People have been talking about success, but for each individual, it can have a different meaning. Some might see hitting their goals as success, and some might view attaining happiness as what makes them successful. For Muslims, it will extend to aligning with Islamic values and practices.
Balancing both dunya and akhirah
Have you ever heard that to be successful in this realm, you only need to have the best business strategy? While that sounds true, being successful as a Muslim entrepreneur will involve a wider area. Muslims must focus on success in both the present life and the hereafter. It should encompass professional growth as a Muslim entrepreneur, their own business, their relationships with others, and what they can provide to society. Being an exemplary Muslim entrepreneur will make it easier for others to respect you and support your business.
To be successful as a Muslim entrepreneur, here is what it looks like:
Practicing good deeds
Good behaviour, good character and good actions are highly emphasized and collectively referred to as mahmudah. This could involve having respect for others, being honest, having humility, and helping other people. In Islam, good deeds must be done with sincerity and a pure heart. It also must be done with regular practice, without being burned out, even if it is tiny. This has been mentioned in the Quran that Allah loves this kind of people:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely, and moderately, and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant, even if it were little.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 6464]
Muslim entrepreneurs can do this by making regular donations, giving funds to the needy, taking care of their employee welfare, and supporting other small businesses.
Have exemplary leadership traits
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) serves as a role model for all Muslims for his best character and as a successful entrepreneur. As a well-rounded leader, he demonstrated values such as integrity, knowledge, resilience, patience, and courage. Not only that, his heart is filled with love for his people, particularly his Ummah. The way he shows concern, leaves a lot of teachings, and makes du’a for his Ummah leaves lasting impressions on the Muslims. To be a great leader, Muslims are encouraged to follow him for his exceptional leadership traits.
Perform religious obligations
Success in the worldly sense is important, but it should not overshadow the importance of fulfilling one’s spiritual duties. As Muslim entrepreneurs, it is important to prioritize daily prayers and other religious obligations such as giving zakat, fasting during Ramadan, and performing Hajj if possible. By staying committed to these obligations, Muslim entrepreneurs are not only fulfilling their religious duties but are also setting an example of the importance of balancing worldly success with spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, performing religious obligations can help bring barakah (blessings) in business and personal life, ultimately leading to overall success.
Build good relationship with others
Islam emphasizes the value of treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion, regardless of their background or beliefs. This is quite similar to doing good deeds, but it focuses more on building good and healthy relationships with people. Building relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders is important. It not only creates a positive reputation for the business but also brings benefits to oneself through good connections. By treating others with kindness and respect, Muslim entrepreneurs can set an example for others to follow, thereby leading to a positive impact in both personal and professional lives.
Conclusions
Success for Muslim entrepreneurs is not limited to achieving professional goals but encompasses a broader scope that includes aligning with Islamic values and practices. It involves practicing good deeds, having exemplary leadership traits, performing religious obligations, and building good relationships with others. By following these principles, Muslim entrepreneurs can not only achieve success in their business but also set an example for others to follow, ultimately leading to a positive impact in both their personal and professional lives.
