Changing roles of women in japan Research Paper

Changing roles of women in japan - Research Paper Example Moreover, the Taisho era in the year 1912 perpetuated Japan’s journey to the corresponding modernity by embracing more Western cultures. The gender building of the women within Japanese society altered from the Tokugawa epoch to the corresponding World War I. Within the epochs of Tokugawa and Meiji, women were mainly assigned family responsibilities and duties and possessed restricted rights. Nevertheless, during the era of Taisho and subsequent to World War I, women commenced to foster for equality thereby rebuffing the underlying traditional gender ideologies. Numerous women did not subscribe to the traditional gender responsibilities by either becoming geishas or prostitutes. This resulted to numerous debates amongst both the female and corresponding male activists in regard to the issues of women’s responsibilities that were seen as means of eliminating prostitutions (Yu, 89-125). The role of women within Japan is extremely diverse as compared to the responsibility of the modern day women within the western civilization. Nevertheless, this the same to the responsibility women undertake within the American forty years ago. Presently women within Japan are required to devote their underlying energies in bringing up their offspring whilst men dedicate themselves to careers (Farris, 122-245). Nevertheless, there is an escalation within Japanese women in regard to expressing interest in the full time careers. Majority of the women are young and single without offspring. Moreover, they are extremely educated (Mo?hwald, 23-79). Literature review Since 1940’s women in japan have pursued to modify the old-fashioned responsibility of a working woman who turn into a mother and a housewife after marriage.... Since 1940’s women in japan have pursued to modify the old-fashioned responsibility of a working woman who turn into a mother and a housewife after marriage. This is clearly elaborated in their perception of Japanese family organization and matrimony. The present society demonstrates an upcoming group of young and educated women who pursue a career as a working woman while also still take part in their reproductive roles. The transformation mainly began after World War II when Japanese women developed rather a more personal approach to life. Initially, Women waited to become older in order to marry, most of them often lived at home longer, visiting to Hawaii, and contributing to the economic development with their little income. In general, the present Japanese society is characterized with the decline in arranged marriages; instead many women are taking responsibility to find themselves husbands. In comparison to the past, women continue to work even after marriage and giving birth. Nonetheless the adjustments in the society, married women who work are still considered a threat to the family. Inequality between women and men is still enormous regardless of the new reforms and different attitudes towards traditional family life. The notion can be justified with the popular traditional expression that states that â€Å"Good wife, wise mother. As it is a tradition in many countries and cultural practices of different communities of the world, women in Japan were oppressed and dominated by their male counterparts for a very long time.

Survey on Energy Drinks Essay Example for Free

Survey on Energy Drinks Essay We would like to thank Prof. Richa Chaudhry whose guidance helped us in our efforts to make a successful project. Most of all we would like to thank all the people who took time and effort to take part in our research by sharing their views and perspectives which helped us in our analysis and project, without which the project would not have been possible. Finally we would like to thank IES College of Management and Research for giving us a platform to present our research project study which will help us go a long way in our development as future managers. 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. Energy drinks are soft drinks advertised as a boosting energy. These drinks usually do not emphasize energy derived from calories they contain, but rather through a choice of vitamins, caffeine, and herbal supplements the manufacturer has combined. Energy Drinks has become the fastest growing sector within the beverage industry. Red Bull is the industry leader and has already occupied a giant market share worldwide in the energy segment and the positioning is also limited to the youth within the age limit 16-28 years. The research has been conducted to identify the energy drink that is the most popular and to understand consumer preference and their consuming habits as we plan to launch a new product in the market on a similar basis. 5 The study carried out will help: †¢To understand and identify the energy drink that is the most popular †¢To understand consumer preference and their consuming habits For this purpose basic research was carried out. The data collection was based on the Primary Data being the students of IES College of Management Studies Research using Convenience Sampling Method. The research indicated that people do prefer to consume drinks but the consumption is affected by many factors. There are 25% of the people who do not prefer to have energy drink. The most important factors affecting the buying decision were found to be the brand, price, advertisement and health safety. It was also found that: 1. 62% of the energy drinks segment consists of male consumers 2. 21-23 age group people was found to be the maximum buyers in the sampling population 3. People prefer to have drinks occasionally mainly for leisurely consumption constituting 41% 4. Red Bull is the most popular brand amongst the youth 5. Taste and Price play an important role in the buyer’s mind while purchasing an energy drink 6 TABLEOF CONTENTS SR. NO .TOPICS PAGE NO. INTRODUCTION Energy drinks are a group of beverages used by consumers to provide an extra boost in energy, promote wakefulness, maintain alertness, and provide cognitive and mood enhancement. Although they seem like a new fad, these drinks have been available to the general public for some time. For instance, Red Bull (currently one of the most popular energy drinks) was introduced in Austria in 1987 and to the United States in 1997. Historically, cola soft drinks have been available in their current caffeine-containing form since 1904, and in their original coca leaf (from which cocaine is derived) and kola nut (from which the caffeine is derived) form since 1886, with similar effects as energy drinks as they contain approximately 34mg of caffeine per 12oz can. These beverages have stimulant effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and their consumption is accompanied by an expectation of improving user’s performance physically and mentally. 1 Energy drinks mostly contain caffeine, taurine, l-carnitine, carbohydrates, glucuronolactone, vitamins, and other herbal supplements like ginseng and guarana among others. Additives such as guarana, yerba mate, cocoa, and kola nut may increase the caffeine content of energy drinks unbeknownst to consumers, as manufacturers of these products are not required to include the caffeine content of these herbal supplements in the nutritional information. 2 Different brands of energy drinks contain caffeine ranging from 50mg to 550mg per can or bottle. 3 Caffeine is one of the most commonly consumed alkaloids worldwide in the form of coffee, tea, or soft drinks, and in high doses may cause abnormal stimulation of the nervous system4 as well as adverse effects in the cardiovascular, hematologic, and gastrointestinal systems. 2 With energy drinks becoming a worldwide phenomenon, the short- and long-term effects of these beverages must be evaluated more closely in order to fully comprehend the psychological impact of these products. The market and degree of consumption of energy drinks is increasing every year,5,6 and while only few have detailed knowledge of their potential harmful physiological and psychological effects, the number of publications that have documented the potential adverse risks associated with the use of these beverages remains small. 7 Whereas most studies to date have examined the physiological effects of energy drinks, this article reviews and compiles the body of knowledge of this increasingly important topic by examining the psychological effects of energy drinks on cognitive functions, mood, sleep, decision making, and overall impact on well-being and quality of life (QOL). 8 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT Energy drinks is still not very well accepted and even if they are consumed it is majorly driven by leisurely consumption and not so much for other health related reasons. 3. RESEACRCH OBJECTIVES 9 After a detailed review of the research the following objectives were determined: 1. To understand the energy segment among the youth and the consumer preference. 2. To understand their consuming habits and factors associated with it. 3. To derive a conclusion based on the acceptance levels of the energy drinks in order to launch a new product in the near future. 10 4. BACKGROUND. The term energy drink refers to soft drinks believed to reduce or prevent fatigue, enhance physical performance, enhance disposition and improve cognitive performance. Energy drinks are frequently consumed by students prior to exams, stressed situations, and leisurely consumption with a view to improving their performance and act as a stress buster. The belief in energy drinks is held by most people, particularly because the term energy drink conveys a message that the product has a connection with physical activity. Consequently, an uninformed consumer may assume that some benefits would be derived after consuming these beverages. It has been reported that the consumption of energy drinks, especially among young adults aged between 18 and 25, is currently of great concern. This is because these energy drinks typically contain three times the amount of caffeine present in soft drinks, and in some cases, up to ten times as much. Another issue of great concern is that, for most brands, information regarding the potential negative health effects of an excessive intake is not presented on the labels. Some energy drinks contain ingredients with potential interactions such as between taurine and other amino acids and between caffeine and some herbal extracts. Some herbs combine with caffeine to create a synergistic effect which varies from drink to drink. Producers of energy drinks usually target young adults who are easily lured to consume energy drinks after watching numerous appealing marketing advertisements on television and in newspapers and magazines. 5. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 11 The general purpose of this study is a comparative study of various brands of energy drink from consumer’s point of view. After detailed review of the research following objectives are to be determined: †¢To understand and identify the energy drink that is the most popular †¢To understand consumer preference and their consuming habits For this purpose basic research was carried out. The data collection was based on the primary data being the students of IES College of Management Studies. 5. 1 RESEARCH DESIGN The method used is basic research method. Data collection method: The respondents were asked to fill an online questionnaire. Data collection place: We have chosen an online survey as the media and the same was sent to the respondents. And the data collected was then segmented based on gender, age group, information, consumer preferences etc. 5. 2 SAMPLE DESIGN Sampling Method- Convenience Sample Sampling Method: A convenience sample is a matter of taking what you can get. It is an accidental sample. Although selection may be unguided, it probably is not random, using the correct definition of everyone in the population having an equal chance of being selected. Volunteers would constitute a convenience sample. Sample Size: The sample size taken was of 66 students from IES College. We found out that out of 66 respondents 16 do not consume energy drinks and the remaining prefer to consume the same. Survey Area: We intent to take survey from our college itself. It was basically an online survey where the questionnaire was posted and the link was sent to several respondents. 12 5. 3 DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS SUBJECTS In this study, the participants were students sampled from IES College of Management and Studies. The respondents completed a questionnaire. We could gather a response of 66 people. STUDY INSTRUMENT AND DATA COLLECTION The questionnaire was in two parts, the first part assessed the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and the second part assessed energy drink consumption practices of the students and reasons why students consumed them. The questionnaire which was administered assessed students in the following areas: background information (i. e. age, gender information on energy drink consumption practices, brands of energy drinks usually consumed and reasons why students consumed energy drinks). The researchers explained to the participants that the investigation was mainly aimed at assessing how and why energy drinks were consumed? 5. 4 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Statistical tools: Data collected were entered and analysed using the Quantitative Techniques and the results were displayed Frequencies and Percentages, Mean Median and Mode Standard Deviation. Graphical representations: Pie Charts and Bar Diagrams were used. 6. DATAANALYSISAND INTERPRETATION 13 1) Gender Wise Buyer Distribution: Observation- It was found out that the energy drink segment was driven by a market of 62% of Male consumer and 38% Female Consumer. 2) Do you consume energy drinks? Observation- It was found out that the out of 66 respondents only 48 consume energy drinks and the remaining do not consume energy drinks at all. 3) Out of the following brands, which ones have you heard of? M 4 1 62% F 25 38% Yes 48 75% No 16 25% 14 Red Bull 61 32% Monster 17 9% Cloud 9 46 24% Gatorade 40 21% Tzinga 24 13% Other 2 1% Quantitative Tool MODE The Modal value is 61 which states that Red Bull is most popular among the energy drinks. 4) How many bottles of energy drinks do you purchase in one go? Single bottle 49 80% Multiple Bottles (6 pack) 6 10% Multiple Bottles (24 pack) 6 10% Quantitative Tool used Mean Median The Mean is 20. 33 the Median is 31. Also the Standard deviation is 20. 27. There is a deviation of 20. 27 in the preference of people buying single and multiple bottles. 5) How often do you purchase energy drinks? 15 Very frequently 3 5% Frequently 11 18% Sometimes 26 43% Rarely 21 34% Quantitative Tool used Mean Median The Mean is 15. 25 the Median is 31. Also the Standard deviation is 8. 89 in the consumption patterns of Energy Drinks. 6) For which activities do you use Energy drinks? Exercising at the gym 14 18% Playing competitive sports 4 5% Playing recreational sports 8 10% 16 To quench your thirst 15 19% Leisurely consumption 32 41% Other 5 6% Quantitative Tool used – MODE The Modal Value is 32 which states that people consume energy drinks for Leisurely consumption. 7) Does advertising affect your decision of purchasing Energy drinks? Quantitative Tool used MODE The Modal Value is 31 and says that advertising does influence the buying decision. 8) How much do you pay for a 250 ml energy drink? Yes 3 1 51% No 30 49% 17 25-50 14 50-75 25 75-100 21 Quantitative Tool used – Mean, Median MODE The mean is 65. 41 and the mode is 68. 33. Median is 66. Std dev? 9) Have you experienced any ill effects after consuming any energy drink? Tremors 1 3% Shivers 2 6% Headaches 9 26% None 22 65% Quantitative Tool used – MODE MODE is 22. 18 10) What kind of taste do you prefer? Sweet 17 24% Sour 9 13% Fruity 45 63% Quantitative Tool used – MODE Mode is 45. 19 7. LIMITATIONS The following limitations were found: ?Samples were approached from our College itself hence the variety of population was limited. ?Time constraints did not allow the research to be carried out on an extensive scale. 8. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ?It was found out that only 75% of the respondents consume energy drinks. ?It was found out that the energy drink segment was driven by a market of 62% of Male consumer and 38% Female Consumer. ?21-23 age group people was found to be the maximum buyers in the sampling population. ?People prefer to have drinks occasionally mainly for leisurely consumption constituting 41% . 8. 1ConsumerBehaviour Preference towards Energy Drinks: 20 ?The buying behaviour is not regular. It’s only occasional. People prefer it during exercising, leisurely consumption at parties or social gatherings to reduce stress. It was observed that people are price as well as brand sensitive. They want average price energy drink from a reputed brand. The flavour should be good (for eg. Fruity) as well as the health content. ?26% of the respondents believed that the energy drink is associated with a risk highest being headaches while 68% believed the risk was none. 8. 2Red BullMarket ?It was clearly observed that the preference for Red Bull energy drink was predominant over other brands. ?The red bull market is the leader constituting 32% of the sample. Still the purchase was limited to ‘sometimes’ standing at a 43%. 8. 3 Recommendation ?Awareness among the people need to be increased to promote energy so that the number people who don’t consume the energy drinks for reasonsbest kno n to them all start consuming. ?An integrated marketing is carried out which would help minimise the illusion among the potential buyers about the adverse effect of energy drink on health. 9. CONCLUSION We have investigated the feasibility of the top selling energy drinks for the students of IES College of Management and Research. The market is dominated by Red Bull, and other brands like Monster, Could 9, Tzinga, Monster, Gatorade. Also, because students are in constant need of an energy boost, we have researched which energy drink will provide the students with the most energy without sacrificing nutrition, taste, or cost. With the information from this report, we hope to help students make a better decision when choosing energy drinks. We recommend Red Bull as the best energy drink for students at the IES College of Management and Research. 21 Questionnaire on Energy drinks Objective: To launch a new product of energy drinks in the market and understand its consumption pattern among the respondents To find out Top of the mind awareness of consumers To find out the factors which influences the consumer to buy energy drinks * Required Name: * Age * Gender *. 1) Do you consume energy drinks? o Yes o No 22 2) When someone mentions Energy drinks, what brand name comes first in your mind? 3) Out of the following brands, which ones have you heard of? o Red Bull o Monster o Cloud 9 o Gatorade o Tzinga o Other: 4) How many bottles of energy drinks do you purchase in one go? o Single bottle o Multiple Bottles (6 pack) o Multiple Bottles (24 pack) 5) How often do you purchase energy drinks? o Very frequently o Frequently 23 o Sometimes o Rarely 6) For which activities do you use Energy drinks? o Exercising at the gym o Playing competitive sports o Playing recreational sports. o To quench your thirst o Leisurely consumption o Other: 7) Does advertising affect your decision of purchasing Energy drinks? o Yes o No 8) How much do you pay for a 250 ml energy drink? o 25-50 o 55-75 o 80-100 24 9) Have you experienced any ill effects after consuming any energy drink? o Tremors o Shivers o Headaches o None 10) What kind of taste do you prefer? o Sweet o Sour o Fruity Never submit passwords through Google Forms. 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Comparing the Living Dead in Great Gatsby, In Our Time and The Sun Also

The Living Dead in Great Gatsby, In Our Time and The Sun Also Rises            Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Life without consequence; is this possible?   This was the main goal of the men and women existing after WW1.   During this era of great prosperity and moral backlash the young adults of the world took to the bars and dance halls of Europe or the extravagant parties of the American east coast looking for happiness.  Ã‚   Their lives are chronicled in the stories that came from the emerging great authors of that time period.   The most notorious of these books is F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby where the exploits of the rich are articulated with great description and lavishness that complimented their somewhat insane lives well.   There is another author whose stories open a window into that generation as well, Ernest Hemmingway.   In Hemmingway's books In Our Time and The Sun Also Rises we see the plights of this generation played out in a very serious way that leaves the reader with a heavy feeling of discomfort with the illogical and empty way the characters attempt to subsist.   Both authors and all three novels point to one conclusion, that if your goal is to live without suffering consequences of your actions you will in fact not live but suffer in an unfulfilling existence.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the tale of The Great Gatsby the reader is treated to a vivid description of Gatsby's parties and his prolific residence.   It would appear that Gatsby had everything a person could want.   Loads of money and friends and surrounded by the finer things of life.   However, the book takes a turn towards its e... ...this growth leads to personal happiness and satisfaction.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overall one gets a sincere feeling of loss and lacking in these three novels.   Perhaps it is by paying attention to the warning that is embedded in these commentaries that the authors achieve their true goal in guiding their readers to a higher understanding of life.  Ã‚   Both authors are quite thorough in presenting their viewpoints on life.   There are also other conclusions and lessons that can be drawn from these novels.   Many people feel that they are commentaries on the wrath that war has on the young, or the tumultuous times of a new century.   However, it is the false ideal that life can be lived by negating responsibility for actions that prevails and burns a sense of virility into the readers of these three important novels. Comparing the Living Dead in Great Gatsby, In Our Time and The Sun Also The Living Dead in Great Gatsby, In Our Time and The Sun Also Rises            Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Life without consequence; is this possible?   This was the main goal of the men and women existing after WW1.   During this era of great prosperity and moral backlash the young adults of the world took to the bars and dance halls of Europe or the extravagant parties of the American east coast looking for happiness.  Ã‚   Their lives are chronicled in the stories that came from the emerging great authors of that time period.   The most notorious of these books is F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby where the exploits of the rich are articulated with great description and lavishness that complimented their somewhat insane lives well.   There is another author whose stories open a window into that generation as well, Ernest Hemmingway.   In Hemmingway's books In Our Time and The Sun Also Rises we see the plights of this generation played out in a very serious way that leaves the reader with a heavy feeling of discomfort with the illogical and empty way the characters attempt to subsist.   Both authors and all three novels point to one conclusion, that if your goal is to live without suffering consequences of your actions you will in fact not live but suffer in an unfulfilling existence.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the tale of The Great Gatsby the reader is treated to a vivid description of Gatsby's parties and his prolific residence.   It would appear that Gatsby had everything a person could want.   Loads of money and friends and surrounded by the finer things of life.   However, the book takes a turn towards its e... ...this growth leads to personal happiness and satisfaction.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overall one gets a sincere feeling of loss and lacking in these three novels.   Perhaps it is by paying attention to the warning that is embedded in these commentaries that the authors achieve their true goal in guiding their readers to a higher understanding of life.  Ã‚   Both authors are quite thorough in presenting their viewpoints on life.   There are also other conclusions and lessons that can be drawn from these novels.   Many people feel that they are commentaries on the wrath that war has on the young, or the tumultuous times of a new century.   However, it is the false ideal that life can be lived by negating responsibility for actions that prevails and burns a sense of virility into the readers of these three important novels.

Outline Muslim teachings on wealth and poverty Essay

Poverty: a state of being poor the status of having no money to take care of yourself and the basic needs of life such as, food, clothing and housing. Muslims believes poverty to be as a test to mankind form god. There are different types of evil and suffering which cause poverty such as: ? Moral evil ? actions done by humans which cause suffering. ?Natural evil ? things which cause suffering but have nothing to do with humans e.g. earthquakes. (I will explain it in the following paragraphs) When god created the earth he also made a being called Adam (pbuh) to take care of it, Allah order the angles to bow down to Adam (pbuh) (humans are superior to the angles as they have free will-which is why they can be vice-regents- but they are inferior because their free will means they can sin) means they can sin) all Angels except one ignorant Satan (iblis) refused to follow Allah’s commands to bow down to Adam so Allah rejected him and throw him out of the heavens. However Allah allowed Satan to do mischief and disrupt mankind form worshiping Allah until the last day then Satan shall be sent to hell and those who were tempted by his evil shall follow him into the fire. Muslims believe that suffering is a test from god. But if there faith stays strong and they lead a good and devote themselves to Allah they shall rewarded with eternity paradise. â€Å"be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits of your toil, but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere calamity, ‘to god we belong and to him shall we return† Muslims believe that the way to succeed and pass the test is to help those who suffer such as the floods in Bangladesh through Muslim charities such as Muslim hands, Islamic relief e.c.t. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has said: ‘Poverty can lead to Kuffar (ungratefulness)’. This is because a deprived human being may feel that his Lord is being unjust on him, but a human being cannot understand that this life is a test from Allah and the real life is the life hereafter. What does Islam say about Zakat & Charity Wealth in the English dictionary is defined as, having huge sum of money or possession, riches, state of being well off. In Islam whatever wealth you posses is regarded as a trust from Allah (God). You are not free to do what you want with your wealth, as you will be accounted for how you release it. Islam teaches that wealth is something given by god for the benefit of humanity and there for it should be shared. ‘Then (on the day of judgement) you will certainly be questioned about all the favours you enjoyed.’ (102:8) According to Islam, the wealth you posses does not show your superiority, neither or nor does it give you distinction or make you a part of honoured class. The one who posses the riches of Faith is the one who is wealthiest in the sight of Allah, not the one who posses material riches. Islam says that there is nothing wrong to posses wealth, as long as you earn it in the right (halal/lawful) way and discharge it in the right (halal/lawful) way. Islam has given guideline for the ways of life which mainly concentrates on the earning and use of wealth. Earning and spending is essential for living, but we do not live only for this. We have a greater purpose in life. Everything in Islam is for the benefit of mankind. The main principle of Islam aim to establishing a just society wherein everybody will behave responsibly and honestly, and not as cunning people who fight for as big share of something as possible without regard for honesty, truth and responsibility. Islam has given rules for earning wealth which all Muslims should abide by. Muslims must follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah: 1) Any earnings from the production, sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks are unlawful, as are earnings from gambling, lotteries and from interest (riba) transactions (5:90-91, 2:275). 2) Earning by falsehood, deceit, fraud, theft, robbery and burglary is unlawful. Deceitful acquisition of orphans’ property has been particularly banned ( 2;188, 4:2, 6:152, 7:85, 83:1-5). 3) Smuggling and the artificial creation of shortages are unlawful (3:180, 9:34-35) 4) Earning from brothels and from such other practises which are harmful to society are also unlawful. Islam strikes to the root of evil and wants to establish a just and fair society. A Muslim must earn his living in halal ways and he should always bear in mind that what ever he does, it is known to Allah. He will be accountable for his actions on the day of judgement. He cannot hide anything from Almighty Allah. Unlawful outgoings are also not allowed in Islam. It does not at all benefit a Muslim to spend money irresponsibly. Over-spending and waste are strongly discouraged (7:31, 17:26, 19:27, 25:68) What is Zakat Zakah (welfare contribution) is the third pillar of Islam. The Arabic word Zakah means â€Å"to purify or cleanse†. Zakah is to be paid once a year on savings at the rate of two and a half percent. This rate applies to cash, bank savings, gold and silver and silver jewellery. The rate for cattle and agricultural produce is different. Payment of Zakah is a means of keeping our wealth clear of greed and selfishness. SCHEDULE OF ZAKAH Wealth on which zakah is payable Amount which determines the payment of zakah (nisab) Rate of zakah 1 Agricultural produce 5 Awsuq (653 kg) per harvest * 5 per cent produce in case of irrigated land; 10 per cent of produce from rain-fed land. 2 Gold, silver, ornaments of gold and silver of gold and silver 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver * 2.5 per cent of value 3 Cash in hand or at the Bank Value of 595 grams of silver * 2.5 per cent of amount 4 Trading goods Value of 595 grams of silver * 2.5 per cent value of goods 5 Cows and buffaloes 30 in numbers For every 30, one- year old; for every 40, one 2- year old 6 Goats and sheep 40 in number One for first 40; two for 120; there for 300; one more for every 100 7 Produce of mines Any quantities Per cent of value of produce 8 Camels 5 in number A up to 24, one sheep or goat for each five camels B 25-35, one 1-year-old she-camel C 36-45, one 2-year-oldshe-camel D 46-60, one 3-year-oldshe-camel E 61-75, 4-year-old she-camel F 76-90, two 2-year-old she-camel G 91-120, two 3-year-old she-camel H 121 or more, one 2-year-old she-camel for each additional 40, or one 3-year-old she-camel for each additional 50 * Fiqhuz zakah It also encourages us to be honest in our dealings, earnings and outgoings (spending money). Zakah is a compulsory act in Islam it is not charity or tax. Charity is optional and taxes are used by states for any purpose, but zakah is only allowed to be spent in certain places such as helping the poor, even for needy or travellers in need and for the cause of Allah. Zakah is a form of ibadah. Ibadah (Arabic) the word meaning worship or obedience. It can be done in any activity in life, if they it is done to please Allah and Allah alone. We all so pay zakah to gain Allah’s favour. Zakah is a way of contributing our excess wealth with those who are less fortunate then our selves. Truly we our selves do not own the wealth it belongs to Allah. He is the real owner of the wealth and mankind, we have to fulfil Allah’s commands by paying zakah as an obligatory it is a part of ibadah. Zakah is a basic principle of Islam, based on social welfare and the fair distribution of wealth . In addition to zakah, Muslim are encouraged in the Quran to make voluntary contributions to help the poor and needy, and for other social purposes. These voluntary contributions are called Sadaqa (charity). Through zakah, rich share their wealth with the poor. Zakaah al-Fitr Zakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity, which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadan. Zakaah al-Fitr is a duty, which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so. Ibn `Umar reported, â€Å"that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely.† The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Zakaah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Zakaah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Zakaah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have. The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eid al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims. Ibn Abbaas reported, â€Å"The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah has given Sadaqah.† The goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is to make Believers more aware of Allah. By making them give up some of their wealth, through this the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man’s material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society. Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-‘Eid’ (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to pay Zakaah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eid. Naafi reported, â€Å"That the Prophet’s companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eid.† Ibn `Umar reported, â€Å"that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-‘Eid).† And Ibn `Abbaas reported, â€Å"That the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, â€Å"Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity.† Therefore, one who forgets to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr. The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (two handfuls) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn `Umar’s report, † that the Prophet(sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable by a Saa` of dried dates or a Saa` of barley.† The Sahaabee, Abu SA`eed al-Khudree said, â€Å"In the Prophet’s time, we used to give it (Zakaah al-Fitr) as a Saa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese.† Aqiqah The word ‘Aqeeqah’ means the â€Å"the hair of the forehead†. It also means the animal that is sacrificed after the birth of a child. Some people call it â€Å"Nusukiyah or Dhabihah†. The purpose of ‘Aqiqah is to give thanks to Allah, to express happiness on the birth of a child, and to announce the birth so that people know to whom the child belongs. ‘Aqiqah is a highly recommended Sunnah (scholars). According to other scholars it is wajib (mandatory). The proper time for ‘Aqiqah is the 7th day (or after), counting from the day of the birth of the child. Parents or grandparents should perform ‘Aqiqah for their children or grandchildren. In some traditions it is said that one should sacrifice two lambs for a boy and one for a girl. But it is not required. One can sacrifice even one for the boy. Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – sacrificed one lamb for Hasan and for Husain. The meat of the animal should be divided like the sacrificial meat at Eidul Adha, one third for the poor, one third for friends and one third for the family. One can also give all the meat to the poor and needy people. Children are Allah’s gift. We should be thankful to Him and we should take good care of them. From the beginning we should pay attention to their Islamic upbringing and education. Parents should be a good role model for their children and they should also make sure that their children are learning right values, have right teachers and good friends. Someone rightly said that children are like sponges. They absorb whatever they see. It is very important that we give them the right message. We should also be careful about what they watch on TV and Internet. In Arabic the word â€Å"‘Aqiq† is also used for a precious stone. One can also say that ‘Aqiqah is a ceremony that helps us realize the preciousness of our children. Salman bin ‘AamirAd-Dabbi narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, â€Å"Aqiqah is to be offered for a newly born boy, so slaughter (an animal) for him, and relieve him of his suffering.† It is Sunnah to slaughter 2 (or 1) animals for a boy, and 1 for a girl. This meat is then to be shared with all the people in the community. At the time of the prophet meat was scarce. So eating and distributing meat became a special way of celebrating the birth of a baby. Giving something of the wealth over which Allah has given us temporary custody is a critical part of our deen. The Prophet (sas) said: â€Å"Man yatasaddaqa bi ‘idli tamratin min kasbin tayyibin – wa laa yaqbalu Allahu illa at-tayyib – fa inna Allaha yaqbaluhaa bi yameenihi thumma yurbeehaa li saahibihaa kamaa yurbiy ahadukum falwahu hattaa takoona mithla al-jabali.† â€Å"Whoever gives in charity the value of a single date from pure earnings – and Allah accepts nothing but the pure – verily Allah receives it with his right hand then he makes it grow like the way one of you causes a dowry to grow until it becomes like a mountain.†(Translation) Muslim & Bukhari Sadaqa The meaning of sadaqa is the giving of wealth to another as an act of worship and seeking to come closer to Allah Most High. It is an effective barrier between the giver and evil. It repels trials and hardships and prevents an awful death. All of this is only by the permission of Allah and the giving of sadaqa is the cause which Allah has attached to these benefits. It is also used allegorically to refer to all acts of â€Å"giving† and kindness other than those involving wealth such as giving the greeting, smiling in your brother’s face, seeking to solve a problem between two others for no gain to yourself, being attentive to your spouse in your bed and other actions. As the hadith says, giving of your wealth to another while physically between you and another human is an action received directly by Allah Most High. This has also been mentioned in the Qur’an: â€Å"A lam ta’lamoo anna Allaha huwa yaqbalu at-taubata ‘an ‘ibaadihi wa ya’khudhu as-sadaqaati wa anna Allaha huwa at-tawaabu ar-raheem.† â€Å"Did you not know that Allah is the One who accepts repentence from his slaves and takes their charities and that Allah is the ever-Forgiving, the Merciful.† (Translation) At-Tauba:104 Generally, the best way to give sadaqa is in secret, although it can also be done publicly. Sometimes it is actually better to give publicly if that will encourage others to follow suit and increase the amount of giving among the Muslims. Because the Prophet (sas) said: â€Å"Whoever starts a good practice will get its reward and the reward of all those who do it after him without that decreasing his reward in the least and whoever starts a bad practice will get its sin and the sin of all those who do it after him without that diminishing their sin in the least.† Allah said: â€Å"In tubdoo as-sadaqaati ta ni’immaa hiya wa in tukhfoohaa wa tu’toohaa al-fuqaraa’a fa huwa khairun lakum wa yukaffiru ‘ankum min sayyi’aatikum wa Allahu bimaa ta’maloona khabeerun.† â€Å"If you show your charitibal giving that is just fine and if you conceal it and give it to the needy that is better for you and it will expiate for you some of your bad deeds and Allah is fully aware of all that you do.† Al-Baqara:271 While giving may seem like a growing of one’s wealth and putting it in a savings account or lending it out for interest may seem like an increase in one’s wealth, the really it is quite the opposite. Allah said: â€Å"Yamhaqu Allahu ar-ribaa wa yurbiy as-sadaqaati wa Allahu laa yuhibbu kulla kaffaarin atheemin.† â€Å"Allah obliterates interest and causes charity to grow and Allah does not love every one of those extreme in disbelief and extreme in sin.† Al-Baqara:276 Sadaqa, to be acceptable must be an act done for the sake of Allah with consciousness that what is being given is not truly â€Å"yours† or something you have earned or deserved. Rather, it is the sustenance (rizq) of Allah and His favor upon you and something which Allah has simply made you the temporary custodian (mustakhlaf) over. It was possessed by others before you and will be possessed by others after you. When one has this consciousness, then they will realize that the receiver is actually giving them a great gift and a great help by allowing them to worship and come close to Allah in this way – and not the other way around. So Muslims of understanding will never humiliate or belittle those to whom they give nor feel that they have done them a favor or that the receivers â€Å"owe† them anything like the ignorant and disbelieving do. If one does these things, it shows that their sadaqa is not genuine and it is invalidated and does them no good with Allah no matter how big and generous it may be. Allah said: â€Å"Yaa ayyuhaa alladhina aamanoo laa tubtiloo sadaqaatikum bi al-manni wa al-adhaa ka alladhiy yunfiqu maalahu ri’aa’a an-naasi wa laa yu’minu bi Allahi wa al-yaumi al-aakhiri.† â€Å"O, you who believe do not invalidate your charities with claims of generosity and harmfulness like the one who spends his wealth for the people to see but doesn’t believe in Allah and in the Last Day.† Al-Baqara:264 Islam encourages the giving of charity, but does not encourage the taking of charity let alone asking for it. Since there are always among us those who need assistance, this means that it is obligatory upon those with the means to look for places to put their sadaqa such those in need never need to ask and seek their help. The Prophet (sas) said: â€Å"Al-yadu al-‘ulyaa khairun min al-yadi as-suflaa wa ibda’ bi man ta’oolu wa khairu as-sadaqa maa kaana ‘an dhahri ghinaa wa man yasta’fif ya’iffuhu Allahu wa man yastighni yughnihi Allahu.† â€Å"The upper hand is superior to the lower hand. Start with those for whom you are responsible. The best charity is the one which leaves you free of need. Whoever abstains, Allah will dignify them and whoever maintains self-sufficiency, Allah will make them self-sufficient.† Al-Bukhari Sadaqa is one of the seven things which will get you shade in the Throne of Allah on the terrifying day of al-mahshar when there is no shade except for the shade of Allah. In the hadith: â€Å"Saba’atun yudhilluhum Allahu fiy dhillihi yauma laa dhilla illa dhilluhu†¦ wa rajulun tasaddaqa bi sadaqatin fa ikhfaahaa hattaa laa ta’lamu shimaaluhu maa tunfiqu yameenuhu† â€Å"Seven who Allahu will shade in His shade on the day when there is no shade except His shade†¦ and a man who gave something in charity secretly such that his left hand did not know what his right hand had given.† Muslim & Bukhari Before you think that your property is little or that you need to receive and not give, remember your standing before Allah. If two Muslims have a little and cling to it thinking â€Å"I have only a little†, then they will get no good deed from their wealth with which to face Allah. If the same two people give something of their minor wealth and, because Muslims are giving they also receive, they may end up with the same or more sustenance but also have a good deed with which to face Allah Most High. Giving is win-win situation! On that day, we will need everything possible to help us. Do not neglect any opportunity to send something forward for that day. Even a tiny act of giving could be the critical item which determines your fate in the eternal hereafter. The Prophet (sas) said: â€Å"Maa minkum min ahadin illa sayukallimuhu Allahu laisa bainahu wa bainahu turjumaan. Fa yandhuru aimana minhu falaa yaraa illa maa qaddama wa yandhuru ash’ama minhu falaa yaraa illa maa qaddam wa yandhuru baina yadaihi falaa yaraa illa an-naara tilqaa’a wajhihi fa ittaqoo an-naara wa lau bi shiqqi tamratin.† â€Å"There is not one single one of you but that Allah will speak to him with no interpreter between them. He will look to his right and see nothing but what he has sent forth. He will look to his left and see nothing but what he has sent forth. He will look in front of him and see nothing but the fire facing him. So beware of the fire – even if with just half a date.† Muslim & Bukhari Sadaqh e jariyah To spend in the path of Allah Ta’ala by way of helping the Deen of Allah is highly creditable and rewarding. Reward gained through sadaqh e jariyah attains continues reward even after our death. Indeed fortunate are those who have gained such tremendous benefits and Insha Allah will succeed in the hereafter. Some of the common contributions made in this respect are: donations towards the Masjid, building of Madrassahs, printing of Namaz, Yaseen Shareef, Durood and Salaam booklets etc. Undoubtedly these projects are required and should be encouraged because it benefits Islam. â€Å"Hazrath Abu Hurairah (RadiAllahAnho) has reported the messenger of Allah has said, â€Å"Among the actions and good deeds for which a believer will continue to receive reward, after his death, are knowledge which he taught and spread, a good son whom he left behind, or a copy of the Qur’an which he left as a legacy, or a mosque which he erected, or a house which he built for the traveller, or a stream which he caused to flow, or a Sadaqah which he gave from his property when he was alive and well, for which he will continue to receive reward after his death.† The above hadith indicates various ways to attain the reward of Sadaqa e Jariyah, and building a House of Allah Ta’ala is indeed one of the best form of Sadaqa-e-Jariyah. Riba/intrest Riba (Usury and Interest): According to Quran and Sunnah Riba (Usury) is of two major kinds: Riba An-Nasia – Interest on lent money Riba Al-Fadl – Taking a superior thing of the same kind of goods by giving more of the same kind of goods of inferior quality, eg, dates of superior quality for dates of inferior quality in great amounts. The definition of Interest, the literal meaning of interest or Al-Riba as it is used in the Arabic language means to excess or increase. In the Islamic terminology interest means effortless profit or that profit which comes free from compensation or that extra earning obtained that is free of exchange. Riba has been described as a loan with the condition that the borrower will return to the lender more than and better than the quantity borrowed. Due to the trend of interest money is going from the poor to the rich, whereas the rich are supposed to give money to the poor. Consequently, the rich are getting richer and the poor are becoming poorer. Islam completely prohibits interest as it clearly states in the Quran: â€Å"O you who believe, do not take interest, doubling and quadrupling, and keep your duty to Allah, so that you may proper.† Conclusion Overall, I feel that it is a fact of life that poverty exists and no being can deny this fact and say that there is no poverty in the world. As Allah has created poverty he has also created enough wealth to support the poor, and needy. Allah has gave wealth to some people and poverty to some both are a test from god, the one who is likely to succeed is the one who gives his extra wealth to the needy if he is wealthy or the one who is patient and keeps faith in god if he is poor. The system of usury has been introduced in to the world but Islam says whoever restrains from usury and earns and spends his wealth loyally to Islam and pays zakah will indeed succeed in the next life.   

Brutus: the Tragic Hero

Brutus: The Tragic Hero â€Å"A tragic hero is a character who is not eminently good and just, yet whose misfortune is brought about not by vice and depravity, but by some error or frailty. † Brutus fits the definition of a tragic hero because of his lust for power, his tragic flaw, and his downfall. So, because of heroic qualities and poor judgment, Brutus is the tragic hero of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. To begin with, Brutus' lust for power is one of the many ways that make him to be the tragic hero.It all started when the conspirators and himself discussed/planned the assassination of Caesar. During the agreement and arrangement of the assassination, is when Brutus gains his power and gets what he wants. He then gets more involved with the killing of Caesar, making him feel more powerful. â€Å"Ay, every man away. Brutus shall lead, and we will grace his heels with the most boldest and best hearts of Rome. † (iii, I, 119-121). Although Brutus can single han dily take over the conspirator group and over rule Cassius, as a tragic hero he is to begin to lose power.This takes place throughout the falling action in act4 when Antony makes the angry mob turn against him. It will eventually lead up to his untimely death/downfall. Secondly, the fact that Brutus has a tragic flaw is another way that makes him the tragic hero. His tragic flaw would be being to noble; which leads to naivety and allows him to be deceived by the characters (mainly Antony) and to his downfall. He shows his flaw by over trusting Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral even when Cassius advised him otherwise, but still Brutus did not listen. Brutus, a word with you. You know not what you do; do not consent that Antony speaks in his funeral; know you how much the people may be moved by that which he will utter? † (iii, I, 232-234). Brutus then fails to listen to his conspirators as they try to persuade him. This demonstrates his tragic flaw clearly as he trusts Antony not to deceive him, and is too naive of his true motives because of his judgment overruling his want of giving Caesar a proper memorial (in order to show his honor).Lastly, Brutus' downfall of him dying at the end of the play also shows of him being the tragic hero. Him committing his suicidal death/downfall ends up making him the noblest Roman of them all. When Brutus finally realizes his role in the destruction of Rome; that was worse than he believed Caesar would have done, he then proceeds with his downfall. â€Å"Farewell, good Strato – Caesar, now be still; I killed not thee with half so good a will† (iiiii, IIIII, 50-51). His final words told his unbearable remorse feeling for Caesar's death.Brutus killing himself is his realization that it is nobler to commit suicide than become captured and dragged through Rome, and a noble man Brutus was. The fact that Brutus has heroic qualities and poor judgment, both make him the tragic hero of Julius Caesar. The way of B rutus showing his qualities is through his lust for power, his tragic flaw of being too noble and naive and finally his downfall (suicide). â€Å"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name, and the inheritance of a great example. â€Å"