How much was 1 USD to PKR in 1947?| 1947-2022

After the fall of British Raj Britain, India emerged as two independent states; Pakistan as a Muslim majority state and India as a Hindu majority state. Initially, both nations used the pre-existing currency note and coins with a stamp of Pakistan’s government. Later on, the state bank of Pakistan issued new banknotes in 1948. However, the US dollar has a long history and a solid background, yet 1 USD to PKR in 1947 was never equal. Even though after partition, 1 GBP was equal to 13.33 Pakistani Rupees and at that time and 1 USD to PKR in 1947 was 3.31 Pakistani Rupees. Probably it was the cheapest exchange rate in the history of USD and PKR relations.

Everyone in Pakistan knows that Before our independence British rules us. So when Pakistani people got independence, Pakistani people had adopted Sterling Pound. In 1947, 1 Sterling Pound is equal to 13.13 Pakistani rupee. At that Time, 1 Sterling Pound is equal to 4.03 US Dollars. So if we convert Pakistani rupee to USD according to Sterling Pound, 1 USD to PKR in 1947 was equal to Rs 3.31. Many people says that in 1947 1 USD was equal to 1 Pakistani rupee But this is not true.

We already told you that in 1947 Pakistani government did not adopt USD as a foreign exchange currency. So you people might think that when Pakistani Government was adopted USD (Dollar) as a foreign exchange currency. Don’t worry, we will tell you everything about USD. If you are history Curious people you might know that in early 1970, USA economy dominated the whole world. So due to the USA Economy influence, On 17th September 1971 Pakistani government adopted USD as a Foreign Exchange Currency. After that we saw some time Pakistani Rupee was strengthening and Some time saw USD Dominating Pakistani rupee. On 6 Aug 2020, We saw one USD was equal to 168.8777 PKR, Which is highest till now.

USD to PKR Relations

It's a misconception that the rate of 1 USD to PKR in 1947 at the time of independence was equal. However, Pakistan rupees pegged to Britain sterling and remained stable against the US dollar. The apparent reason was a strong backing from Britain pound to PKR that kept 1 USD to PKR in 1947 below 10 PKR.

Before the Bretton wood System's termination, the government pegged PKR to USD at a fixed rate and backed by the US gold. The PKR currency holds the status to convert into gold on demand, but later it attains floating currency. The floating currency means Fiat money, and the government balances the supply and demand and convertible against the agreed currency rate. Also central bank is responsible for buying and selling currency to maintain the range.

First Elevation USD to PKR

Later on, when President Zia UL Haq shifted the currency to a managed float, the USD against PKR suddenly elevated to peeks. In a Managed float, no country could keep the fixed-rate regime after Breton wood System collapsed. The Ultimate solution was to stay on managed float policy, and consequently, the PKR lost the value by 38.5%, and the cost of import suddenly rose. However, Pakistan's state bank stabilized the situation and maintained the current account surplus to push up the value of Pakistani rupees against USD.

2nd Elevation Period

Since 1982 the rate of 1 USD to PKR keeps rising compared to 1 USD to PKR in 1947. After the nuclear test in 2002 made the country influential, but its currency vulnerable, with meager reserves and specific freezing of resident foreign currency accounts. The dual exchange rate policy helped manage the chaotic period, consisting of an official exchange rate fixed at PKR 46/USD and a floating rate defined through demand and supply of foreign exchange in the interbank market. The alliance of Dual rates in May 1999 established a market-based floating exchange rate regime.

Perhaps the currency of Pakistan jolted severely in 2008 and termed as a disaster year for PKR. In this period, the PKR lost 23% of value against USD and fall to almost 79.2 Rs per USD. The main reason was that Militancy and Afghanistan and the US war after 9/11 impacted the Pakistan economy significantly.

The uncertain political conditions and lack of security depleted the foreign investments, and foreign exchange reserves fell disastrously. The ultimate option to get back from the scenario was to borrow money on interest and regain the foreign investor’s trust. However, it reduced Pakistan's economic independence and burdened the economy with excessive loans.

3rd Elevations Current Status

Perhaps at the time of independence, Pakistan was not stable politically, but the economy was fresh and long-lasting than today. Therefore, the least rate of 1 USD to PKR in 1947 is evidence of Pakistan's booming economy at that time. However, currently, the overwhelming loans and interests with unstable political conditions drive the economy to depend upon IMF plans. The PKR against USD is now at the lowest in history, around 1 USD to 160 RS.

Future Predictions of Pakistan Economy

The fantasy that a more robust domestic currency makes a country strong is hard to dismiss from everybody's mind. Certainty is just the opposite of developing nations. More vulnerable money helps a country grow sustainably by provoking economic agents to invest in trading production and depressing import growth. Already Pakistan's government approved the 22nd IMF loan to control the balance of payment deficit and restore foreign reserves.

Therefore economists predicted a promising future of Pakistan's Economy and considered Pakistan as an emerging marketplace. Economists termed it a take-off stage, and it will turn low-income countries into middle-income countries in the next five years. Indeed, the USD to PKR is also on streamline and hopefully revive the same rate of 1 USD to PKR in 1947. With increasing trade system with Super Powers and stable economic environment preserves the exchange rate and maintains the stability.

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Overseas Pakistanis to pay tax on all their mobile phones

The Federal Board of Revenue has made a change in the personal baggage rules and as a result of that, overseas Pakistanis will now have to pay tax on every mobile phone they bring to the country.

Yes, you guessed that right. This is applicable even on your first or personal mobile phone, which was supposed to be exempt from Customs duties previously. The only exception is roaming. That is you don’t have to register your phone with the PTA nor pay any duty as long as you use your international SIM card and are on roaming. However, if you put local SIM into your mobile, you will have to register within 60 days.

The new rule, which came into effect on July 1, went largely unnoticed as only a small section of the press reported this development.

This change also explains why overseas Pakistanis, who had to pay tax after registering their first and only device with the PTA, have been expressing their frustration about this on social media. This is double taxation, they say, referring to their purchases on which they already pay taxes abroad.

Related: Customs to charge people for carrying extra mobile phones to Pakistan

Under the previous policy, overseas Pakistanis were allowed to bring one phone to Pakistan without paying any duties under the Personal Baggage Rule, but this exemption was removed following reports of misuse of the scheme. There were reports of people stealing passengers’ data to register imported phones so they could avoid paying taxes. This was happening at a large scale and was also reported by subscribers of SAMAA Digital on its social media pages.

To stop the misuse of this scheme, the government removed the exemption, a move that didn’t go down well with the overseas Pakistanis, who criticised it. Instead of stopping data theft, the government has deprived expats of this facility, they say.

The FBR couldn’t be reached for a comment, but an official familiar with the matter told SAMAA Digital that several arrests have been made in this regard in Karachi and Lahore. Immigration, travel agents and airlines all have passengers data. Who leaks data is difficult to find, he said. What items should be allowed under this scheme is the prerogative of the government, he added.

Overseas Pakistanis can still bring five phones per the calendar year, but now they have to pay duties on each.

By changing the rule, the government has closed another door for importers and traders of smuggled phones. The import of smuggled mobiles is in hundreds of thousands, which cost the government a lot as no taxes are paid on these mobile phones. All this at a time when the government is running a massive budget deficit (more than Rs3,000 billion) because of a low tax base– smuggled goods are one of the reasons for low tax revenue.

Related: Overseas Pakistanis must pay duty on extra mobile phones: Fawad Chaudhry

To deal with this, the PTA and the FBR warned traders and buyers that they would block all smuggled phones that weren’t registered by January 15. The government ran an awareness campaign for months, asking consumers already in possession of such phones to register their devices before the deadline. The PTA says it didn’t block their phones nor charge any tax. However, people owning any phones that were bought or switched on after this deadline were given two months to register and pay taxes and were blocked if they failed to comply.

Mass blocking of smuggled phones by the PTA led to panic among both traders and consumers. Traders started negotiations with the FBR but could not reach any agreement. Last week, traders of mobile phones went on a shutter down strike in protest.

On this issue, SAMAA Digital asked the traders to clarify some queries.

Disputed tax rates, who to believe?

The FBR chairperson wants tax worth Rs20,000 to be imposed on a device, traders, however, say they should be charged no more than Rs400. Here is one possible explanation for that: the FBR system generates tax payment receipt electronically by using your device’s international mobile equipment identity (IMEI). In case of a smuggled phone, the IMEI number can be fake or modified. For example, you may have bought a Rs4,000 phone but the IMEI number it carries is of Samsung Note 7. The system will generate tax receipt based on the IMEI number and assume it is Note 9 thus you may end up paying Rs40,000 or even higher tax on your handset.

Talking about this issue, Muhammad Rizwan, who is the president of Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, the body representing mobile phone traders on the discussion forum, said the government can block such IMEIs, but they should consider devices with a genuine IMEI number because it is not necessary that it is tampered with in all smuggled devices. A genuine IMEI number can be verified on the Global System for Mobile Communications’ (GSMA) website.

You (traders) don’t seem to pay due taxes as evident from the statement of FBR chairperson. Is this true?

“This is not correct,” Rizwan said.

He explained that the traders Rs400 demand was for a device worth Rs2,000, and not for the ones that cost Rs20,000 as stated by the FBR chairperson. “We want to pay tax and come under the tax net,” he said.

Why haven’t you stopped selling smuggled phones?

This was the job of Customs to stop smuggling. If they did it, traders would automatically shift to legal imports, he claimed.

Secondly, they have been blocking mobile devices based on the January 15 deadline, but the related SRO (government directive) was issued in May, which doesn’t make sense, Rizwan said. If they issued the directive earlier, it would’ve saved all of us from the mess we are in. About half of our shops are shut already and many people have lost their jobs.

Why sell smuggled phones in the first place?

They are cheap and people can’t afford to pay Rs40,000 for a reliable smartphone, but they are happy to buy the second-hand (used) version of the same phone for Rs15,000, Rizwan explained. As per traders’ estimates, 80% users in the market like to buy a second-hand phone.

There are no two opinions about the unlimited benefits of smartphone technology. By taxing these devices, you make them expensive thus deprive the poor of using the latest technology. Besides, we are open to paying taxes and want to come under the tax net, he said.

What to do with the blocked phones?

The people whose mobile phones have been blocked can get it unblocked online at PTA’s website or by visiting either PTA or FBR offices. Both these options are available for those physically present in Pakistan.

What to do if you want to buy a used/smuggled phone?

Before making the payment, check the device’s IMEI number and send it to 8484. If its status is PTA comply, buy it. If it shows non-compliant, you have two options: don’t buy or check the amount of tax you will need to pay after purchasing it.

You can register the device at PTA’s website and the system will generate a tax slip, this will tell you how much you pay in total.

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Customs to charge people for carrying extra mobile phones to Pakistan

In a move that has kept the expats as well as Pakistanis, who frequently travel abroad on their toes, the government has started charging a significantly high duty on smartphones being brought to Pakistan.

It is applicable to everyone from commercial importers to passengers travelling to Pakistan. All expats coming to Pakistan for New Year’s celebration or a Pakistani returning from an official trip abroad will have to pay the duty if they are carrying additional smartphones.

If you are only carrying one mobile phone, then you won’t have to pay the duty. However, if you are carrying more then you will have to pay the tax on them. You will also not be allowed to carry more than five mobile phones in a year.

Overseas Pakistanis must pay duty on extra mobile phones: Fawad Chaudhry

The duty structure is complex, but don’t worry as SAMAA Digital has done the math for you. If you are carrying an extra mobile phone worth Rs40,000, you will have to pay another Rs16,100 or 40% in different duties and taxes, which will take its overall cost to Rs56,100. The duty for every set varies depending upon its price. The following table can be helpful in finding out how much you will pay for the mobile phone:

According to officials familiar with the matter, the duties apply to both new (packed) and used (unpacked) phones with an IMEI and SIM function. However, presently the government is facilitating used phones and only new (packed) phones – in case of a second phone – is being levied with the new Customs duty. The government has already approved duties for the used phones and the law is being made in this regard.

Critics say such high duties on imports of mobiles will hurt both the traders, as well as consumers. Higher duties will make devices more expensive and out of reach for the marginalised segment and deprive them of all the benefits the internet has to offer. It will slow down internet penetration and growth of an internet-based economy, they say.

However, the government says it has to take this step to stop the smuggling of mobile phones, which cost the exchequer millions in tax evasion.

The old tax structure is very complex and the government is working on simplifying it, a customs official said requesting anonymity. The objective is to stop smuggling first since up to 40% of our imports are smuggled products, he said. “Once, we have done away with it and simplified the tax structure, the government will certainly consider reducing taxes, especially on low-end phones.”

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Overseas Pakistanis must pay duty on extra mobile phones: Fawad Chaudhry

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry remarked that Pakistan should start owning its tax culture. 

He clarified that overseas Pakistanis have not been stopped from carrying cellphones to the country. They will have to pay tax if they are carrying extra mobile phones, he wrote on Twitter.

Do you have a smuggled phone? It won’t work in 2019

“We are importing mobile phones worth $2billion. What will happen if we don’t charge tax on them?”

On November 26, Revenue State Minister Hammad Azhar remarked that people travelling to Pakistan will be allowed to bring only five cellphones per year, of which only one will be customs free.

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Career: 8 tips to find a job in the UAE

We’ve all been in a job hunt situation where nothing seems to work; try these tips

Writing this guide, while very useful to others, is also very personal to me. I have been right where you are and done all of the things you have – and it can be very frustrating and disappointing when you apply and register on every job site in existence (or so I think) but get no call-backs or emails.

With 2019 upon us, it's great to go in with a well structur

ed plan and this plan will include all the things you have already done, but in a goal-oriented manner. These include a few hacks I tried, along with some tips from industry experts.

1. Get your 'branding' sorted

You are a product, and a resume is your advertisement. A great resume should summaries and highlight your strengths, skills and experience in a way that grabs the attention of the recruiter. He or she spends seconds skimming through hundreds of resumes - make sure yours can stand out in a matter of seconds.

Get a resume written by a professional agency or consultant, or take time going through various websites that give tips on getting it right. A resume is always a comprehensive summary of who you are as a candidate. Linking your professional LinkedIn account (which allows more room for details) in the resume can help the recruiter get more information if he or she requires.

Have your resume, copies of UAE attested certificates, experience certificates and other documents sorted through and ready to send out. While it may be obvious, what I’ve seen personally, are people waiting until the last minute to go through their resumes, change or remove things, or add haphazard explanations and summaries.

2. Registering on job sites

While it may seem futile - yes, I have been there - registering on job sites is a great way to get started on your job hunt. It is useful to know the requirements or vacancies that companies have and to understand if there is demand for your specific set of skills.

Some of my recommendations in terms of response, application tracking and information would be Bayt, LinkedIn, Internsme (they have listings for full-time, part-time and contractual jobs), Gulf Salary, Monster Gulf and Naukri Gulf among others. There may be suitable listings in the classifieds section of leading newspapers such as Gulf News or online on classifieds websites such as GetThat.

Not all listing have details such as salary and comanu names, so note those that do have these details. This will prove useful for our fifth tip.

3. Get active on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great forum to look for positions and also to network with and follow people that are from your domain of work. However, if you aren’t active on there, you can quickly fall out of anyone’s radar.

Use the sections on there to create a strong profile. LinkedIn ranks profiles and the best you can get is the ‘All Star’ ranking. This is when you have filled in most of the information, and also attached related media or documents. For example, you can attach your resume in the summary section which makes it easier for a head hunter on LinkedIn to directly download and see your resume in one go without having to track you down through messages.

Use the Pulse blog forum to write about things that interest you professionally or creatively. Your photograph need not be uptight and sombre – smile a little, be approachable.

It is also very important to always try and connect with the job poster for the jobs you have saved or applied to. At the very least, it means you have done everything you could have - this can take off the edge on waiting for that call back.

4. Company websites

Large international and/or local companies including aviation firms such as Emirates and Fly Dubai or hospitality companies such as Marriot; media and advisory ones such as Reuters, or finance firms such as KPMG, Emirates NBD and PWC have a fully functional career portal within their website. 

This is much more direct than going through a third-party website such as LinkedIn. Most of these portals can take a bit of time to submit applications as you have to be quite detailed on your entries for work history or qualifications; but the best part here is that you can directly track your application.

You can also email the HR department with the job ID to ask for updates. They usually conduct initial tests on the website itself making it easier for you to get to the next level if shortlisted.

5. Create your contact list

So you’ve seen many thousands of job posts - I have, not even kidding - and you need to do something other than apply and wait. Here’s where getting the company’s name is handy.

While you should continue to apply to those ‘Confidential Company’ job posts, create an Excel sheet for the job posts that have company names listed. In LinkedIn, all job posts come with company names, job poster details and more.

What I did was create a database of all the companies I applied to, along with a phone number and email that I found directly from their website. I also added the date of application in a column to keep track of how long it had been since I applied.

6. Start punching in the numbers

A couple of days (ideally a week) after you apply on the job site, LinkedIn or company website, use your new phone book and make a series of cold calls to your favorites on the list. And a major thing here is – be prepared for insulting remarks and a plain old phone hang-up – phone operators, receptionists and even recruiters can be harsh. However, if you called 10, odds are that one of them would direct you to the HR team and they would note down your name.

The logic here is, when they do come across your actual application sent via normal forums weeks ago, they might remember your name and that call. That one second is all that’s needed for them to decide to look at your CV from the hundreds that came in. And from the first point of this article, if you did it right, they know you are good for the job in six seconds. 

One call is enough to land you your dream job, so keep trying.

7. Don’t waste your time

Personally, I spent more than seven months unemployed in Dubai – a highly expensive and unproductive phase of my life. Utilize that time to learn something you’ve always wanted to do, or learn things that could possibly help in your career. It really worked for me, making me able to talk intelligently about things I took an interest in. I even started a blog; so, new skills gained while also keeping me productive, or sane.

8. Do not lose heart

This is by far the most important of them all. Living in the UAE without a job is very hard and getting a job is also quite hard – but that is not, in any way, a reflection of your capabilities and skills.

In the big plan of life, there is always something good waiting around the corner. Cold call people cheerfully, if they smash the phone in your ear, think of how good it is that you aren’t working there and move on. Use your time to do things you love, for free or for less money.

In the big plan of life, there is always something good waiting around the corner. Sometimes taking a risk can pay off, but other times taking a step back and relaxing might be the best idea. Life is short and hard, but if you aren't happy, each day can seem harder than it actually is. Good luck!

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How to Solve a Problem: 6 Quick and Powerful Tips

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”

Albert Ellis

“Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles, they toughen and make strong.”

Norman Vincent Peale

“Every problem has a gift for you in its hands.”

Richard Bach

Are you having a problem in your life right now?

If so, maybe these six quick tips can help you to solve it a little bit easier.

1. First, ask yourself: is there really a problem here?

Often we create problems in our own heads that aren’t really out there in reality. So relax a bit. And think about if this is really a big problem.

Is it something that will matter in 5 years? Or even in 5 weeks?

Life becomes so less stressful when you stop making mountain out of molehills (or just out of thin air).

2. Accept it.

When you accept that the problem already exists and stop resisting then you also stop putting more energy into the problem and “feeding it”.

Now it just exists (well, more or less, you might still feel a bit down about it).

You can use the energy you previously fed the problem with – the energy that probably made the problem look bigger than it was – to find creative solutions to the challenge.

3. Ask for help.

You can ask people for advice on what to do and what they did in similar situations.

But you can also ask for more practical help. You don’t have to solve every problem on your own and sometimes it feels better to have someone by your side, even if it is just for emotional support.

If you just ask you may find that people will often be willing to help you out.

4. Use 80 percent of your time to find solutions.

And only 20 percent to complain, worry and whine.

It might not always be easy but focusing your energy, time and thoughts in this way is much more beneficial for you and others than doing the opposite.

5. Break the problem down into smaller pieces.

Solving a problem can sometimes seem overwhelming and impossible. To decrease anxiety and think more clearly break the problem down.

Identify the different parts it consists of. Then figure out one practical solution you can take for each of those parts. Use those solutions.

They may not solve the whole problem immediately. But those solutions can get you started and might solve a few pieces of the it.

6. Find the opportunity and/or lesson within the problem.

I have found that there is almost always a positive side to a problem.

Perhaps it alerts us of a great way to improve our business or relationships. Or teaches us how our lives perhaps aren’t as bad as we thought.

Finding this more positive part of the problem reduces its negative emotional impact. You may even start to see the situation as a great opportunity for you.

When you are faced with a problem ask yourself:

What is the good thing about this?

What can I learn from this?

What hidden opportunity can I find within this problem?

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30 Ways to Improve Your Mood When You’re Feeling Down

When I was eighteen, I got depressed and stayed depressed for a little over a year. For over a year, every single day was a battle with myself. For over a year, every single day felt heavy and pointless.

I have since made tremendous progress by becoming more self-aware, practicing self-love, and noticing the infinite blessings and possibilities in my life, but I still have days when those familiar old feelings sneak up on me.

I’m not always self-aware, I don’t always love myself, and sometimes I agonize over everything I don’t have or haven’t accomplished.

I call these days “zombie days.” I’ll just completely shut down and desperately look for ways to distract myself from my feelings.

I suspect we all have zombie days from time to time. I think it’s important to give ourselves permission to not always be happy, but there are also simple ways to improve our mood when we’re feeling down.

Everybody is different, and everybody has different ways of dealing with pain, but if you’re looking for suggestions, you may find these helpful:

1. Step back and self-reflect. Whenever I start feeling depressed, I try to stop, reflect, and get to the root of my feelings.  

2. Reach out to someone. I used to bottle up my feelings out of fear that I would be judged if I talked about them. I’ve since learned that reaching out to a loving, understanding person is one of the best things I can do.    

3. Listen to music. Music can heal, put you in a better mood, make you feel less alone, or take you on a mental journey.   

4. Cuddle or play with pets. I have really sweet and happy dogs that are always quick to shower me with love whenever they see me. Spending quality time with a loving pet can instantly make your heart and soul feel better.  

5. Go for a walk. Walking always helps me clear my head and shed negative energy. It’s especially therapeutic if you choose to walk at a scenic location.  

6. Drink something healthy and reinvigorating. For some reason, orange juice always puts me in a better mood and makes me feel revitalized and serene. There are many health and mood benefits of drinking orange juice and other fruit juices.    

7. Write. Writing is usually the first thing I do when I’m feeling down. It always helps me get my thoughts and feelings out in front of me.    

8. Take a nap. Sometimes we just need to recharge. I always feel better after getting some rest.   

9. Plan a fun activity. Moping around never helps me feel any better, so it usually helps to plan something fun to do if I’m feeling up to it. It can be something as simple as creating my own vision board or something as big as planning a trip.     

10. Do something spontaneous. Some of my favorite memories entail choices I made spontaneously. We should all learn to let go of routine every now and then and do something exciting and unplanned.      

11. Prioritize. Sometimes I feel depressed when my priorities are out of balance. I try to make sure I’m giving a fair amount of attention to all the priorities in my life, such as work, relationships, health, and personal happiness.

12. Look through old photographs or snap some new ones. Sorting through old memories or capturing new ones usually puts a smile on my face.   

13. Hug someone. I am definitely a hugger. Hugs are such an easy way to express love and care without having to say a word.  

14. Laugh. Watch a funny movie or spend time with someone who has a good sense of humor. Laughing releases tension and has a natural ability to heal.  

15. Cry. I don’t like crying in front of people, but whenever I have an opportunity to slink away and cry by myself, I always feel better afterwards. Crying releases pain.  

16. Read back over old emails or text messages, or listen to old voicemails. Whenever I feel dejected or bad about myself, I like to read kind emails and comments from my blog readers or listen to cute voicemails from my grandmother. Doing so reminds me that I’m loved, thought about, and appreciated.  

17. Reconnect with someone. Get back in touch with an old friend or a family member that you haven’t spoken to in awhile. Reconnecting with people almost always puts me in a good mood and fills my heart up with love.   

18. Write yourself a letter. I try to separate myself from my ego and give myself a pep talk every now and then. Cicero said, “Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself.”  

19. Try a deep breathing exercise. There are all kinds of deep breathing exercises out there. Find one you like and do it whenever you’re feeling stressed or overly emotional.  

20. Cultivate gratitude. Practicing genuine gratitude on a daily basis has been a major source of healing in my life. When I step back and notice everything I have to be grateful for, it makes me feel like I have everything I need and that nothing is lacking. It makes me feel whole.   

21. Re-watch a funny or inspiring YouTube video. I recommend Webcam 101 for Seniors. That video cheers me up every time. There are so many funny and inspiring videos online.    

22. Bake something. Baking has always been therapeutic and entertaining for me. Plus, I can eat whatever I baked and share it with others afterward.  

23. Get out of the house. I work from home, so a large majority of my time is spent indoors, planted in front of my laptop. I have to make a point to get out every now and then, whether it’s to get some fresh air or go out to eat with a friend.    

24. Focus on what truly matters to you. Sometimes I forget what matters to me and what isn’t that important. Some things just aren’t worth getting too upset over.  

25. Take a negative comment or situation and look for something positive about it. If someone says something negative to me or I get stuck in an unpleasant situation, sometimes it helps to look at it from a different angle. Perspective is everything.  

26. Daydream. Take a mental vacation. Let your mind wander for a while.   

27. Let some natural sunlight come in. Opening all the blinds and curtains and letting natural sunlight flood your home can help elevate your mood.   

28. Take a mental health day. Sometimes we just need to take a day to clear our heads and nurture our souls. My mental health has a history of being a bit erratic, so nurturing it is a priority in my life.     

29. Let go. This is a very simple mantra of mine. I usually say it to myself multiple times each day, which has been very liberating and empowering.    

30. Read Tiny Buddha. And of course, you can always read Tiny Buddha! I personally love the quotes section. There is a category for almost every universal theme or emotion.

What helps you improve your mood?

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Bakra Eid – The Festival of Sacrifice

Bakrid is one of the most popular festivals celebrated by the Muslims all over the world where it is known as Eid-Al-Adha. It commemorates the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was ready to sacrifice his first born on God's command, and later sacrificed a sheep as per God's instructions. Animals like goat, sheep, cow or camel are sacrificed on this day. It is a day of feasting and visiting with friends and family. The festival is celebrated after the Hajj pilgrimage.

 

The legend of Bakra Eid

 

The origin of the festival of Bakrid has been described in Islamic traditions. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was instructed by God to bring his Egyptian wife Hajar and his son Ishmael to the deserts of Saudi Arabia and to leave them there. By divine intervention, a well appeared here which helped Hajar and her son to survive. Later, Abraham returned here and preached the word of God.

 

In order to test him, God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ishmael in repeated dreams. When Abraham asked Ishmael, he was ready to bow before the will of God. Satan tried to distract them, but Ishmael drove him away by throwing stones. Finally, when Abraham tried to cut his son's throat, he was spared by divine intervention and found a ram to have been sacrificed instead. To commemorate this day of sacrifice and the mercy of God, Bakrid is celebrated with sacrifice of animals.

Other names of Bakrid

 

The proper name for Bakrid is Id-Al-Adha. Since goats (bakri) are sacrificed during this festival, hence it is known as Bakrid. It is also called Qurbani meaning sacrifice.

When is Bakrid celebrated?

 

Bakrid is celebrated at the end of the month of Islamic holy pilgrimage or Hajj. It falls on the tenth of Dhul-Hugg or the last month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

 

The Rituals of Bakrid

 

Bakrid is celebrated with lot of ceremony all over the country. It is especially observed in the city of Hyderabad. The rituals of the festival are as follows:

• The day begins with Muslims dressing up in new clothes and visiting the mosque. There, they perform dua or prayers for peace and prosperity of all.
• Takbir is recited before and after the prayers.
• Sacrifice is the most important aspect of Bakrid. Animals like goat, sheep, cow and camel are sacrificed. The animals must meet certain standards of perfection and the sacrifice is carried out in accordance with the religious laws.
• Wealthy families are expected to provide one animal for sacrifice while if the family is poor, seven or seventy families can contribute to sacrifice one animal. Two thirds of the meat is distributed to the poor and one third is retained by the family for consumptions.
• After the prayers, alms are given to the poor.
• People visit with each other and exchange greetings of Id Mubarak. They visit houses of friends and relatives to celebrate Id.
• Feasts are prepared throughout the day. Everybody is made a part of the festivities. Special delicacies are prepared to celebrate Bakrid. In addition, gifts are also exchanged.

 

Bakrid festival dates between 2017 & 2024

 

Year     Date

 

2017     Saturday, 2nd of September

2018     Wednesday, 22nd of August

2019     Monday, 12th of August

2020     Friday, 31st of July

2021     Tuesday, 20th of July

2022     Sunday, 10th of July

2023     Thursday, 29th of June

2024     Monday, 17th of June

 

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The Key to a Successful Muslim Business Community

Historically, Muslims in Singapore are a community of traders and entrepreneurs. That was only natural as many are descendants of Indian and Arab Muslim traders who travelled to South East Asia seeking profit and business expansion.

These traders integrated easily into the local business scene, which was already thriving due to the strong business culture of the local Malays and Peranakan Muslims as well as their spirit of gotong-royong (community collaboration). This merging of communities resulted in a thriving market environment which offered employment and services to the community.

However, it is a different story in today’s Singapore. Today’s Singapore is one of the richest countries in the world and a leader in global trade and commerce. Despite this, the Muslim community in the marketplace is underrepresented and underdeveloped.

With the exception of ‘Muslim-based’ businesses, most Singaporeans do not opt to buy products of Muslim businesses. Worryingly, even ‘Muslim-based’ businesses are losing their dominance in their niche industries. This is happening because Muslim consumers are buying based on merit – non-Muslim businesses tend to give a better deal, in quality or price, which shows a lack of development on the side of Muslim businesses.

They are even losing competition to non-Muslim businesses in previously ‘untouchable’ sectors, such as Muslim-Wedding catering.

The Paradox of the Muslim Consumer

The Muslim consumer, like any other consumer, is susceptible to falling to the prevalent, capitalist view that material possessions equal to success. The current materialist approach to life is a manifestation of this. Thus, workers become consumers that only work to spend, in order to satisfy their insatiable desire for worldly possessions. It is a vicious cycle that leaves workers unable to shape the culture and mentality of their society in a meaningful direction. This is the danger in having a Muslim community primarily made up of workers.

This is not to say that a working-class community is necessarily a bad thing. Work, when done in moderation and with gratitude, can be a form of Ibadah or worship.

However, the current situation of Muslim consumers in most communities do not reflect that. It is not rational to acknowledge that the source of all things is Allah SWT and that our Rizq (sustenance) is entirely dependent on what He had set for us, while simultaneously subscribing to the view that Material possession somehow defines success, and even worse, define ourselves. This is the paradox of the Muslim consumer. Our fundamental beliefs conflict with this fundamentally flawed valuation of life.

A Revival is Due

It is apparent that the Muslim community must be brought back to its golden age of commerce and have its spirit of entrepreneurship revived. To do that, we must return to doing business in accordance with Islamic principles. The universal good inherent in Islamic business practices and Muamalat has tremendous potential in recovering this depressed economy and reducing the widespread inequality present.

The Quran says:

‘And Allah gives provision to whom He wills without limitations.’ Quran 2:21

What we understand from the above verse is that Muslims should recognise that the pleasure of The Creator is the primary objective in any transaction, and we should act accordingly. Consequently, the profit motive will be demoted to its rightful place as a secondary priority, present only to incentivize efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability.

Encouragingly, there are some signs of positive change, notably the revival of Youth Entrepreneurship. This is largely possible because of the inclusive nature of the digital age. Thanks to technology and the connectivity brought by social media many traditional barriers to entry have been removed, allowing talented entrepreneurs to achieve noteworthy success. These businesses are often able to cross over from the virtual realm to thrive as brick and mortar businesses. This is indeed an encouraging development in the world of Islamic Commerce.

In the meantime, the entrepreneurial mind must also be developed so as to create entrepreneurs that are trained to view problems as opportunities. Fortunately, we see a wave of such youthful talent emerging, and we need to embrace them and support them.

What we need to do

Before embarking on reform, old, regressive habits must be discarded to make way for new, constructive ones. We need to go back to the roots of true Islamic Business spirit. We must do so by first identifying the main cause of our downfall in our business performance and how it has deteriorated to such an insipid state.

Subsequently, we need to come together and unite around shared goals. By doing so, we will be able to close gaps and strengthen as a group.

In short, we need Unity.

Unity is the key, missing ingredient that is setting us back. Likewise, in my entrepreneurial journey, I have found the common feature in various forms of success to be unity. This is true whether it is in the tightly-knit circles of Singaporean Chinese, to relationship and connections-based Indonesians, to protective family-owned Saudi Arabian businesses.

All in all, there is a need to refine our business culture by removing dangerous mindsets that discourage unity. Jealousy, greed, revenge, and distrust are crippling handicaps to the development of Muslim businesses. To remove these deep-seated problems, we must collectively acknowledge and face them. That in itself will bring about greater unity.

A United Muslim Business Community

A unified business community is crucial for survival in the modern, fast-paced marketplace. Consider Singapore, a global trade hub with a highly competitive market. Most businesses there face high costs and intense competition. Unless they collaborate, they will struggle to find their footing amongst the big businesses that dominate Singapore’s markets. They will need to leverage each other’s resources and competencies which will, in turn, enhance capabilities and lower costs.

One way to establish a United Muslim Business environment is through technology-enabled, joint-venture efforts of Muslim businesses.

A strong example of technology-enabled collectivism is in Crowd-funding, a concept where the community collectively invests or donates small amounts of capital to fund startups and businesses. Crowdfunding has been a tremendous success in the west and it is estimated that by 2025, global investment through crowdfunding will reach $93 billion.

The good news is that crowdfunding can be Islamic in structure and spirit. An example of how this can happen is by structuring it as a ‘Mudarabah’ (joint-venture), where the financier or the ‘rabb-ul-mal’ provides funding for the ‘mudarib’, who is the entrepreneur responsible for the full management of the business.

Some may view the idea of a United Muslim Business Community to be naïve, but I am convinced that it is, in fact, a necessary evolution that we need to embrace. The wisdom can be found in our own religious teachings spread by our prophet Muhammad SAW 1400 years ago and was practised by the Muslims of the past. It is time to come full-circle. Success is unlikely to come overnight though, as culture takes time and willingness to change.

Culture, however, is a matter of utilitarian dialectic, and the obvious benefits of being united will soon outweigh the irrationality of being divided, InshaALLAH!

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Top 9 Utility Apps for Android Users

Nowadays Android is considered as the most mature platform for the smartphones and Android devices are not bound to being communication devices. With the enormous computational power and the immense number of applications accessible for the platform, many people utilize their Android cell phones as a device for estimation, calculation and to screen a huge number of things.

That is not all; there are different applications and devices for Android, for example, an automation app or say a password manager that can make your day by day life a ton less demanding. After knowing this, if you have made you mind to make your days beneficial with your Android cell phone and you are searching for the best Android utility applications to do that, we have you saved your time.

Here we are listing the top 9 utility apps for Android users.

9. LastPass Password Manager

LastPass is a password management app that encourages you to make and recall passwords. The thought is that you can make incredibly complex passwords and afterwards LastPass will recollect them for you. Not every person is passionate about the organization being purchased out by LogMeIn.

Although, so far LastPass has stayed working quite recently like it generally has. The administration accompanies massive amounts of elements. LastPass Authenticator additionally includes another level of security for the individuals who are tired. You can enjoy the app on your Android mobiles free of cost, or you can pay $12 every year to use it on your other Android devices, including your PC. LastPass Password Manager is at number one in our list of top 10 utility apps for Android users.

8. Smart Tools

The most important application for everyday utilization is Smart Tools and it is at number two in our list of top 10 utility apps for Android users. Smart Tools application gives more than 40 DIY metering tools that can be extremely valuable, similar to a ruler, bubble level, auto speed screen, sound meter, Vibrometer, metal identifier, standardized identification/QR code scanner and that is recently the surface of it. Every one of the scales can be adjusted and it supports both metric and supreme unit formats. The application is free, yet accompanies the promotional ads. Note that a portion of the devices won’t work if your device doesn’t have supporting sensors.

7. Google Translate

The only application for all your language misfortunes. Helpful when you are travelling abroad or when you get yourself confined by the language boundary. You can interpret more than 100 languages by writing or utilize the camera to translate in a split second in 30 languages.

Disconnected languages can also be downloaded on the off chance that you anticipate going to some place where the web will be a touch of an issue. What’s more, since Google’s neural networks control it, you can expect a near human level precision. There isn’t a superior application than this in what it does. Google Translate is at number three in our list of top 10 utility apps for Android users.

6. ParcelTrack

ParcelTrack is an application that enables you to concentrate the greater part of your bundle shipments. It is at number four in our list of top 10 utility apps for Android users. You should simply include your tracking number and bearer, and the application will do the rest. This is an incredible application if you arrange a lot of things on the web. Thus, it’s additionally great if you transport a considerable measure of stuff also. You’ll additionally have a mailbox where you can send following numbers, and the application will include them naturally. You’ll get the many cool features for free with a couple of updates for premium clients. It should bolster most carriers too.

5. Any.do Calendar

Any.do is a perfect and simple to utilize cloud-based To Do List application. The application handles undertaking records, check records, timetables and note bringing with a rise to aplomb. Discourse acknowledgement enables you to stand up new passages only, a basic intuitive framework makes it simple to rearrange undertakings, time and area based updates make keeping track a snap, and errand sharing makes it reasonable for working with gatherings. Flexible and highlight pressed, while maintaining introduction perfect and simple, Any.do makes for a phenomenal expansion to your profitability tools and is at number five in our list of top 10 utility apps for Android users.

4. Mobile Hotspot Router

WiFi Hotspot router is an application that will share your mobile network via wifi it makes your phone a hotspot and you can use your mobile data on your other wifi devices like Laptop and Mobile. WiFi Tether application is also encourages you to know more about your Wi-Fi connection and also your nearby connections.

3. IP Tools: Network utilities

IP Tools: Network utilities is one of the essential apps for the IT professionals and is at number six on our list of top 10 utility apps for Android users. You can change and investigate any system you associate with. You can open your switch’s login page directly from this if you have to alter a few settings. This application takes a shot at Linux mode and can bring IP, SSID, communicate address, portal, arrange cover, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. To check if any system is alive or not you can run traceroute and ping commands to any destination. On account of these elements, you can utilize the application to examine and improve a system quickly.

2. ViewRanger Trails & Maps

Clients doing some course hiking and boondocks investigating can look at ViewRanger, a disconnected mapping, route, and guided trail application for Android devices. The application accompanies an assortment of open source outline, with point by point topographic maps from the USGS, Acuterra and others accessible as in-application buys. ViewRanger utilizes GPS and can spare your maps for disconnected use, with an arrangement for route guides, track recording, sports figuring details and area sharing. ViewRanger Trails & Maps is at number seven in our list of top 10 utility apps for Android users.

1. 3G,4G Wifi Hotspot Router

3G,4G Wifi Hotspot Router application that helps to share your 4G mobile data with other wifi devices can use your wifi network!

This App Broadcasting wifi from mobile network – GPGS/3G/4G free

By using Wifi Hotspot Router application you can make your phone a portable wifi hotspot and now you don’t no need to spend your money on expensive routers.

These were the best and most famous top 9 utility apps for Android users. Hope so you would like these applications. You can share this with your colleagues, friends and family.. SKA!

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Why Is My Boss Ignoring My Vacation Request?

New employee asks for time off well in advance, but the boss isn't happy about it...

Workplace Referee is a new series designed to help employees and managers gain better insight into each other's points of view (POV). 

Employee POV: I'm a new employee. I've been with the company for six months. I put in my request for vacation time with HR three months in advance, per the employee handbook instructions. I did that because I'm going to visit my family and I need to buy the plane ticket at a good price. It's been a month and my boss hasn't approved my vacation request. I asked him two weeks ago if I did everything correctly, given it was my first time submitting a vacation request. He said "yes" and that he'd get to it. But, still nothing. Why is he doing this to me?

Manager POV: I am annoyed by how early a new employee is asking for vacation. She hasn't even been here six months and she is putting in for vacation three months in advance. Now I have to ask all the other employees to put in their time because I need to make sure we'll have coverage over the holiday. As the new gal, I had hoped she'd recognize she's the low person in rank and realize she should be available to work over the holiday, if needed. Maybe she's not as committed to the job as I thought. If she asks about her vacation request again, I'm going to be upset.

Who's at fault?

Like most workplace challenges, this one is the result of A) misinterpretation, and B) a lack of communication. Here are two key observations to consider:

1. The boss clearly has some perceptions about seniority related to vacation time during the holidays. However, it isn't a formal policy. As a result, the new employee has no idea her early request is creating frustration for the boss. Additionally, the boss clearly equates asking for vacation so early into a new job as a lack of commitment. Again, this is an informal policy in the head of the boss that the new employee knows nothing about. Thus, while the employee did everything right from a written policy standpoint, she unknowingly broke some unwritten rules in the mind of her boss.

This actually happens quite frequently. Bosses of new employees are always asking themselves, "Did I make the right hire?" And, "Will this employee prove loyal and valuable?" And, for good reason. It costs a company an average of 130-140% of a new hire's annual salary to get them up-to-speed in the first year (i.e. training, benefits, etc.). Thus, when a new employee does something that goes against what the boss views as proper commitment to the job, it creates concern in the mind of the boss that he may have made the wrong hire - even though new employees aren't mind-readers and likely don't realize their actions are giving off the wrong impression.

2. That being said, I do think the new employee should have gone to her boss before submitting the vacation request and explained why she was asking for the time off so soon instead of just passing it into HR. By sharing the fact that she wanted to visit family and needed to book a ticket at a low cost, she could have explained the early request. This (hopefully) would have made the boss more understanding and given him the opportunity to explain that he likes to wait until he gets all vacation requests in so he can make sure those with more seniority get their vacation time too.

What can both sides learn from this?

Employee Takeaway: Before accepting a new job offer, be sure to inquire about the process for vacation time requests and how they get executed. And, if you have a pre-planned vacation within the next 18 months, let the employer know and confirm you will still be able to take it. It's also good to ask if they have a policy on how many months you need to be on the job before you can ask for a vacation request. Having this dialog with a new boss before you accept the position enables you both to better manage expectations AND lets you find out if the company's vacation policies are more strict than what you are accustomed to.

Manager Takeaway: When a new employee does something that makes you question her commitment, step back and ask yourself what policy is being violated. Is it a written company policy, or an unwritten one that resides in your brain? If it's the latter, then you need to have a private conversation with the employee to educate her on your mindset and what behavior you would prefer. Employees can't read your mind. It's up to you to let them know what you expect.. SKA!

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