A Brief Introduction to Takaful

Takaful or Islamic insurance is an Islamic financial instrument, which is getting momentum across the world. Takaful is not an alien or foreign concept to Islamic financial system. It was present in the pre-Islamic society of Arabia in the name of "Aquila". Also, its traces can be found in the First Charter of Madina and the sayings of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W).

"Takaful" is an Arabic word whose root is "Kafalah", which means guarantee. It is a way of mutual guarantee for the partners of some agreement, whether the agreement is a social one like that of Aquila, in which a family or tribe of murder has to pay the ransom or penalty money to the relatives of the murdered on behalf of the murderer if he is not able to pay off the money, to save him or her from the capital punishment, or it can be an economic one, like a joint trade or business venture of some partners, who agree to compensate possible loss life of the partners or the loss of their merchandise.

This practice was present even in the pre Islamic days in the social norms of Arabia. Islam maintained it as such in its financial system. This practice was present throughout the periods of Umayyad, Abbasids and Ottoman Empire. It only came to stagnancy when in the late 19 century the whole Islamic world was losing its spirit and vigor and there were no signs of leadership development in the social and financial systems of Muslims.

Anyhow, due the renewed verve, particularly, of the economic leadership and management of Islamic finance managers and scholars, the world witnesses another revival in Islamic finance. Islamic banking, Sukuk, Ijarah, Takaful etc are taking firm roots in the world economic system in parallel to conventional monetary system. And Takaful is one of the most successful Islamic financial instruments, which is being hailed around the world.

Here is brief history of modern Islamic Takaful and its assimilation in different countries of the world. The first Takaful Company was established in Sudan in the year 1979, and in the same year another Takaful company was set up in Bahrain. Since its inception some doubts were raised against the modern practice of Takaful by the Islamic conservative scholars and the Muslim masses, which were not very well aware how the modern Islamic Takaful manages to follow Islamic injunctions in its practices. However, in Malaysia, the National Religious Council of Malaysia issued the religious verdict (Fatwa) in the favor of Takaful in the year 1972. After this Fatwa, the Higher Council of Saudi Arabia issued their Fatwa in the favor of Takaful as lawful according to Islamic economics.

The Takaful companies had to struggle in two ways. Not only did they manage to run their business but also they had to create awareness in the people about the forgotten concept of Takaful by removing their doubts through seminars and through programs for leadership development to keep ready the supply of Islamic economic leaders.

A number of Takaful companies started to grow and groom in the Middle East, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, like Saudi Islamic Takaful and Re-Takaful Company, Bahamas, established in 1983, The Islamic Arab Insurance Company, which was first established in Saudi Arabia in 1979 and then shifted to UAE. Islamic Takaful companies were established in European countries too, like Dar Al Mal Al Islamic Trust Switzerland established in 1981, Islamic Takaful Company in Luxembourg established in 1983, to name a few.

The Islamic countries have issued rules and regulation for Takaful companies to bring them into mainstream financial organizations, for example, Takaful Malaysia and Takaful National developed code of ethics for Takaful industry in 2000. Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan notified rules for Takaful in Pakistan in 2005.

Takaful is a need of the people. Takaful not only did attract Muslims but non Muslims too, according to estimation, around 60% of the Takaful clients in Malaysia are non-Muslims. It is really a triumph of the leadership and management of Takaful.

The Madinah Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship (MILE) brings senior executives and high potential leaders from all over the world for executive education to discover new dimensions in Leadership Development, Good Governance, Telecom Training, HR Performance and various other Leadership and Management practices to help them grow in their business careers. MILE is a CSR initiative of Savola Group's CSR Programs and grew to be a collaborative initiative aims to attract the contributions and support of many other companies, academic institutions, research & consulting organizations and professional groups.

The Conscience Of A Restorationist, VII

Charity Could Be Your Restoration Project

America's in the midst of a great ideological struggle - perhaps the most important such struggle since the Civil War. The very existence of America (at least as founded) is at stake. On one side are "progressive" statists, masters of divisive politics, who seek to centralize control over American life within a powerful authoritarian government. Their only opposition is found among those who seek to restore America to limited government and a free-market, opportunity-based society.

The country is deeply divided; however, it's a small minority of statists who've managed to wrest control of all major institutions of influence in America and who are creating the illusion that the struggle's a closer thing than it is. Most Americans want the freedom to go after their own opportunities and control their own lives; fewer think the government can do a better job than can the individual at making the individual's life better. But from the classroom to the movie theater, from the nightly news to the daily union roll-call, the statists have become very good at playing to the lesser side of our nature and convincing us that a bigger, more controlling government would be better.

There are two types of person out there, and in each of us... and we're each dominated by the inner image we "feed" most. Our inner Victim is hungry for the statists' message. This lesser of our inner natures sees life as win-lose, and sees the successful as victimizers of the less-successful. When the statists manufacture outrage about racism, elitism, bigotry, and wealth-mongering, our inner Victim sits up and takes notice. The entire "Occupy" movement is designed to create just such a reaction, and seeks to make full-time Victims of us all.

But most of us are not dominated by our inner Victim. Our inner Entrepreneur, who sees life as win-win and seeks constantly to create and seize opportunities, knows that your life is what you make it - not what it may be made by the fabricated "one percent." We feed our inner Entrepreneur through hard work and self-reliance, and the more we do so, the less vulnerable we are to having our minds "occupied" by the statists' manufactured deceptions.

But as a nation, thanks to more than a century of "progressive" attempts to get us to willingly hand our hard-won popular sovereignty back to the central government, we have a major project on our hands. We must restore our limited-government republic. And that means each of us, as patriots, has at least one "restoration project" to undertake. What will yours be? The statists want the unfortunate to rely on the government; but can we restore true charity in America, and give people the choice to take a hand-up from their neighbors instead of a hand-out from the state?

I've suggested several different restoration projects you could take on - and there are many others you might think up that would never occur to me. You could run for office, or support another restorationist's campaign. You could become a "citizen journalist," taking on the work the statists' Demediacrat sycophants just won't do (finding and publishing the truth). You could start a business. Or maybe your talents and time would be better spent in philanthropy, or charity, to help provide the help so many people need these days.

Americahas always been a world leader in charity. When a natural disaster strikes - anywhere - the world relies on American aid to recover. (When natural disaster strikes America, nearly all of our help comes from our own American neighbors.) Entire nations depend on our tax dollars; but, more importantly, the people in those nations rely on Americans to roll up their sleeves and give them a hand up. That is the sort of charity that helps most - and for which Americans are distinctly known.

Progressive statism is completely dependent on dependents. Without "victims," there would be no one to "help" with lavish government entitlement (hand-out) spending. The statists are the masters at playing not only to the inner Victim of the less-successful, but to the charitable heart of the successful in America. They quickly point out any need (and create one, if need be), then howl about how someone out there is rich and hasn't paid his "fair share" to the government. If only taxes were higher and government bigger, they argue, such social injustices wouldn't exist.

But we know (as do they) that it isn't so. The more government "helps" with tax-and-spend handouts, the more it degrades the free market's ability to give provide real, lasting charity that changes lives. The reason is simple: the statists cannot abide the unsuccessful in America becoming successful. They depend on dependence, and independence is harmful to the statist cause wherever it's found.

So what can you do? If people are hungry in your community, can you take some of them off the food stamp rolls by running a charitable food bank? If people are unemployed (remember, Ronald Reagan was right when he famously said the best social program is a job), can you help them find jobs, or even employ them yourself? If people are homeless or unable to heat or cool their homes, can you run a fund drive to help out? If you see garbage on the roadside or trash floating on your local lake, can you lead your neighbors in a clean-up effort? Can you raise enough money recycling the trash you pick up to take a few more homeless veterans off the street?

You can - and if you choose such undertakings as your restoration project, you can show how much more quickly and effectively private charity can solve problems than any high-overhead, politically-conceived government program ever could.

Maybe charity isn't your thing - but there's some restoration project out there with your name on it. Think it over. Then, roll up your sleeves, and take it on. When statist occupiers cry "yes we can," they're working to deceive. When you realize you really can help restore charity in America, you'll actually be working to relieve. It's a project worthy of your best efforts.

Michael Hume is a speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in helping people maximize their potential and enjoy inspiring lives. As part of his inspirational leadership mission, he coaches executives and leaders in growing their personal sense of well-being through wealth creation and management, along with personal vitality.

Michael and his wife, Kathryn, divide their time between homes in California and Colorado. They are very proud of their offspring, who grew up to include a homemaker, a rock star, a service talent, and a television expert. Two grandchildren also warm their hearts! Visit Michael's web site at http://michaelhume.net

Body Armour Underwear - Protection Gamut

Just like climates and clothes, our needs also differ. The communities where we live, the type of job we have, and our status in the society, are some of the key factors that influence our needs. Just like the body armour underwear we don depends on the kind of threat we are most vulnerable to encounter.

Thus, it is vital to learn about the protection gamut of the bullet proof vest we have or about to procure. Bear in mind that there are six different level of bullet resistance capacity set by NIJ. Each level can withstand different types of guns and rifles. So choose wisely and pick the one you need best.

In choosing the appropriate bullet proof vest for you or your loved one, there are important considerations you have to make first. You need to know the type of threat you are possible to encounter either in your work or in your community. Know the type of climate where you will be using the vest most of the time. Figure out why you need it, what it is for or for what purpose. Information like this is pertinent in your choice of selection.

Once you have listed down these essential data, you also need to know your proper measurement. Fit is crucial for convenience and ease of mobility. You must know how to perfectly get your measurement to be able to order the right size. There are tips online, or better yet you can ask your supplier on how to properly get the right body size.

The scale of protection your bullet resistant vest can provide depends on the NIJ standard. You can choose from level 1 to level 4. You can also opt for concealable types or the tactical vests. Oftentimes militaries, soldiers and those in the armed forces prefer higher protection levels which are bulkier and heavier as opposed to executives who prefer to wear concealable ballistic vest.

Tactical vests are designed to make the wearer conspicuous amidst crowded places while concealable vests are designed to keep the gear unnoticeable to avoid panic or discomfort within the surrounding area. Both types of vests also provide different degree of resistance. Ostensibly, the bigger ones can provide you intense protection against high-powered guns as the thinner ones.

Higher levels of protection require additional plates for stronger resistance capacity. That is why, if you are in the military or any other law enforcement organizations obtaining vests with extra pockets is imperative. Versatility is necessary, so if you have added pockets in your ballistic vest, it can be easier for you to add plates at any time. The moment higher resistance is needed; you can easily adjust protection by adding extra plates to the pockets.

Ka Pat A. Lee is an expert in the field of Body Armour Underwear. He has been in the manufacturing business of effective, durable and very light concealable body armor for decade. To find products for police enforcers, military and even for civilian use, check out Body Armor-Shop.

A Deeper Look at the Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first all African-American squadron to fly for the United States Military. The majority of the men were African-American, but there were five Haitians who also took part in the Tuskegee Airmen squadron.

African-Americans were prohibited from flying for the United States, until various civil rights groups and organizations put pressure on the government to change the segregated policies.

The Tuskegee Airmen came out of Tuskegee, Alabama, and flew for the United States during World War II. Their official name was the 32nd Fighter Group or the 477th Bombardment Group. The Tuskegee Airmen still had to deal with racial discrimination and the Jim Crow laws in effect.

In March of 1941, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt took a flight with a Tuskegee pilot, C. Alfred "Chief" Anderson. Her flight with the African-American pilot brought a lot of publicity to the Tuskegee flight program for African-Americans. "Chief" Anderson had been flying for twelve years by then, and had trained thousands of pilots by that point.

After her flight, Eleanor Roosevelt arranged a loan for Moton Field, where the Tuskegee Airmen could train. The program began with 47 officers and 429 men. They first trained at Moton Field, and then went to the Tuskegee Army Air Field to learn about different kinds of operations. At that time, Tuskegee became the only section of the army where all four phases of pilot training were taught in one place.

The U.S. Army still had racial segregated policies in place, however. For example, before the Tuskegee unit, all the U.S. Army flight surgeons had been white. But the need for flight surgeons resulted in two black doctors being admitted to a Texan army school of aviation medicine in 1943. By 1949, 17 black flight surgeons had been with the Tuskegee Airmen.

Often at Tuskegee, African-American enlisted men were somewhat thrust upon the program and sent there in large numbers. Many trained officers were stationed there with nothing to do. The U.S. Army's rationale was that if African-American pilots were used in the Air Force, they would then serve over white men, which would wreak havoc on the existing Jim Crow laws.

Despite facing these racial difficulties, the men of Tuskegee were held in high regard. Many of the men involved in the program played key roles in postwar aviation developments, many teaching in flight schools. In 1995, HBO made a movie about these historic men.

Steven Myers is a Democrat in Orange County who is also a four-time CEO and founder of Steven Myers & Associates (SM&A). His work with various charitable organizations is widespread, and he also has various board leadership roles.

Auriol Weather Station

The Auriol weather station or temperature station as it is also known, is a digital thermometer for measuring temperature indoors and out. It has a really nice looking interface, which is easy to use. It comes with many features which I will outline here.

On the actual display itself it has several features.

Outdoor temp display in Celsius or Fahrenheit

A maximum and minimum temperature values for outside.

A temperature trend display

Reception indicator/bar

Battery power bar for outdoor sensor.

Indoor temp display in Celsius or Fahrenheit

A maximum and minimum temperature values for inside.

Temperature trend display

Battery power display for temperature station

Shows the time in 12 hour or 24 hour mode, hours and minutes displayed and a snooze feature.

It has two different alarms, a time signal indicator, seconds display and summer time reading.

It also shows the date with the day, month and day of the week.

The weather station is an updated version of your regular thermometer, as we progress in life technology gets better and better. Our first weather stations were the old thermometers, that used the mercury in the glass tube, but with the advancement of science, we come to gadgets like this Auriol weather station.

They are great to use, really cheap to buy in this day when gadgets are getting smaller and smaller.

Because its a digital product, they tend to be a lot more accurate than the old types of thermometers. In the old days if you wanted to read the temperature, it could take a while for the mercury to rise up and down the tube, but with a digital device the readings are instant.

This device can be really useful in the winter, for example if the temperature starts to drop you can check your station, and plan ahead. You could put your car in the garage, if you notice the temperature dropping, or you could put some salt down on your drive in anticipation of the coming ice. If you are elderly then you will know that it will most probably be very icy in the morning, so you should take care.

Have you watched the weather on your television or read the forecast on your computer, but it never really gives you exactly what's happening outside your door. This could be because the actual weather station could be miles away from where you actually live, so it can never give an exact reading of your temperature right outside your house.

With this little gadget you can get instant readings inside and outside your house, and if it gets to warm inside, you can easily adjust your heating and conserve energy. The beauty of this station also is the fact that it is a wireless device, so you can take it out to your garden, and get a true reading away from your house, because the range is 30 metres.

If you are interested in the weather and devices like the weather station you can start upgrading and buying many different products. There is a whole world of different products to monitor the weather, for the beginner up to the experienced person. You can start of with thermometers, but maybe you would like to monitor rain fall, this is where you can look at rain gauges.

For the more advanced you can get complete weather stations which you can add all the information on to your computer, these are called weather station software, and they monitor everything from rainfall, to temperature, to humidity.

On a final note, the Auriol weather station is a good little product that might get you interested to look at other products in the weather range, if that is what you intend to do.

To find out more about the Auriol weather station and everything else you need to know about weather station software, please visit my blog

http://automaticraingauge.blogspot.com