Remote work productivity tips

 Remote work has become the new normal for many of us in recent years, and with it comes a unique set of challenges when it comes to staying productive. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time and stay on top of your tasks while working from home.

Create a comfortable and dedicated work space. Having a designated area to work in can help you stay focused and in the right mindset for getting things done. Make sure your space is comfortable and ergonomic, with good lighting and plenty of room to spread out.

Establish a routine. Having a set schedule can help you stay on track and avoid distractions. Plan out your day, including specific times for checking email, taking breaks, and tackling different tasks.

Stay organized with technology. There are many apps and tools available to help you stay organized and on top of your tasks. Some popular options include Trello, Asana, and Evernote.

Take regular breaks. It's important to take regular breaks throughout the day to rest your eyes, stretch your muscles, and give your mind a break. Consider using the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for short, focused bursts of time, followed by short breaks.

Eliminate distractions. Remote work can bring new distractions, such as household chores, TV, and social media. Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible by closing unnecessary tabs, turning off notifications, and setting boundaries with roommates or family members.

Prioritize self-care. Taking care of yourself is crucial for productivity. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly.

Stay connected with your colleagues. Remote work can be isolating, and it's important to maintain a sense of connection and community with your team. Use video conferencing and instant messaging to stay in touch, and make a point to schedule regular check-ins with your colleagues.

With these tips, you can make the most of your time and stay productive while working from home. Remember to be patient with yourself and know that it takes some time to adjust to a new work style, but with the right mindset and tools, you can work effectively and efficiently from anywhere.

"10 Common Mistakes Made by New Drivers

As a new driver, it's natural to make mistakes as you learn the rules of the road and gain experience behind the wheel. However, it's important to be aware of common mistakes made by new drivers in order to avoid accidents and stay safe on the road. Here are 10 common mistakes made by new drivers:

Failing to check blind spots: Before changing lanes or making a turn, it's important to check your mirrors and use your turn signal. Don't rely solely on your mirrors – make sure to physically turn your head and check your blind spots as well.

Following too closely: Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial to avoiding rear-end collisions. Make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you, especially when driving at high speeds.

Not using turn signals: Proper use of turn signals is essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers. Always use your turn signals when changing lanes or making a turn, and make sure they are turned off once you have completed the maneuver.

Distracted driving: Distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can be deadly when driving. Keep your eyes on the road at all times and avoid any activities that may take your attention away from the task of driving.

Failing to yield: It's important to pay attention to traffic signals and yield to pedestrians, bikes, and other vehicles as appropriate. Failing to yield can lead to serious accidents.

Improper lane changing: Always use your turn signal and check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Make sure to look over your shoulder to ensure there are no cars in your blind spot.

Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is not only dangerous, but it can also result in costly tickets. Make sure to adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed based on weather and road conditions.

Ignoring traffic laws: It's important to follow all traffic laws, including stop signs, yield signs, and traffic lights. Failing to do so can result in accidents and costly tickets.

Not using headlights: Using your headlights at night and during inclement weather is essential for visibility and safety. Make sure to turn them on as soon as it starts to get dark or the weather becomes poor.

Improper passing: Only pass other vehicles when it is safe to do so and make sure to use your turn signal to indicate your intention. Don't try to pass on the shoulder or in no-passing zones, and make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car you are passing.

By avoiding these common mistakes, new drivers can significantly improve their safety on the road. Always remember to stay alert and focused while driving, and be sure to follow all traffic laws and regulations. With practice and experience, you will become a safer and more confident driver."

10 myths about Christmas

Christmas is a time of celebration and tradition for many people around the world, but there are also many myths and misconceptions about this holiday. Here are 10 myths about Christmas that are commonly believed, but are actually not true:

1. The date of December 25th was chosen to coincide with the winter solstice: Many people believe that the date of December 25th was chosen because it coincides with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. However, this is not the case. December 25th was actually chosen to coincide with the celebration of the birth of Jesus, which was believed to have occurred in the fall.

2. The first Christmas was celebrated in the year 0: Despite what many people believe, there is no year 0 in the modern calendar. The first Christmas was actually celebrated in the year 1 AD, not 0 AD.

3. The three wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus: The story of the three wise men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus is a popular one, but it is not actually mentioned in the Bible. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are mentioned in the Bible, but it is not clear who brought them or when they were given.

4. Santa Claus is based on the real-life St. Nicholas: The figure of Santa Claus is based on the real-life St. Nicholas, a bishop from the 4th century who was known for his generosity and kindness. However, the modern-day image of Santa Claus as a jolly, red-suited man with a white beard is a fictional creation that has evolved over time.

5. The Christmas tree is a Christian tradition: The Christmas tree is a popular holiday tradition, but it is not a Christian tradition. The tradition of decorating trees at Christmas actually originated in Germany in the 16th century and was initially seen as a pagan tradition.

6. Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill towards all: While Christmas is often associated with feelings of peace and goodwill, the holiday has not always been a peaceful time. Throughout history, there have been many wars and conflicts that have taken place during the Christmas season.

7.The North Pole is the coldest place on earth: While the North Pole is certainly a very cold place, it is not the coldest place on earth. In fact, parts of Antarctica, which is further south, are colder than the North Pole.

8.Christmas is a holiday celebrated only in the Western world: While Christmas is a popular holiday in the Western world, it is also celebrated in many other countries around the world, including parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

9.The phrase "Merry Christmas" is of Christian origin: The phrase "Merry Christmas" is often associated with the holiday of Christmas, but it is actually derived from the Old English phrase "merry Cristes mæsse," which means "happy Mass of Christ."

10.Christmas is the only holiday that is celebrated on December 25th: While December 25th is a popular day for holiday celebrations, it is not the only holiday that is celebrated on this day. For example, Hanukkah, which is a Jewish holiday, is also celebrated in December.

By understanding the facts about Christmas, we can better appreciate and understand this holiday and the traditions that surround it.

10 mistakes you make on your CV

Your CV is often the first point of contact with a potential employer, so it's important to make sure it's as strong and effective as possible. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes on their CVs that can hurt their chances of getting hired. Here are 10 common mistakes people make on their CVs, and how to avoid them:

1.Poor formatting: A poorly formatted CV can be difficult to read and may turn off potential employers. Make sure your CV is well-organized, easy to read, and visually appealing. Use clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space to make your CV easy to scan.

2. Lack of focus: A CV that lacks focus and direction can be confusing and may not effectively convey your strengths and qualifications. Make sure your CV is clear and concise, and focuses on the most relevant information for the job you are applying for. Don't include unnecessary details or unrelated information.

3. Inconsistencies: Inconsistencies in your CV, such as discrepancies in dates or job titles, can raise red flags for potential employers. Be sure to double-check your CV for accuracy and consistency.

4. Lack of action verbs: Action verbs, such as "managed," "developed," or "implemented," help to convey your responsibilities and achievements in a more impactful way. Avoid using passive language or vague terms in your CV.

5. Too much or too little information: Including too much or too little information in your CV can be a mistake. Be sure to include enough information to showcase your skills and experience, but avoid including irrelevant or unnecessary details.

6.Spelling and grammar errors: Spelling and grammar errors can be a major turnoff for potential employers, as they can suggest a lack of attention to detail or carelessness. Be sure to carefully proofread your CV before sending it.

7.Lack of customization: A generic, one-size-fits-all CV may not effectively convey your skills and qualifications to potential employers. Make sure to customize your CV for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.

8.Omitting important information: Failing to include important information, such as your contact information or job titles, can make it difficult for potential employers to get in touch with you or accurately assess your qualifications.

9.Inappropriate email address: A professional email address is important in creating a good first impression with potential employers. Avoid using unprofessional or inappropriate email addresses on your CV.

10.Lack of accomplishment statements: Accomplishment statements, which describe your achievements and the impact you had in your previous roles, can help to make your CV more compelling and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Be sure to include accomplishment statements in your CV to showcase your skills and experience.

By avoiding these common mistakes on your CV, you can increase your chances of getting hired and make a strong first impression with potential employers. Make sure to take the time to carefully proofread and customize your CV to showcase your skills and experience in the best light.

Virtues of Knowledge Anecdote 1

Verily Allah elevates people through Knowledge, like He said in the Holy Qur'an 

"Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Aware of what you do."

[Mujadila:11]

Umar ibn al-Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah raises the status of people by this book, and by it he humbles others.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 817

A moving story ....

Andurrahman Ibn Abi Layla was invited by Isa ibn Musa, one of the royalties from Banu Abbas and was known for as an Arab supremacist, he Isa asked ibn Abi Layla, who is the Faqih (Jurist)of Basra, and he replied:

Al Hasan Basri and Ibn Sirrin.

 And who are they? Demanded Isa.

He replied: From the Mawaliy (non -Arabs)

He then asked, who is the Faqih (Jurist) of Makkah?

Ibn Abi Layla replied 

Ata ibn yasar

Mujahid ibn Jabr

Sa'eed ibn Jubayr and

Sulaiman ibn Yasar

So he then asked who is the Faqih of 

Madinah?

Ibn Abi Layla replied :

Muhammad Ibn Munkadir and Zaid ibn Aslam.

So he asked and who are these ?

Ibn Abi Layla replied :" They are non Arabs"

So he frowned and then asked who is the Faqih of Quba 

Ibn Abi Layla replied: " Rabiah Ra'y

And who is he?

Ibn Abi Layla replied:" from the non Arabs"

So he asked,who is the Faqih of Yemen and ibn Abi Layla replied:

Tawoos ibn Khaisan and Hamman ibn Munabbih .

And who are these

Ibn Abi Layla replied: "From the non Arabs"

And then he asked who is the Faqih of Sham and Ibn Abi Layla replied

 "Makhool " and who is he?

"From the non Arabs" replied ibn Abi Layla. 

So he turned red with fury and then asked further who is the Faqih of Kufa and Ibn Abi Layla replied:

"Ibrahim Nakha'i and Amir Sha'biy" and who are these enquired Isa ?

Ibn Abi Layla replied:  "They are from the Arabs" so Isa heaved a sigh of relief.

Ibn Abi Layla said if not because I was afraid of the evil that might come from him due to the anger I saw I would have said Ammar ibn Abi Sulaiman and Al Hakam ibn Uyainah

Role Model :Muadh bin Jabal R.A

Muadh bin Jabal al Ansari R.A

Aaez Allah lbn Abd Allah narrated that one day he entered the mosque with the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ

at the dawn of Umar’s caliphate. Then he sat among more than thirty men. Let us hear him narrate the story: ‘I sat with a group of more than thirty men. They were recalling a hadith of the Prophet . In tﷺ

his ring sat a dark, swarthy young man who had a sweet voice and a radiant face. Whenever they disputed about a hidden or ambiguous meaning in the hadith, they at once sought his legal instruction or judgment. He seldom, if ever, spoke unless he was asked. When their meeting was over, I approached him and asked him, ‘Who are you, O Allah’s Slave?’ He answered, ‘I am Mu’adh Ibn Jabal.’ So I instantly felt dose to him.

He was an astounding erudite scholar . He reached the apex in knowledge and fiqh, to the extent that made the Prophet ﷺ say, ‘The most learned man of my nation in halal and haram is Mu’adh Ibn Jabal.’

He was among the 70 ANSAR who took the oath of allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ in the Second Allegiance of Aqabah .He was chosen by the prophet to go to Yemen as a leader and a scholar in one. Mu’adh was generous, magnanimous, well-mannered, and good-natured. If anyone asked him for money, he would readily and gladly give it to him. His generosity made him spend all his money on charity and aid.

One day, the Prophet ﷺ ran into him so he asked him, ‘How are you this morning Mu’adh? He answered, ‘This morning I woke up as a true believer.’ The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Every truth has its manifestations, so what are the manifestations of your belief?’ Mu’adh readily answered, ‘I have never woken up without believing that I might die before nightfall. I have never slept without believing that I might die before the morning and have never taken a step without believing that I might die before taking the next. It always seems to me that I can see each nation humbled to its knees and each nation called to its record of deeds. It always seems to me that I can see the dwellers of Paradise, wherein are delights everlasting, and the dwellers of Hell, wherein they are in disgracing torment.’ The Prophetﷺ commented, ‘Now you know, so stick to the truth as long as you live.’ Indeed Mu’adh had submitted himself and his destiny to Allah, for Allah was all that mattered to him. It was just that Ibn Mas’ud described him as ‘an ummah, a leader having all the good and righteous qualities, obedient to Allah and Hanifan, who worshipped none but Allah. We used to liken him to Ibrahim AS.’

Muadh was very close to the prophet ﷺ

The Prophet ﷺ said one day, ‘O Mu’adh, by Allah I love you dearly, so do not forget to recite after every prayer اللَّهُمَّ أَ عِنِّيْ عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ شُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ , .”

Muadh died at the pinnacle of his youth during the caliphate of Umar Bin Khattab at the age of 33 ,a few months after been appointed as the governor of Syria, after the death of Abu Ubaidah Bin Jarrah

Umar used to say, ‘If I were to grant Mu’adh Ibn Jabal succession and Allah asked me, ‘Why did you make him your successor?’ I would readily answer, ‘I heard Your Prophet ﷺ say that when those who have knowledge stand before Almighty Allah, Mu’adh will be among them.’

ALLAHU AKBAR.WHAT A MAN,WHAT A LIFE

Brief history of Imam Abu Hanifa -The Great Imam

Role Model !

Abu Hanifa- Nu'man bn Thabit  was born in kufa, iraq during the reign of the powerful ummayad caliphabdulmailk ibn marwan. Acclaimed as Al-Imam al-A'zam, or Al-A'dham (the Great Imam)
He has the status of a tabee' -only among the the 4 imams who founded the four schools of thought in fiqh
A lesson
In 763, al-Mansur, the Abbasid monarch offered Abu Hanifa the post of Chief Judge of the State, but he declined to accept the offer, choosing to remain independent. His student, Abu Yusuf, was appointed Qadi Al-Qadat (Chief Judge of the State) of al-Mansur regime instead of himself.
In his reply to al-Mansur, Abu Hanifa excused himself by saying that he did not regard himself fit for the post. Al-Mansur, who had his own ideas and reasons for offering the post, lost his temper and accused Abu Hanifa of lying.
"If I am lying," Abu Hanifa said, "then my statement is doubly correct. How can you appoint a liar to the exalted post of a Chief Qadi (Judge)?"
Incensed by this reply, the ruler had Abu Hanifa arrested and locked in prison and tortured.
Even there, the indomitable jurist continued to teach those who were permitted to come to him.
In 767, Abu Hanifa died in prison.

Career and learning
The great imam started as a businessman, dealing in silk- following the foot steps of his Father
He learned from a myriad number of scholars, who themselves learnt directly from the Sahaba, may Allah be pleased with them. He started from the scholars of kufa including imam sha'biy, Ibraheem Nakhaeey and Hammad. He travelled to Basra to drink from the fountain ⛲ of knowledge ,Al Hasanul Basri .He travelled to the great city of Makkah where he sat in the schools of Ataa' bn Rabaa and Ikrima Al Quraishi (who are renowned students of Abdullahi bn Abbas may Allah be pleased with him
He travelled to Madinah where he met and learned fromImam Malik ibn Anas and his teacher Salim bn Abdullah
He also met and was tutored by the great grand children of the Prophet SAW, Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Husayn Al baqir and his son Ja'far us Saadiq

Notable works
Kitabul aathar, Fiqhul Akbar Kitaabul Rad alal Qaadiriyah
Allahu Akbar. May Allah be pleased with him