Barakah Jobs

Ramadan: the Month of Forgiveness

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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, General, Knowledge centre

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, General, 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

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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, General, 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."
Dua to Seek Refuge from Laziness, Sins, and Afflictions (Sahih Al-Bukhari 6368)

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Dua to Seek Refuge from Laziness, All Kinds of Sins, and Afflictions

Narrated `Aisha (رضي الله عنها):

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say:

"O Allah! I seek refuge with You from laziness and geriatric old age, from all kinds of sins and from being in debt; from the trial and affliction of the grave and from the punishment in the grave; from the affliction of the Fire and from the punishment of the Fire; and from the evil of the affliction of wealth; and I seek refuge with You from the affliction of poverty, and I seek refuge with You from the affliction of Al-Mesiah Ad-Dajjal. O Allah! Wash away my sins with the water of snow and hail, and cleanse my heart from all the sins as a white garment is cleansed from the filth, and let there be a long distance between me and my sins, as You made East and West far from each other."

Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْكَسَلِ وَالْهَرَمِ، وَالْمَأْثَمِ وَالْمَغْرَمِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْقَبْرِ وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ النَّارِ وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ الْغِنَى، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْفَقْرِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْسِلْ عَنِّي خَطَايَاىَ بِمَاءِ الثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ، وَنَقِّ قَلْبِي مِنَ الْخَطَايَا، كَمَا نَقَّيْتَ الثَّوْبَ الأَبْيَضَ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، وَبَاعِدْ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ خَطَايَاىَ كَمَا بَاعَدْتَ بَيْنَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ

Source:

Sahih Al-Bukhari 6368
Sunan Ibn Majah 2144: No Soul Will Die Until It Has Received All Its Provision

Category : Jobseekers, Employers, General, Knowledge centre

Sunan Ibn Majah 2144 is a profound narration that reminds us of Allah’s complete control over our provision (Rizq) and lifespan.

Sunan Ibn Majah 2144

It was narrated from Jabir bin 'Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"O people, fear Allah and be moderate in seeking a living, for no soul will die until it has received all its provision, even if it is slow in coming. So fear Allah and be moderate in seeking provision; take that which is permissible and leave that which is forbidden. "

أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَجْمِلُوا فِي الطَّلَبِ فَإِنَّ نَفْسًا لَنْ تَمُوتَ حَتَّى تَسْتَوْفِيَ رِزْقَهَا وَإِنْ أَبْطَأَ عَنْهَا فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَجْمِلُوا فِي الطَّلَبِ خُذُوا مَا حَلَّ وَدَعُوا مَا حَرُمَ ‏"‏ ‏.

(Classed as Sahih)
Surah Hud Ayah 6: Reflection on Allah's Sustenance

Category : Knowledge centre

In the Qur'an, Allah emphasizes His boundless mercy and provision for all living creatures. Surah Hud Ayah 6 is a profound reminder of this reality.

۞ وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍۢ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا ۚ كُلٌّۭ فِى كِتَـٰبٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ ٦

And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allâh. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus, grave). All is in a Clear Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz - the Book of Decrees with Allâh).
Tawakkul & Rizq : Surah At-Talaq Ayah 3

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Tawakkul (trust in Allah) & Rizq : Surah At-Talaq Ayah 3

Have sole reliance on Allah to bring you Rizq from his bounty while taking the means.

65:3

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمْرِهِۦ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدْرًۭا ٣

And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things.

Sunan Ibn Majah 4164

‘Umar ؓ said :
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: They go out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies in the evening.”

"‏ لَوْ أَنَّكُمْ تَوَكَّلْتُمْ عَلَى اللَّهِ حَقَّ تَوَكُّلِهِ لَرَزَقَكُمْ كَمَا يَرْزُقُ الطَّيْرَ تَغْدُو خِمَاصًا وَتَرُوحُ بِطَانًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Watch the recitation here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/1q-wcWBRHjs?feature=share