Ironic link between Islam & Entrepreneurship- Under 5Min read

Assalamu Alaikum,

Fuad here, 🙋🏻‍♂️

Jum3 Mubarak to you all,

Today, we're talking about the link between Islam and entrepreneurship. Now, I know what you're thinking - "What do prayer mats have to do with profit margins?" But hear me out..

It's time to debunk the myth that Islam and entrepreneurship are like oil and water – they don't mix. The truth is, they're like peanut butter and jelly – they're perfect together!

In this newsletter, we'll explore the ironic link between Islam and entrepreneurship and how they're more alike than you might think…

Firstly, Islam encourages the pursuit of economic prosperity, but with a moral compass. Islam emphasizes the importance of earning a livelihood through lawful and ethical means, and not through fraudulent or unethical ways. This principle resonates with entrepreneurship as a way of creating value through innovative and ethical means. Value-Add Transactions = Good

Secondly, let's talk about risk-taking. Islam actually encourages calculated risks in business ventures. Entrepreneurs must take risks to succeed, but this should be balanced with caution and careful planning. In Islam, the principle of Tawakkul (reliance on God) is central, which means that success is ultimately in the hands of God, but that should not discourage Muslims from taking risks and making bold moves. But before you go all-in and max out your credit cards, keep in mind that Islam also emphasizes the importance of balancing risk with caution. Sorry, folks – no high-stakes poker games allowed!

Next up is social responsibility. Islam places a strong emphasis on being socially conscious in business practices. Entrepreneurs have a responsibility to create jobs, contribute to society, and improve the lives of others. So if you're starting a business solely to get rich quick and buy a yacht, you might want to reconsider.

Islam values hard work and dedication, and this is central to entrepreneurship as well. Building a successful business requires persistence, determination, and a willingness to put in long hours. These values are also emphasized in Islamic teachings, which promote the virtue of hard work and the importance of striving for excellence.

Honesty, fairness, and transparency are essential in all business dealings, according to the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). So if you're thinking of scamming your customers, maybe consider a career in stand-up comedy instead.

As the Prophet once said, "Pay the worker his wages before his sweat dries." Today you hear a lot of employers not paying their workers on time, or public holidays delay their salary.

Innovation and creativity are also important principles in Islamic entrepreneurship.This principle is also reflected in Islamic history, where Muslims made significant contributions to various fields of knowledge, including science, mathematics, and medicine. If you're an entrepreneur with no new ideas, you're like a comedian without any jokes – you're just not going to make it. So, it's time to put on your thinking cap and come up with the next big thing.

In conclusion, Islam and entrepreneurship are a match made in heaven (pun intended). By following Islamic principles, entrepreneurs can create successful businesses that not only benefit themselves but also contribute to society and improve the lives of others. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see a Muslim Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg!

Thanks for reading, and keep smiling its sunnah!

P.S If you enjoyed this content share it amongst your friends and family! and let me know, I welcome, feedback, praise or criticism - after all thats how I grow 😁 

Best regards,
Fuad al’Rafei

Assalmu Alaikum