Celebrated Muslim Cleric Dr. Tahir Kukaj Named to Spiritual Advisory Board for InvestHalal

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Hajdari Group recently announced it was privileged to name Dr. Tahir Kukaj to its in-house advisory board for InvestHalal. A native Albanian and Vice President of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center on Staten Island, Dr. Kukaj is well known as an active New York spiritual leader who has fostered interfaith unity in the Muslim community for over two decades. Dr. Kukaj was also recently named as a chaplain for the NYPD as an interfaith expert and Muslim scholar. InvestHalal is a unique, Sharia-based investment platform developed by The Hajdari Group specifically for Muslim investors.

“I am deeply honored and delighted that Imam Kukaj has accepted this position as an advisor for InvestHalal,” said Hajdari Group President, Zaim Hajdari. “He is a profoundly spiritual and thoughtful leader; one who has been rightly honored for his many contributions to both the Albanian and Muslim community as a whole. It has always been my intention to secure the best advisors possible for InvestHalal. And now, along with Imam Gjoni, I have two scholars who are not only deeply rooted in scripture, but also realistic and down-to-earth at the same time. Muslim investors can rest, absolutely secure in the knowledge that The Hajdari Group is well positioned to provide for their Sharia-compliant investment needs.”

When asked about his role on the InvestHalal board as a Koranic interpreter, Imam Kukaj said:

“I’m honored to be with great people like Zaim, and Imam Gjoni, whom I know well. Both men are well-respected community leaders and active practitioners of faith. So I am eager to work with them on various projects, as they appear. ‘We rise by lifting others,’ it is said. So helping to advise and guide the faithful is always a useful and laudable goal. As far as my particular duties on this board, Imam Gjoni and I will bring our scriptural knowledge to bear on various investment packages and questions, as they are received. This is the general idea, of course; though, as Imam Gjoni has remarked: it is a complex process that merits the efforts of both scholars and financial experts. And it is a welcome challenge.”

About Dr. Kukaj: New York Interfaith Icon

Dr. Kukaj was born in 1965 and grew up as an Albanian Muslim in Kosovo. He and his family were survivors of the war and subsequent strife that plagued Communist Kosovo during the 1970s and 80s, after enduring the loss of the Kukaj patriarch, Tahir’s grandfather, to a brutal communist execution. Citing his father’s altruistic benevolence as a major motivation in his life, Dr. Kukaj moved to Cairo in 1984 to study at the prestigious Azhar University. There, among his other studies, he learned Arabic and ultimately achieved a Ph.D. for his research. After immigrating to the United States, Tahir became both an Imam and a director of outreach at the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center on Staten Island.

Dr. Kukaj has served on the clergy advisory board for former New York Mayor Andrew Cuomo and current Mayor, Bill de Blasio, as well as a liaison for the Muslim community. Dr. Kukaj was named one of the 2019 Staten Island Power 100 by City & State Magazine, and is a noted specialist of interfaith outreach. A skilled spiritual diplomat, representing both his mosque and his faith, Dr. Kukaj routinely hosts a variety of interfaith dialogues and dinners with other Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders of New York.

To learn more about Dr. Kukaj, or his spiritual and community work in New York City, visit the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center at: www.AICCNY.com.

About The Hajdari Group

Based in New York City, the Hajdari Group is an independent, boutique wealth-management firm founded by Zaim Hajdari — an experienced former-JPMorgan Chase investment manager who oversaw $3 billion in client assets. The Hajdari Group provides financial planning and wealth-management services to middle and high-income individuals and families. Other services include 401(k) rollover advice, retirement planning, college planning and estate planning. Most recently, the Hajdari Group has expanded its services by creating InvestHalal, a Sharia-based investment platform exclusively for Muslim investors. Learn more at: www.TheHajdariGroup.com.

Contact:
Zaim Hajdari, President,
212-381-0050
230844@email4pr.com

SOURCE The Hajdari Group

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Zaim Hajdari Named as Newest Board Member of Albanian-American Islamic Center of Queens

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Imam Edin Gjoni and the Albanian-American Cultural Center of Queens (http://www.aaic-of-queens.com/) recently announced that it had named Zaim Hajdari to its advisory board. A devout Muslim, Zaim Hajdari is the founder and President of The Hajdari Group, a boutique wealth-management firm that is acclaimed for innovating one of the only Sharia-compliant financial programs in the United States. Hajdari’s unwavering support and commitment to uplifting his community were cited as key factors in naming him to the post.

“I am deeply moved and honored to be included on this board,” said Hajdari. “As the child of Albanian immigrants, it is extremely gratifying and humbling to be asked to help lead the next generation of Albanian-Americans into the future. I have profound respect for all of our local Muslim leadership, especially those who work so hard to ensure our mosque is a place of sanctity and refuge for those who seek it. I look forward to working with Imam Gjoni and my fellow board members to continue that important tradition.”

Imam Gjoni spoke of Zaim Hajdari’s prominence as a community influencer:

“The first, most basic requirement for those on the board are that they be involved, active practitioners of faith. But besides religiosity, board members must have strong community ethics. They must be present and available when needed. And although that seems a modest requirement, there are many who find it difficult to balance work and family with the necessary time spent in required faith-based practices. Zaim makes time for all three, and has always done so, just like his father. We can rely upon Zaim to be present at all of the most important events: baby blessings, funerals, marriages and community gatherings. Many of us come from small, close-knit communities in Montenegro, and we continue to value the ties that bind us together. We are second generation immigrants — sometimes we struggle to connect our pasts through our present lives, and into our futures. But Zaim and his family are a sterling example of those who are a bridge between where we came from and where we are: an Albanian-American Muslim legacy with a foot rooted firmly in both cultures.”

Of the various duties and responsibilities of board members, Imam Gjoni said:

“It is an advisory role of course, but it is also so much more. Board members work closely with other community leaders and Imams to ensure that the mosque and its outreach are performing the duties necessary to support our community. Members are an example of civic responsibility and duty. Their roles and responsibilities can vary with circumstances though, and never has this been more-true than now. After the devastating fire of 2017, we have struggled to replace much of what was lost to our Center. I’m sure you can imagine what a costly and onerous burden a fire can be for anyone, but it is especially difficult for a non-profit, Muslim religious sanctuary. More than just a place of worship, the Center is a gathering place for the entire community; it represents a safe place for discussions, education and outreach that serves an entire multifaceted population. Zaim will serve as a financial professional, negotiator and strategist throughout this complicated rebuilding process.”

Speaking of the Albanian-American Center’s long-term goals, Imam Gjoni remarked:

“Serving as a generational bridge is very important, as I’ve said, but that position cannot be overstressed. Newer generations need a role model, an ambassador they can believe in because that ambassador has already walked a similar road. Zaim teaches the core virtue of service-to-others in the best way possible: by modeling the behavior himself. He is a humble servant of the community, as we must all be. We are all part of communities: one spirit, one people. And we bring our histories with us.”

About The Hajdari Group

Based in New York City, the Hajdari Group is an independent, boutique wealth-management firm founded by Zaim Hajdari — an experienced former-JPMorgan Chase investment manager who oversaw $3 billion in client assets. The Hajdari Group provides financial planning and wealth-management services to middle and high-income individuals and families. Other services include 401(k) rollover advice, retirement planning, college planning and estate planning. Most recently, the Hajdari Group has expanded its services by creating InvestHalal, a Sharia-based investment platform exclusively for Muslim investors. Learn more at: www.TheHajdariGroup.com.

Media Contact:

Zaim Hajdari, President,
212-381-0050
228625@email4pr.com

SOURCE The Hajdari Group

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The Hajdari Group Opens New Branch on Staten Island

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — With its main office in Manhattan, The Hajdari Group (https://thehajdarigroup.com/) recently announced the official opening of its first branch location at 1491 Richmond Road, on Staten Island. The new branch location is open to all Staten Islanders and their families who wish to explore the multitude of options available for financial planning. Hajdari Group President Zaim Hajdari, a native Staten Islander, also extended a special personal invitation to the local Albanian community, of which he is a member.

“The opening of this branch on Staten Island is the actualization of an important dream for me,” said Zaim Hajdari. “I was born and raised here on the island, a child of hardworking immigrant parents. I understand those struggles. And although I trained on Wall Street, working with some of the wealthiest and most influential financial institutions in the country, I have always had my roots here. I wanted to bring back what I’ve learned, my wealth management experience, and offer it to families who are trying to navigate their financial futures.”

The Hajdari Group: A Financial Planning Spectrum for Everyone

Advisors within The Hajdari Group offer a multi-pronged approach to wealth planning and allocation. First, advisors offer strategies to help individuals manage and invest their wealth. Secondly, clients are given assistance with preserving the wealth they have already accumulated. Third, a variety of wealth distribution strategies are explored. And finally, clients are guided in the planning needed to successfully distribute their estate to their designated heirs.

Some specific services offered include:

  • Asset Allocation: Advisors help clients work through the complicated and often confusing ways in which one’s wealth can be allocated to achieve greater financial returns rather than simply storing such wealth. Depending on a client’s needs, these allocations can include U.S. equities, foreign equities, cash, real estate and other investments.
  • Financial Planning: Financial markets are complex, fluid and ever evolving. Advisors keep a trained eye on these markets, while helping guide clients through their individual, customized financial planning needs.
  • College Planning: The high cost of college is a regrettable fact that parents must face. Good savings plans from a variety of family members can help younger generations meet the financial burdens of tuition costs.
  • 401(k) Rollover: Many successful small businesses have a difficult time understanding and meeting the 401(k) needs of their employees. Hajdari advisors are adept at 401(k) education and guidance for both employers and employees.
  • Tax Planning: Tax compliance and reduction is a crucial element to a successful financial plan. This is relevant regardless of one’s income level, but is especially compelling for families and small businesses that rely on every dollar saved. Navigating tax rates, credits, deductions and other items, in light of overall financial goals, can be a daunting task without professional guidance.

“Financial planning is not just an exclusive concern of the rich: it’s important for anyone who seeks to secure the future of their family’s legacy,” said Zaim Hajdari. “And that takes time. It also takes getting to know people as individuals, not just their portfolios and their accounts. What do my clients really want out of life? The answer to that question is just as important to me as each client’s financial goals.”

The Hajdari Group has always offered no-obligation free consultations, to ensure that their services are a perfect fit for each client. The Staten Island branch is taking appointments for free consultations now.

About The Hajdari Group

Based in New York City, the Hajdari Group is an independent, boutique wealth-management firm founded by Zaim Hajdari — an experienced former-JPMorgan Chase investment manager who oversaw $3 billion in client assets. The Hajdari Group provides financial planning and wealth-management services to middle and high-income individuals and families. Other services include 401(k) rollover advice, retirement planning, college planning and estate planning. Most recently, the Hajdari Group has expanded its services by creating InvestHalal, a Sharia-based investment platform exclusively for Muslim investors. Learn more at: www.TheHajdariGroup.com.

The Hajdari Group (“Hajdari Group”) is a registered investment advisor*.  Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Hajdari Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

*Registration of an investment advisor does not imply any specific level of skill or training. 

Contact:

Zaim Hajdari, President
212-381-0050
226301@email4pr.com

SOURCE Hajdari Group

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The Hajdari Group Forms Scholar Advisory Board for Sharia-Compliant Investment Program

NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Hajdari Group (https://thehajdarigroup.com/) recently announced that it had established an in-house team of scriptural experts to serve as advisors for its new InvestHalal program, and have secured the services of Imam Edin Gjoni as the board’s founding member. Imam Gjoni is a noted Koranic interpreter and has served New York and the borough of Queens with distinction as a spiritual leader and trusted liaison to the NYPD.

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Imam Gjoni as the inaugural advisor for InvestHalal,” said Hajdari Group President, Zaim Hajdari. “He is a meticulous and thoughtful scholar, and one of the most compassionate and caring human beings I have ever known. By lending us his considerable expertise, InvestHalal will continue to set the standard as the preeminent Sharia-compliant investment program in the country.”

Of his background, education and dedication to scholarship, Imam Gjoni said:

“I come from a hardworking family with a strong academic background. I give credit to my grandfather whose legacy left an imprint on my upbringing. He was the Head Mufti of Montenegro and one of the only few Hafiz of the whole Qur’an of his time. My late father was an Economist by profession. For a long time, he was a director of Yugo bank, up until his retirement. My mother played an active role in politics for most of her career. She is now the Vice President of the municipality of Ulqin.”

“Much of my early life was dedicated to studying. I tried to intertwine both religious and – so called – secular disciplines. I enjoyed studying Qur’an, Hadith, Kalam, Jurisprudence and History of Islam; learning Arabic morphology and syntax, as I also enjoyed learning foreign languages. I have also met and had discussions with well-renowned professors and scholars, like Enes Karic, Adnan Silajdzic, Resid Hafizovic, Fikret Karcic, but also Abdul Hakim Murad (Tim Winter), Abdulkarim Soroush, Tariq Ramadan and others.”

Imam Gjoni spoke about serving in New York and at the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center in Queens:

“I am currently working on the expansion project here at our center. In addition, I am actively involved as a clergy liaison with the NYPD. But my day-to-day work involves leading the five daily prayers as well as preparing for Friday sermons.”

When asked about his role on the InvestHalal board as a Koranic Interpreter, Imam Gjoni said:

“By definition, the commentator of the Qur’an (al-Mufassir) is the person who strives to understand, not only the meaning that comes from the Text, but God’s intention from the Holy Text. Because not every meaning that comes from the Text represents God’s intention. Therefore, the commentator’s task is to identify one or multiple meanings, to explore them, and through the methodology of preference (terjih) to distil one or more complementary meanings that could represent God’s intention. Although the Quran never changes, the social situation does. And it’s important to know how that text applies to the world we live in today. Considering that the Qur’an, as God’s Word, is the first and the main source of Islamic Law, then the matters of legal nature that includes the Halal/Haram domain by default become the subject of interest for any Mufessir. We can barely speak about any important legal issue without referring to Qur’an.”

“Yet, regarding the halal and haram investment, I believe that is not enough to be solely an expert in Qur’anic commentary nor in Islamic Law. The contemporary Islamic finance is a very complex multidisciplinary field that requires the attention of both religious and financial experts. And I would mention in this context the Qur’anic verse that represents my motto in the field: ‘He has not placed no hardship for you in religion’ (22:79).”

About The Hajdari Group

Based in New York City, the Hajdari Group is an independent, boutique wealth-management firm founded by Zaim Hajdari — an experienced former-JPMorgan Chase investment manager who oversaw $3 billion in client assets. The Hajdari Group provides financial planning and wealth-management services to middle and high-income individuals and families. Other services include 401(k) rollover advice, retirement planning, college planning and estate planning. Most recently, the Hajdari Group has expanded its services by creating InvestHalal, a Sharia-based investment platform exclusively for Muslim investors. Learn more at: www.TheHajdariGroup.com.

Media Contact:
Zaim Hajdari
212-381-0050
217673@email4pr.com

SOURCE Hajdari Group

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The Hajdari Group Unveils Newly Pioneered Sharia-Compliant Investment Strategies Option

The Hajdari Group Unveils Newly Pioneered Sharia-Compliant Investment Strategies Option: ‘InvestHalal’ Wealth Management for American Muslim Investors

NEW YORK, May 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Hajdari Group (https://thehajdarigroup.com/) recently announced the creation of its newest, faith-based financial planning platform: InvestHalal. Utilizing the latest research in Sharia-compliant asset management, The Hajdari Group now offers completely exclusive asset-investment packages and counseling specifically tailored for Muslim investors.

InvestHalal: What is Sharia-Compliant Investing?

Until now, western discourse related to Sharia matters has focused largely on extremism and interpretation of strict penal codes. But pure Sharia is simply adherence to the Qur’an and the religious teachings of Islam. These codes can and have been applied to financial decisions and institutions, allowing Muslims to explore fiscal freedom without compromising their faith.

Assurance of Sharia-compliance includes working with financial planners who guard against heavily indebted companies, riba investments (interest), gharar transactions (chance, or insurance contracts) as well as any companies declared haram (forbidden). In financial planning, this is generally understood to be avoidance of companies that derive more than 5 percent of their total income from alcohol, weapons, gambling, tobacco, pork or other Sharia-prohibited sales.

Muslim clients, many of whom have avoided investment opportunities due to their own religious concerns, seek peace-of-mind investing. And that is what InvestHalal offers. Utilizing a strict code-of-ethics and series of standards established by prestigious global authorities like the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), and the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) — gold standards for Islamic financial advice — Hajdari Group investment planning ensures scriptural compliance through rigorous screening.

“Faith-based and socially responsible investing is very appealing for many investors. But access to faith-based investment strategies has generally been unavailable in the United States to Islamic investors. The Hajdari Group has finally remedied this oversight. We are proud to be a Muslim-owned, New York-based investment firm that has taken the time, effort and scholarship necessary to ensure Sharia-compliant investment opportunities for those who wish to pursue them,” said President of the Hajdari Group, Zaim Hajdari.

The Hajdari Group Advantage: Leveraged for InvestHalal

  • Specific, defined financial goals by in-depth reviewing of individual positions: Income, assets and liabilities, current portfolio, risk tolerance and investment time horizon are all examined as deciding factors.
  • Flexible account options that are crafted from traditional investment accounts to meet Sharia-compliance. Fee-based alternatives feature quarterly fees, in addition to low or no transaction costs.
  • Assistance with the heavy paperwork often associated with investing, along with accessing and evaluating up-to-the-minute market data, research reports and other relevant financial information.
  • Asset allocation and investment diversification options that can enhance client portfolios, along with discussing the time-frames and dollar amounts needed to meet retirement and other goals.
  • A wide variety of investment alternatives and services structured to individual needs: retirement, education, tax and estate planning, as well as other Sharia-compliant wealth allocation.
  • Working with other professional advisors like tax specialists and attorneys to help facilitate smooth financial coordination across the spectrum.
  • Consistent, reliable financial advisor availability enables clients to evaluate the performance of their investments on a regular basis, with assurance of Sharia-compliance and steady progress toward ultimate financial goals.

And finally, because clients must trust that their advisors will maintain discretion and professionalism at all times, The Hajdari Group has always considered client confidentiality to be among its highest priorities.

About The Hajdari Group

Based in New York City, the Hajdari Group is an independent, boutique wealth-management firm founded by Zaim Hajdari — an experienced former-JPMorgan Chase investment manager who oversaw $3 billion in client assets. The Hajdari Group provides financial planning and wealth-management services to middle and high-income individuals and families. Other services include 401(k) rollover advice, retirement planning, college planning and estate planning. Most recently, the Hajdari Group has expanded its services by creating InvestHalal, a Sharia-based investment platform exclusively for Muslim investors. Learn more at: www.TheHajdariGroup.com.

The Hajdari Group (“Hajdari Group”) is a registered investment advisor*.  Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Hajdari Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

*Registration of an investment advisor does not imply any specific level of skill or training. 

Contact:

Zaim Hajdari
212-381-0050
zaim@thehajdarigroup.com

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Zaim Hajdari, NYC-Based Wealth Manager and President of The Hajdari Group, Shares Cautiously Optimistic Insights on Phenomenal 1Q Market Results

NEW YORK, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Zaim Hajdari, a New York City-based wealth manager, has taken a look back at first-quarter market results and is announcing a reason to celebrate while sounding a note of caution.

“Performance like this is good for an entire year, let alone a quarter,” said Hajdari. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 11%, to close out March at 14,578.54. “And the good news is that even after this big run-up, I think equities are fairly valued—they’re not overpriced.” That being said, he warned against thinking this would continue, noting such a pace was not sustainable. In fact, he said there might very well be a selloff, as investors who did well decide to take some chips off the table. But that doesn’t mean everyone should.

Even though the second quarter may not be as good, Hajdari is telling his clients who aren’t planning to use their invested money for at least five years to stay in equities. “I’m still overweight equities,” he said, advising against an over-caution that might lead investors to putting too much into fixed income. Not only would they miss out on potential future equity gains, they’d be especially vulnerable to a rise in interest rates, he said.

The Dow wasn’t the only index rising. The S&P 500 did almost as well, rising more than 10% in the same quarter. Indeed, all 10 S&P sectors were up this quarter, which seems to prove the adage that a rising tide lifts all boats. Particularly strong were health care, up about 15%, and consumer staples, up about 13%. Small cap stocks overall also did well, with the NASDAQ, generally comprising smaller companies, rising 8.21%, and the Russell 2000 index of small cap companies up 12.03%.

The main index that’s down is the CBOE Volatility Index, which is often used as a proxy for market fear. It plunged about 30%, in a sign of investor optimism, that is, a belief that there will be no huge movements in either direction.

Equities are not the only sign of a robust economy: Housing may be turning a corner. Fannie Mae posted a record $7.6 billion in quarterly earnings. Nevertheless, employment remains stubborn: In March, the economy added only 88,000 jobs, the lowest monthly gain since last June. Although that’s not enough to put a damper on what was overall a very good start to the year, it does show there is room for improvement on the economy.

Overall, however, Hajdari says he’s cautiously optimistic.

About The Hajdari Group
The Hajdari Group (www.thehajdarigroup.com) is an independent firm in New York City. President and founder Zaim Hajdari is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor with 18 years experience. Our advisors provide financial planning and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals and families. Other services include 401(k) rollover advice, retirement planning, college planning and estate planning.

Hajdari is also the Branch Manager, RJFS “Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/ SIPC” and was formerly an investment manager with JPMorgan Chase where he oversaw over $3 billion in client assets.

The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of [FA NAME] and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices generally rise. Be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your particular situation before making any investment or withdrawal decision. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), commonly known as “The Dow”, is an index representing 30 stock of companies maintained and reviewed by the editors of the Wall Street Journal. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that’s generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market.The NASDAQ composite is an unmanaged index of securities traded on the NASDAQ system. The Russell 2000 index is an unmanaged index of small cap securities which generally involve greater risks.

Investments related to a specific sector, where companies engage in business related to a particular industry, are subject to fierce competition, the possibility of products and services being to rapid obsolescence and limited diversification. The CBOE Volatility Index® (VIX®) is a key measure of market expectations of near-term volatility conveyed by S&P 500 stock index option prices. Since its introduction in 1993, VIX has been considered by many to be the world’s premier barometer of investor sentiment and market volatility. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor’s results will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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The Hajdari Group’s Zaim Hajdari Selected to Join Crain’s New York’s Influential Business Finance Advisory Panel

The Hajdari Group’s Zaim Hajdari Selected to Join Crain’s New York’s Influential Business Finance Advisory Panel

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