Any good organization or company is strongly reliant on a set of rules that govern its administration and upon which it depends for a successful mark upon the industry. All modern businesses therefore have a set of practices and policies that are commonly referred to as the ethics of the business, which acts like a moral guide in the managing of finances, human resource, negotiations, corporate social responsibility and more. In the absence of such principles, a company becomes highly susceptible to financial pitfalls and moral dilemmas. There is a strong possibility of inadvertently finding one’s business at the wrong end of the law as well.
As with any component of the social structure, business dealings have also been discussed in detail in Islam and precepts have been laid down to ensure transparency for the smooth sailing of the commerce industry. Islam and the World are not two mutually exclusive things and following one does not mean you have to abandon the other. Islam is widely acknowledged as a complete code of life and has given extensive instructions in all fields of life and to all mankind. Incorporating Islamic principles in business practices will not reduce profit margins or publicity but rather bring about success in the long run. At the core of all Islamic teachings is a staunch belief in the monotheism of Allah and the acceptance of His Supremacy over all the creation and business practices are no exception to this. The concept of check and balance by the All Aware and Almighty Allah who is Most Just and Most Fair can truly change the nature of business dealings, making them transparent and aboveboard, if one solidly adheres to it.
Once Islamic principles are incorporated in the running of the business, the primary focus shifts from the goal of gaining maximum profit towards making the pleasure of Allah SWT the ultimate priority and once the right and the wrong are clearly demarcated, the business will find itself beating competitors and flourishing at a remarkable pace.
The Islamic law includes rulings derived from the Quran, the Hadith and other sources of law and is universal for all humanity and timeless in its principles that were delivered through the Holy Prophet (SAW). These principles should form the groundwork of all Muslim business endeavors to ensure, first and foremost, a connection with Allah SWT and then secondly, seeking worldly benefit through legal and lawful means as ordained by Allah SWT and the intention is to gain Allah’s favor and respect in the Hereafter. Naturally, wealth and the need for money is an understandable attraction and incentive, however it is imperative to keep a balance and keep oneself distant from greed and avarice where money is concerned. An ideal Muslim entrepreneur would endeavor to inculcate the qualities of honesty, justice, fairness and compassion in his dealings and transactions while running a lucrative business in the pursuit of good value in his investments.
Notable Muslim Entrepreneurs
It is impressive how the new generation has taken up the mantle of Islamic entrepreneurship and have achieved innumerable milestones in establishing a name for Muslims and a reputation for being ethically led by their religion in the business field. A few notable examples have been mentioned:
- Amin Aaser
The founder and Managing Director of Noor Kids, Amin Aaser is a much-lauded figure of not merely the Muslim world but also beyond it. Aaaser’s success lies in launching a Harvard-supported educational organization that helps in developing confidence for the purpose of substantiating religious identity in young Muslims through their publication of one of the fastest-growing series of Islamic children’s books. Noor Kids has assisted over 10,000 Muslim children across 25 countries in laying the ground for the development of Love of Allah SWT in the young hearts.
Noor Kids has been thriving since its launch and that has quite a lot to do with their cordial relationships with other Muslim companies which were based upon mutual benefit. This has greatly helped the company spread its wings because of the mutual sharing of strategies, data and resources for the purpose was to serve the community at large and its urgent need for literature that encouraged religious study and spiritualism. Indeed, in an interview Aaser was said to advise his fellow entrepreneurs to collaborate to be stronger, capable and efficient, instead of proceeding in a solo position or in ill-advised competition with other Muslim countries.
- Ibtihaj Muhammad
A world class fencer, an advocate for Muslim women in sports and an entrepreneur, Ibtihaj Muhammad rose to fame in 2016 when she competed in the Olympic competition as the first American to wear a hijab. Very soon after that, she became a symbol of inspiration for those who struggled with the confines of society and were encouraged to look up to her as an example. However, the achievements of this enterprising sportswoman go well beyond the field as she began the foundation for her own clothing line, Louella with her sisters in 2014. Muhammad being among those who struggled to find clothing that was modest while maintaining style, took the initiative to launch her own company in the United States that catered to those looking for fashionable yet modest dress styles that were not heavy on the pockets. This was another step towards empowering females but this time through fashion. It is impressive to note that she continues to be an acknowledged voice in both the sports and non-sports world.
- Muhammad Umar Khan
Known for his innovational ideas and products, Muhammad Umar Khan’s efforts have been remarkable in recognizing the challenges that his audience faced and catering especially to their needs. He was born in Sargodha, Pakistan, and had the opportunity to move to the US at the age of 7. He completed his elementary and middle schooling that provided the foundation for his future, while his father pursued his Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University. This significant period played an integral role in shaping his worldview and skillset. Khan’s studies later took him to Turkey where the seeds were sown of his first collaborative product, ‘The Wudhu Socks’ in 2019 while he was majoring in Economics and Information Systems from the Middle East Technical University.
Khan’s business today, under the brand name of DEENIN, has expanded greatly from The Wudhu Socks to include several convenient products over a range of categories, from modest wear to children’s games and are not only accessible to Muslims across the globe but also aiding them in more than 50 countries in their ablution process and worship and assisting them in developing a deeper connection with Allah SWT. DEENIN’s success owes greatly to the solid groundwork laid by its founder in committing true to his purpose and surrounding himself with the right allies and a competent and reliable team that delivers on their collective goal whilst adhering to the Islamic business principles.
- Leen Sadder
Leen Sadder, the CEO of THIS Toothbrush, has been credited with bringing back the Sunnah tradition of the miswak with the introduction of her brand ‘THIS Toothbrush’. With sleek packaging, catchy lines and functional product designs, Sadder’s endeavors were successful in targeting an audience that was close to forgetting the sunnah and played a major role in reviving the much-revered tradition of the Prophet ﷺ and hence the miswak was re-introduced to modern Muslims.
The Miswak is basically a twig that is used for cleaning the teeth through soft bristles that form once the end is cut or bitten off. The act of using a Miswak carries great reward in Islam. THIS Toothbrush promoted the miswak by introducing it as a beneficial substitute for a toothbrush and a toothpaste that is organic, biodegradable and portable. It is interesting how the company took on the challenge to introduce this to a contemporary and modern American audience and to garner their interest.
THIS Toothbrush is prominently known for being a design centered company that focuses on the practicality of the product and the convenience of the user. Indeed, the brand was awarded the Best Packaging Design at the Dieline Awards and has also been featured in The National.
- Muhammad Faris
What started as a personal blog by a university student has now expanded exponentially to become an acclaimed name as a brand not just for Muslims all around the world but also non-Muslims who have been equally fascinated with the concept. Muhammad Faris, a young student of Yemeni descent found himself intrigued by the science of productivity and set forth with his blog that shared his ideas about increasing productivity in time. Faris was particularly inspired by a hadith of the Prophet ﷺ that said: ‘The early hours are blessed for my nation’ (Tirmidhi) and it seemed as if his course was set. His extensive study of books on productivity had taught him the importance of waking up early and a Prophetic saying from 1400 years ago had emphasized the blessings in productivity in the early morning. Herein came the groundbreaking change of purpose of his website. Productive Muslim was not to be for the purpose of sharing productivity advice like any other such platform but rather a channel that connected spirituality with productivity science in order to help Muslims live productive and meaningful lives in the light of Islam. Indeed, the brand can truly claim to be succeeding in its aim and purpose with the popularity and acknowledgement it has received over the years. In 2011, Productive Muslim came to the UK as Productive Muslims Ltd and started a series of productivity workshops not just in major cities around the world but also online, making its ideas accessible to every corner of the world. Faris’ success is greatly reliant on a hardworking team of sincere and dedicated volunteers who became instrumental in the transition of his personal blog to a full-fledged training company.
TL;DR:
Incorporating Islamic principles in business practices can lead to long-term success and transparency. Islam provides a moral guide for managing finances, human resources, and corporate social responsibility. Notable Muslim entrepreneurs exemplify how adherence to Islamic principles creates ethically-led businesses that thrive while staying true to their purpose.
Bibliography
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Faruqui, S., About The Author sarwat More from this Author Mother of two. I would love it if I could make a tiny difference anywhere or in anyone’s life.I am not perfect, sarwat More from this Author Mother of two. I would love it if I could make a tiny difference anywhere or in anyone’s life.I am not perfect, Sarwat, & Author, M. from this. (2023, January 3). Business ethics in Islam: 10 important rules for Muslims. The Islamic Quotes - Islamic Status - Islamic Forum | Islamic Quotes About Everything. https://www.theislamicquotes.com/business-ethics-in-islam/
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Student spotlight: This toothbrush. Dieline. (n.d.). https://thedieline.com/blog/2011/2/2/student-spotlight-this-toothbrush.html
Why business ethics are important. Limestone University. (n.d.). https://www.limestone.edu/blog/why-business-ethics-are-important#:~:text=Business%20ethics%20are%20the%20set,financial%20pitfalls%20and%20moral%20dilemmas.
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