Rizq with Responsibility: A Model for Muslim Entrepreneurs to Thrive with Purpose

Entrepreneurs are supposed to solve the world’s biggest problems.

Sometimes however, they can cause them.

The Muslim entrepreneurship scene is growing.

Sadly, so are the scandals.

Each setback hits harder and more negative beliefs are reinforced. Everyone is then tarred by the same brush and the market loses all trust - sometimes for years.

Rinse and repeat.

I believe there needs to be a model, a framework, a system for faith-based entrepreneurs to follow to ensure we keep things measured amidst the madness.

First of all - there needs to be a collective, Ummatic vision in mind - no matter what industry you are in.

That, whatever venture we are in, long term, we are doing it to empower our Ummah in some way.

Intentions are everything, after all - and you will get exactly what was intended.

Of course we do our business in order to make a profit and improve our lives and that of our family. But we need to think bigger.

We are Allah’s khalifah, we are capable of so much more.

This is a model I put together, based on Surah Waqiah in the Qu’ran - aptly referred to as the Surah of Wealth.

Surah Waqiah talks about the Sabiqoon, the front runners, those that will be the nearest to Allah on the last day because, amongst others, they were self-motivated, had high ambitions and were leaders and visionaries.

As Muslim entrepreneurs, we should strive to be like these Sabiqoon insha’allah - and ensure our businesses and our wealth has purpose.

This is a model I believe every Muslim entrepreneur should adopt and internalise, to keep us on the right path, well-intentioned and to ensure we have the best impact not only for ourselves, but for the collective to thrive also.

Here’s how it works:

Taqwa: You WILL be held accountable for everything you do. Be God-concious in every single transaction, and operate with morality at all times. Having exceptional ethics and etiquettes is essential and a complete non-negotiable.

Resilience: You will be tested on this journey, and will go through ups and downs. That’s part of the journey. Stay resilient, endure hardships, have patience and build your mindset. Stay grateful and you will be increased.

Unity: Stop competing with one another! Have an abundance mindset. All Rizq is from Allah. Help each other out, if you’re doing well, help those more in need. Stop being the proverbial crabs in a bucket. Collaborate, communicate and build community. Where possible, even buy from and hire fellow Muslims to keep the wealth circulating within.

Service: You are here to serve. Always remember that. Making money is a byproduct of great service.

Transformation: You MUST give your customer / client the transformation they paid you for. And at the same time, this entire process of entrepreneurship should transform you, through ongoing learning and development.

Tawakkul: TRUST underpins this entire model and is what you need in spades. Trust in Allah and Allah alone for your Rizq and barakah - not just in your marketing strategy or in Alex Hormozi’s latest tactic. Turn to Him for support, just like the birds do. Surrender to His Will!

I am a big advocate for entrepreneurship (for the right person of course) but it’s also a huge test of one’s mettle. Not everyone can handle the battle and I wish I was prepared more for it before I dived in a decade ago.

I believe a model like this is sorely needed to guide those entrepreneurs, young and old to be able to navigate through the bloody battleground of starting and growing a successful business, in a blessed, barakah-filled way.

I pray this does not set back the progress of what is fast becoming a thriving Muslim start-up scene here in the UK and beyond and I hope that together insha’allah, we can create a world where Muslims can be influential, impactful and eventually lead the way in solving the world's biggest problems.