online or overseas—most employers expect you to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. Normally, this costs anywhere from $200 to $1000+, but Barakah Jobs has discovered a free TEFL course offered by TeacherRecord that might help you get started with zero upfront cost.

But before you rush to enroll, here’s a fair breakdown of the pros and cons, so you can decide if it's the right move for you.

The Positives

100% Free – No Catch
Yes, the TEFL course is completely free. This is ideal for those who are just starting out or can’t currently afford a more expensive option.

Quick and Flexible
The course is self-paced and can be completed quickly—some users finish it in as little as a few weeks. Perfect if you're trying to fast-track an application or job opportunity.

Good for Entry-Level Jobs
For many entry-level online teaching jobs, especially those based in China or other parts of Asia, this certificate is often “good enough” to meet the requirements.

Digital Certificate Included
Once you pass, you get a digital certificate at no cost. No need to pay extra for verification or downloads.

Improves & refreshes your grammar
It’s a solid grammar refresher—because let’s face it, most of us know what sounds right, but we’ve forgotten the rules or were never taught them properly. This course explains it clearly, often better than school ever did.

The Limitations

Limited Accreditation
Unlike premium TEFL providers (such as CELTA, Trinity CertTESOL, or Level 5 TEFL courses), this certificate does not carry internationally recognized accreditation. Some employers—especially in the Middle East or Europe—may not accept it.

Not TESOL, CELTA, or Level 5 Equivalent
While labeled “TEFL,” this course is not equivalent to higher-level or government-recognized training programs. If you're serious about building a long-term teaching career, you may eventually need to upgrade.

Mostly Theory-Based
The course is mostly reading and quizzes. It lacks live training, teaching practice, or tutor support—features found in paid programs that build real confidence and competence.

Who Should Take It?

This free TEFL certificate is best for:
- Barakah Jobs users looking for their first online job
- Those wanting to try teaching without a financial commitment
- Applicants targeting entry-level online platforms
- Teachers planning to upgrade later, but need something now
For Barakah Jobs users seeking halal, meaningful teaching opportunities online or in reputable institutes across China and Taiwan, this free TEFL certificate offers a valuable, accessible credential that aligns with their commitment to trustworthy, ethical work while opening doors in respected educational settings.

If you're applying to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or other high-standard employers, you may need a more robust TEFL or CELTA certificate in the future.

Final Thoughts

Getting a free TEFL certificate from TeacherRecord is a practical, no-risk first step—especially if you're exploring the world of online education or working abroad. It’s not the most recognized option on the market, but it opens doors where otherwise you may have had none.

Use it as a stepping stone, not a final destination.

Get your free TEFL certificate here: https://teacherrecord.com/tefl-certificate

Better TEFL Certification Options

If you’re serious about a long-term teaching career or want to teach in countries with stricter requirements, you might consider investing in more recognized certifications such as:

CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
One of the most respected and widely accepted TEFL certifications worldwide. It includes practical teaching practice with real students.
Learn more: Cambridge CELTA
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/celta

Trinity CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Another internationally recognized course with a strong practical component and tutor support.
Learn more: Trinity CertTESOL
https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/teaching-english/CertTESOL

Level 5 TEFL Diplomas
Equivalent to a diploma-level qualification, often accepted by universities and governments for teaching jobs. These courses offer extensive training and teaching practice.
Best provider: International TEFL Academy - 170 Hour Level 5 Diploma
https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/online-tefl-online-tesol-certification-courses#register

While these courses require an investment of time and money, they provide stronger credentials that open doors to higher-paying jobs and more reputable teaching positions worldwide.

Disclaimer

Barakah Jobs is not endorsing or officially affiliated with TeacherRecord in any way. We are simply sharing a free resource that may be helpful to our community. The author has personally completed the course but Barakah Jobs does not receive any referral bonuses or compensation. We do not take responsibility for how TeacherRecord collects, stores, or uses your personal data—please review their privacy policy carefully before signing up.

Jazakallahu khairan
Have Tawakkul But Tie Your Camel. At-Tirmidhi 2517

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, Knowledge centre

A short yet powerful hadith from Anas bin Malik (رضي الله عنه) where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) teaches the balance between trust in Allah and taking action:

“اعْقِلْهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ”

“Tie it and rely (upon Allah).”

Anas bin Malik (رضي الله عنه) narrated that a man said:

“O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?”

He said (ﷺ): “Tie it and rely (upon Allah).”

Arabic:

قَالَ رَجُلٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَعْقِلُهَا وَأَتَوَكَّلُ أَوْ أُطْلِقُهَا وَأَتَوَكَّلُ قَالَ

"اعْقِلْهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ"

Other chains report similar narrations.

Source: At-Tirmidhi 2517

Grading: Classed as Ḥasan by Shaykh Al-Albani رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ
Ramadan and Lalyatul-Qadr Poem by Ibn Rajab Al Hanbali

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, Knowledge centre

Arabic poetry composed by Ibn Rajab about Ramadan and Night of al-Qadr

English translation:

The years have past so carelessly and in jest and in loss

How much have I lost from what I spent in the days throughout my life

What do I have to say about my loss in my life, is there any excuse?

How much have we been heedless of the duty of praise and gratefulness [to Allah]

Did Allah not choose us for a special month, and what a month it sure is

A month in which Ar-Rahman revealed the best of all speech

Is it like any month? in it is the Night of Decree

How many narrations have come authentic about the reward in that night

We have been informed through the trustworthy that’s it is to be sought on the odd nights

Glad tidings to the one who seeks it in the last ten nights

In it the Angels descend with light and with mercy

And he [Allah] has said {Peace it is — until the rise of dawn} [Al-Qadr:5]

So secure it, indeed it is from the most precious of those things saved

How many are freed in it from the fire yet they don’t know.

:تولَّى العمرُ في سهوٍ" قصيدةٌ عن رمضان وليلة القدر للإمام ابن رجب الحنبلي "

تولى العمر في سهو وفي لهو وفي خسر

فيا ضيعة ما أنفقت في الأيام من عمري

ومالي في الذي ضيعت من عمري من عذر

فما أغفلنا من واجبات الحمد والشكر

أما قد خصنا الله بشهر أيما شهر

بشهر أنزل الرحمن فيه أشرف الذكر

وهل يشبه شهر وفيه ليلة القدر

فكم من خبر صح بما فيها من الخير

روينا عن ثقات أنها تطلب في الوتر

فطوبى لامرىء يطلبها في هذه العشر

ففيها تنزل الأملاك بالأنوار والبر

قد قال {سَلامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ}

ألا فادخرها إنها من أنفس الذخر

فكم من معلق فيها من النار ولا يدري
Ramadan: the Month of Forgiveness

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, Knowledge centre

Ramadan: the Month of Forgiveness

رمضان هو شهر المغفرة

Ramadan is a month of great virtue, Barakah and a month of forgiveness. It is essential we make the most of this blessed month and make it a month of Ibadah (worship), rectification and repentance.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه :
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."

"‏ مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ، وَمَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ‏"‏‏

Sahih Al-Bukhari 1901
Dua upon Sighting of Crescent Moon of Ramadan

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, Knowledge centre

Ramadan Mubarak to all from barakah jobs. This blessed month is soon upon us.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Here are our few legislated supplications/duas to remember .

One should recite the following upon sighting of the new moon at the beginning of Ramadan or of each month as mentioned by Sheikh 'Abdurrazzāq al Badr حفظه الله

Sighting the new moon:

اللهُ أَكْبَر، اللّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنا بِالأمْنِ وَالإيمان، والسَّلامَةِ والإسْلام، وَالتَّوْفيقِ لِما تُحِبُّ رَبَّنا وَتَرْضى، رَبُّنا وَرَبُّكَ الله

Allaahu 'Akbar, Allaahumma 'ahillahu 'alayna bil'amni wal'eemaani, wassalaamati wal-'Islaami, wattawfeeqi limaa tuhibbu Rabbanaa wa tardhaa, Rabbunaa wa Rabbukallaahu

Allah is the Most Great. O Allah, bring us the new moon with security and Faith, with peace and in Islam, and in harmony with what our Lord loves and what pleases Him. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah.

At-Tirmithi 5/504, Ad-Darimi 1/336. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/157

One could also recite the following.

Bilal bin Yahya bin Talhah bin `Ubaidullah narrated :

from his father, from his grandfather Talhah bin `Ubaidullah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) would see a crescent moon, he would say:

“O Allah, bring it over us with blessing and faith, and security and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah (Allāhumma ahlilhu `alainā bil-yumni wal-Īmān, was-salāmati wal-Islām, rabbī wa rabbuk Allāh).”

"‏ اللَّهُمَّ أَهْلِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلاَمَةِ وَالإِسْلاَمِ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ ‏"

Al-Tirmidhi 3451

Classed as Sahih by Sheikh Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Tirmidhi, 2745
Top Certifications to Boost Your Career Across Any Industry

Category : Jobseekers

Best Certifications to Advance Your Career in 2025

When aiming to elevate your career, having the right certifications can make all the difference. Whether you are in IT, marketing, management, or healthcare, certifications help you stand out and add credibility to your expertise. Here are some top certifications to consider in 2025:

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Ideal For: Project Managers in any industry

Key Benefits: Demonstrates exceptional leadership and project management skills.

How to Get Started: Offered by PMI (Project Management Institute).
https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Ideal For: IT and Cybersecurity Professionals

Key Benefits: A gold standard in information security, boosting roles in network security or ethical hacking.

How to Get Started: Provided by (ISC)². Get certified here.
https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP

3. Digital Marketing Certifications

Examples: Google Ads Certification, HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification, Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate

Key Benefits: Strengthens digital marketing strategies and data-driven campaigns.

How to Get Started:

Google Ads Certification:
https://skillshop.withgoogle.com/

HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification:
https://academy.hubspot.com/inbound-marketing-certification

Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate:
Focused on Facebook, Instagram, and Meta ads, this certification validates skills in planning and managing social media campaigns. It is ideal for digital marketers targeting social platforms to grow brands or businesses.

Link to Learn More:
https://www.facebook.com/business/learn/certification/exams/100-101-exam#study-and-practice

4. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Ideal For: Agile Development Teams

Key Benefits: Enables better management of agile projects, commonly recognized in tech companies.

How to Get Started: Accessible through Scrum Alliance. Get certified here.
https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified

5. Salesforce Certifications

Ideal For: Marketing and Sales Professionals

Key Benefits: Gives you an edge in CRM platforms, vital for marketing strategy roles.

How to Get Started: Get certified here.
https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/credentials/administratoroverview

6. IT Certifications

Examples: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CompTIA A+

Key Benefits: Expertise in cloud computing and IT management, highly sought in technology fields.

How to Get Started:

AWS Certifications:
https://aws.amazon.com/certification/

CompTIA Certifications:
https://www.comptia.org/certifications

7. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Ideal For: Finance and Accounting Professionals

Key Benefits: Essential for auditors, accountants, and financial consultants to showcase advanced knowledge in their field.

How to Get Started: Check the requirements for your country. Start with the AICPA here.
https://us.aicpa.org/career/cpaexam.html

8. Lean Six Sigma Certification

Ideal For: Professionals in operations and manufacturing

Key Benefits: Optimizes process improvement skills for efficiency and growth.

How to Get Started: Get certified here.
https://www.sixsigmaonline.org/

9. Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Ideal For: Beginners in IT

Key Benefits: A quick way to get foundational IT support training; no prerequisites required.

How to Get Started: Enroll on Coursera here.
https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-it-support

10. Language Certifications

Examples: IELTS, TOEFL, or foreign language certifications like DELF (French) or HSK (Chinese)

Key Benefits: Opens international career opportunities and demonstrates adaptability.

How to Get Started:

IELTS: https://www.ielts.org/

TOEFL: https://www.ets.org/toefl

DELF: https://www.ciep.fr/en/delf

HSK: http://www.chinesetest.cn/index.do

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language):
This certification is ideal for those who want to teach English internationally or online. Recognized across the globe, it provides teaching opportunities in schools, universities, and private institutions, particularly in non-English-speaking countries. Accredited programs like International TEFL Academy and TEFL.org offer flexible options for obtaining your TEFL certification.

Additional Certifications Worth Considering

While we have covered many industry-leading certifications, there are additional certifications that are equally impactful in boosting your career. These certifications are highly regarded in their respective fields and provide specialized skill sets:

CompTIA Security+

A globally trusted certification that validates foundational cybersecurity skills and prepares candidates for advanced security roles.
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Ideal for IT professionals pursuing careers in networking, this certification offers expertise in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting networks.
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/associate/ccna.html

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Provides foundational knowledge of Azure cloud services, preparing candidates for roles in cloud computing.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-fundamentals/

ITIL Foundation

Offers insights into IT service management best practices, focusing on aligning IT services with business needs.
https://www.axelos.com/certifications/itil-service-management

Professional Scrum Master (PSM):

This certification is from Scrum.org and emphasizes the foundational principles of the Scrum framework. It's a great credential for professionals aiming to excel in agile project environments. PSM levels (I, II, and III) are available based on proficiency.

Link to Learn More:
https://www.scrum.org/professional-scrum-master-certification

PRINCE2 Certification (Projects IN Controlled Environments):

This certification is widely recognized in Europe and globally for project management. It covers methodologies and best practices to effectively manage projects. Offered by AXELOS, PRINCE2 focuses on structured management and is an excellent addition to any project manager's credentials.

Link to Learn More:
https://www.axelos.com/certifications/prince2-project-management

These certifications enhance your qualifications and can help you gain a competitive edge in industries that value these skill sets.

Conclusion

Selecting the right certification can boost your career in significant ways, allowing you to stay competitive in the modern job market. It’s important to research trending certifications relevant to your industry, allocate time and resources, and ensure you go for accredited programs.
If you're ready to level up your skills, explore these certifications and start today!
What the Qur'an Says About Riba (Usury): Lessons from Surah Al-Baqarah 2:275-279

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, Knowledge centre

Riba is War with Allah!

Some of what the Qur'an says about Riba (Interest/Usury):

Surah Al-Baqarah

2:275

ٱلَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ ٱلَّذِى يَتَخَبَّطُهُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ مِنَ ٱلْمَسِّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا ٱلْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ ۗ وَأَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ ۚ فَمَن جَآءَهُۥ مَوْعِظَةٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ فَٱنتَهَىٰ فَلَهُۥ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُۥٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ ٢٧٥

Translation:

"Those who eat Ribâ (usury) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: 'Trading is only like Ribâ (usury)', whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein."

2:276

يَمْحَقُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟ وَيُرْبِى ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ أَثِيمٍ ٢٧٦

Translation:

"Allâh will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqât (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allâh likes not the disbelievers, sinners."

2:278

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَذَرُوا۟ مَا بَقِىَ مِنَ ٱلرِّبَوٰٓا۟ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ ٢٧٨

Translation:

"O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers."

2:279

فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا۟ فَأْذَنُوا۟ بِحَرْبٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ۖ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ ٢٧٩

Translation:

"And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger, but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums)."

A Severe Warning

These verses contain a severe warning to those who consume or deal in Ribâ, or worse, try to justify it. This also applies to those who work in riba-based banks in any capacity.
Comprehensive Dua from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201) for the Dunya and Akhira

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, Knowledge centre

Learn a Comprehensive Dua from the Qur'an for the Best of the Dunya and the Akhira

Allah Azzawajal says in Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 201:

وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًۭ وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةًۭ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

Translation:

"And of them there are some who say: 'Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!'"

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)

The Dua:

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabannar

رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًۭ وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةًۭ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

Translation:

"Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!"
Advice to Those Who Earn Haram – Sheikh Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani رحمه الله

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, Knowledge centre

The following is naseeha | نصيحة from the Sheikh (May Allah have mercy on him) for those earning haram income.

Advice to Earn Ḥalāl and Leave off Ḥarām – Shaykh Al-Albānī (رحمه الله)

Arabic:

أنصح كل من ابتلي بمكسب فيه حرام، ممن يعوله أن يحاول الخلاص من مثل هذا المكسب لقوله عليه الصلاة والسلام: ( كل لحم نبت من السحت فالنار أولى به )

لا شك أن هذا الحديث والذي يتضمن هذا الحكم الشديد كسائر الأحكام الشرعية داخل في عموم قوله عليه السلام: ( ما أمرتكم به من شيء فأتوا منه ما استطعتم)،

فما استطاع المسلم يبتعد عن هذه الحياة التي تبنى على مكسب حرام

فمن استطاع من الأبناء أن يكتسب قوت يومه بعرق جبينه فذلك خير له وأبقى .

Translation in English:

"I advise everyone who is afflicted with earning an income that has ḥarām in it, (especially) those who are responsible for others, to strive to free themselves from such earnings due to the saying of the Prophet ﷺ: 'Every flesh that grows out of unlawful earnings, then the Hell-Fire is more befitting for it.'"

"There is no doubt that this ḥadīth, which includes this severe ruling, like all the legislative rulings in Islām, falls under the general (meaning) in the statement of the Prophet ﷺ: 'Whatever I have commanded you to do, do as much of it as you can.'"

"Therefore, a Muslim should distance himself from a life that is built upon ḥarām earnings as much as possible. So, whoever of his children is able to earn his livelihood by the sweat of his brow (i.e., by working hard), then that is better for him and long-lasting."