Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) As A Businessman

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) As A Businessman

What makes a business truly successful? The obvious answer would be its ability to generate a hefty amount of profit and become market leaders, but is that the only thing that showcases a business's success? What if there are other attributes that determine a business's prosperity? Setting the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as an example, let's look at things that shaped his business.

One of the main questions that seems to plague our business world in today's age, is the determination of price and profit margin. The main aspect that leads to the exploitation of customers by dishonest business owners, as they opt to shamelessly raise prices based on superficial characteristics of a customers appearance. 

There are no restrictions on an individual to lower the price of their goods, if they are approached by someone who looks like they are in need. In Fact this behavior is encouraged by the Prophet (PBUH) due to the possibility of you increasing the chances of pleasing Allah (SWT) and having him add barakah (blessings) to your life/business. This concept is understood throughout numerous ahadith, for instance Jabir bin 'Abdullah narrated:

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "May Allah's mercy be on him who is lenient in his buying, selling, and in demanding back his money." [Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 34, Number 290]

Similarly, another narration by Hudhaifa noted:

The Prophet said, "Before your time the angels received the soul of a man and asked him, 'Did you do any good deeds (in your life)?' He replied, 'I used to order my employees to grant time to the rich person to pay his debts at his convenience.' So Allah said to the angels; "Excuse him." The Prophet (PBUH) said that (the dead man said), 'I used to be easy to the rich and grant time to the poor.' [Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 34, Number 291]

Or, in another narration,

'accept from the well-off and forgive the needy.' [Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 34, Number 291]

In Islam, it is always recommended to be considerate of your peers, not with the intention to boost your social standing by appearing to be thoughtful in your social circle. Instead, we must aim to do good only with the international to please Allah (SWT). This is why, if one attempts to raise their prices unjustly, for specific kinds of customers, even if the customer has the ability to pay the increased price, Allah will be greatly angered, as Narrated Ma'mar b. Abi Ma'mar,

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: “No one withholds goods till their price rises but a sinner.” [Sunan Abi Dawud 3447]

This hadith very clearly indicates that whoever decided to raise prices unjustly or withholds selling goods until their prices increase are considered nothing but sinners. All these teachings align perfectly with basic Islamic principles of fair trade and exploitation. 

Allah (SWT) time and time again emphasizes on the significance of the Prophet (PBUH) as throughout the Holy Quran, it is explicitly mentioned and proven how his guidance is ultimate. For instance, Allah The Almighty expresses to mankind that:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌۭ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.” [33:21]

This verse clearly indicated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a guide, and mercy for all of humankind,

The best example of an individual with great moral grounding and self sufficiency for all mankind is The Holy Prophet. Not only is there tons to learn from his character but if we were to look at his professional life, before his prophethood, there are many qualities and events we can drive inspiration from, as each aspect of the Prophet’s life includes a lesson for us to learn. 

After the tragic death of his mother and father, the now orphaned Prophet (PBUH) went under the care of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib. Abu Talib was deeply connected with the Prophet (PBUH) and showed the utmost attention to his upbringing. Playing a vital role in nurturing, protecting and loving the Prophet (PBUH), even when times got rough after his prophethood, Abu Talib never soured his behavior towards him. His uncle would take care of him and teach him the basics of life. Needless to say, Abu Talib proved to be a significant father figure in the Prophet's life. 

In Makkah, Abu Talib was a respected community leader and business was a family trade of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). By the age of 12, he started his business career and learnt the basics of business from his uncle as he would invite him along his travels to do business. 

Reportedly, in his late teen years, the Prophet ventured into entrepreneurship by opening his own business and applying the teachings of his uncle. Though in the start he faced a few challenges as his competitors were senior businessmen, far more experienced than him. However, in his 20s his trade became so successful it started to penetrate neighboring countries. 

The Prophet (PBUH) was primarily involved in caravan trading activities between Makkah and Syria. Aside from being popular in his society for his righteous nature, these traits became the main reason for his popularity in the trading world as well. Known for his honesty, trustworthiness, fair dealings he effortlessly earned the respect of not only his peers but also gained many loyal customers, as they would never be given a chance to be upset with his dealings because the Prophet (PBUH) was known to keep promises and not blindside anyone. Evidently these are extremely admirable personality traits, so much so that it even impressed Khadijah (RA) to the point where she promised marriage to the Prophet (PBUH).

Another respectable attribute was that even after his success, he opted to remain polite and honest, maintaining his trustworthiness by never indulging in trade tricks to fool or exploit anyone, which was a common trend in the market at that time. The Holy Qur'an has stressed the importance of fairness in business:

The Prophet (PBUH) was sent to us as a role model, and in every aspect, he achieved great praise by embodying honesty, kindness, and justice. He was undoubtedly the ultimate example for mankind, and reaching his level of righteousness is nearly impossible. However, as humans, regardless of our religious orientation, we can always learn valuable lessons from him and strive to adopt his teachings to become better versions of ourselves.