A Muslim and his business

Does a Muslim naturally conflict with his business responsibilities? Does survival in the modern business world mean ignoring Islamic teaching on personal conduct? Some would say it does. Some would say we need ‘money politics’ to gain mega projects. They argue that a capitalist economy is founded in greed and self-exaltation, so no one can do business according to the Quran.

Muslims are required to behave Islamically in their business dealings because Allah Himself is witness to their transactions:

"In whatever business you may be, and whatever portion you may be reciting from the Qur'an and whatever deed you may be doing; We are Witnesses thereof when you are deeply engrossed therein." [Al Qur'an 10:61]

My intention for running my own business will not be merely to enrich myself but to earn Halal and spend in the right path. I will support the community I live in as well as the world-wide Ummah and be a good citizen, by contributing to the welfare of the needy and the destitute in society.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to paradise".

"A man continues to tell the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to al fujuwr (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and al fujuwr (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may continue to tell lies till he is written before Allah, a liar." [Hadith No. 8.116]

Honesty and truth is especially important for Muslim business persons because of the need to make a profit and the temptations to enhance the attributes of their product of service during a sales pitch. This is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The merchants will be raised on the Day of Resurrection as evil-doers, except those who fear Allah, are honest and speak the truth." [Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Darimi]

Keep Your Word. In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you paradise". Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your gaze, and restrain your hands from injustice." [Ubadah Ibn al Samit, Ahmad, Baihaqi]