Why TRUST is the key to become an Economically Empowered Muslim
A Framework for a better, stronger, impactful Ummah - one step at a time
Recent times have been a sobering experience for Muslims all over the world. Despite boasting the biggest and fastest growing population in the world (2bn and counting) the unspeakable horrors in Gaza have shown us as an Ummah just how powerless we are.
We are all screaming and shouting for someone to intervene, to show mercy, to stop the genocide.
And we are reliant on non-Muslims, such as the South Africans who brought a case to the ICJ and on non-Muslim platforms such as Piers Morgan and the like, hoping he will shed light in a sincere and truthful way.
And then we moan on Twitter when he inevitably doesn’t.
In the meantime all we can do is join the masses who are protesting, boycotting and doing all they can to bring relief and support to our beleaguered brothers and sisters.
This is perhaps the clearest example of the hadith of Prophet Muhammad coming to pass:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The people will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating invite others to share their dish. Someone asked: Will that be because of our small numbers at that time? He replied: No, you will be numerous at that time: but you will be scum and rubbish like that carried down by a torrent, and Allah will take fear of you from the breasts of your enemy and last enervation into your hearts. Someone asked: What is wahn (enervation). Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): He replied: Love of the world and dislike of death. - Sunan Abi Dawud 4297
It was never supposed to be like this.
The Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad was supposed to be blessed.
We have been given the miracle of the Qur’an, the beautiful example of the Prophet, and countless examples of success and power in our glorious past.
We’re capable of way, way more.
To say we are punching below our weight is an understatement.
One of the things I’m passionate about is a world filled with economically empowered Muslims who benefit mankind.
I want our Ummah to be strong in every way especially economically.
This means that we as Muslims need to be strong individually.
One of the most common issues we have today is that we only think in terms of individual and material success, NOT on the big picture.
We are NOT aspirational enough as an Ummah and do not think collectively.
This is something that HAS to change if we ever hope to have any chances of a revival.
We need to have higher aspirations, dream bigger, and make an intention that through us doing better, more fulfilling work we want to not only help ourselves but the Ummah, too.
We need to aspire to become Economically Empowered Muslims.
What’s one of those, I hear you cry?
An economically empowered Muslim is one who is free.
An economically empowered Muslim is one who has purpose.
An economically empowered Muslim is one who has influence.
An economically empowered Muslim is one who is one who can bring about change.
We define economically empowered as individuals who generate a full-time income through their own business, contributing positively to their community and benefiting mankind.
Their Rizq is not spent on themselves or their personal needs alone, but on wider causes which uplift fellow Muslims and mankind.
So, why should we even do this?
In one word. POWER.
There was an amazing khutbah Nouman Ali Khan delivered in Ramadan 2024, in London.
In the Khutbah, Nouman Ali Khan gave an impassioned plea for Muslims to finally put their focus on building wealth and influence so we actually have power.
THIS IS THE VERY ESSENCE OF BEING AN ECONOMICALLY EMPOWERED MUSLIM!
The whole khutbah is definitely worth a watch, but here are a few highlights:
He defined where REAL power actually lies:
"Power is not one thing, we have to stop having a simplistic definition of what power means. For example, nowadays, for many people who don't think deeply, they think if there's an election, whoever wins the election is in power, right? So we use those words: 'This person became the Prime Minister, they're in power. This person became the President of the United States, they're in power.' But if you know a little bit about politics and economics and you know how the world actually works, these people are not in power at all." - Nouman Ali Khan
He talked of the importance of building our economic strength
"Now think of ourselves as an Ummah. Even though individually, Alhamdulillah, Allah provides us Halal rizq and gives us financial stability, but we need to consider the bigger picture. Behind the most noble mission that ever happened, the mission of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, there was economic strength. You know, the Prophet(saw) had an entire business enterprise supporting what he was doing. Even behind the mission of the Prophet, there was economic backing. How do you become a messenger full-time and have no work? Where's the food going to come from? You're still human, you still have a mouth to feed. It's because of that economic support that the Prophet could dedicate himself entirely to the mission given to him by Allah. This is a lesson for us too; we need to build our economic strength to support our religious and community goals." - Nouman Ali Khan
One of our biggest weaknesses is seeing each other as competition. Whether it’s between masjids, organisations, or even family members, this mentality divides us. We need to support each other’s successes and work together, as our unity is our greatest strength - we already have the sheer numbers!
There are always external forces trying to keep us divided. They fear our unity because united, we are unstoppable.
We need to recognise these tactics and refuse to be divided.
So, how do you obtain power?
"Businesses owned by responsible and organised merchants will eventually surpass those owned by wealthy rulers." - Ibn Khaldun
We can see this quote come to pass today, the unicorns such as Amazon, Apple, Google (Alphabet), Netflix, Tesla etc have considerable influence – to the extent they can sway policies.
Business and entrepreneurship are the key to power!
Who are going to be the Muslim companies that can compete on this level?
We need to up our ambition. Create impact for the mainstream. Yes, there are plenty of 'halal' alternatives required for our own people. But we have so much talent. The world needs ethical/Islamic principles, values and businesses, more than you think, and more than they think.
The more economically empowered we become, the more we can actually have influence and make the changes we want to see in society.
So, how do you become an Economically Empowered Muslim?
As with most lasting change, it all begins with a paradigm shift first.
Tony Robbins, world-renowned coach and author of Money: Master the Game said that only 20% of the money game is mechanics (i.e. the how), while 80% is psychology.
The collective mindset shift will do a lot of the heavy lifting. Better, more intentional, more purposeful economic decisions about the way we earn, spend and invest will be transformative and speak loud and clear to tyrants in a language that demands attention.
The byproduct of this perspective shift will make us less dependent, more aspirational and perhaps even result in more innovation and businesses being created.
Imagine having this profound perspective shift from even a small percentage of us to start with - with the sheer numbers we have, this can begin to have an exponential impact long term which can cause shockwaves.
An economically empowered Muslim has Rizq with Impact - Money with Purpose.
Having money with purpose means your money and resources become beyond a salary that feeds you and buys you a few luxuries. It now is empowering, it brings barakah and elevates you far beyond what you thought possible.
You don’t need huge riches, because impactful, purposeful rizq can go so much further. And as we know, Allah is the most giving, the more you give to Him and His causes, the more you'll get in return.
Having rizq that HAS impact is powerful because not everyone may be destined to be rich, but everyone's rizq HAS been written. Someone can have lots of money and for that money to have no impact. Think about lottery winners who squander their winnings just a few short years later. But having rizq with impact means your money is halal, has immense barakah in it and is impactful in doing good, for everyone around you.
Let’s look at how to obtain money with purpose and develop the mindset shift required to become an economically empowered Muslim…
TRUST is the key to the psychology shift required
This is the TRUST Model I have developed and it explains not only the process for becoming an economically empowered Muslim and having rizq with impact but also develop the attributes we need to hold both individually and collectively if we ever wish to rise as an Ummah once more insha'allah.
Inspired by Surah Waq'iah
The Trust Model is inspired by Surah Waqiah of the Qu’ran (aptly named the Surah of Wealth).
Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (ra) reported that Rasulullah (SAW) said: ‘Surah Waqi’ah will become a protection from poverty for the one who recites it every night’
The narrator also said: ‘Sayyiduna Ibn Mas’ud (ra) would teach this Surah to his daughters too.’
Reference: Mukhtasar Ithafus Sadatil Maharah, Hadith 6556 – Imam Busiri (rh) wrote: ‘Abu Ya’la has recorded this with a chain whose narrators are all reliable.’ Takhrijul Kash-shaf, Vol.3 pg.412, Lisanul Mizan, Hadith: 8902 – Allamah Zayla’i (rh) has declared the chain of Abu Ya’la as good (jayyid).
Ibn Asakir (rh) has recorded a Hadith stating that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said
“Surah Al Waqiah is the Surah of Wealth, so recite it and teach it to your children.”
How can the TRUST model help?
In Surah Waqiah, Allah describes three types of people on the Last Day: the people of the Left, the Right, and the Forerunners. The people of the left are those who were not good in the world and will get their book of deeds in their left hand and be punished for eternity. The ones of the right are those who conducted themselves well and will be rewarded with gardens and paradise forever.
In Surah Al-Waqiah, Allah mentions As-hab Al-Yameen (those on the right hand) in verse eight and then the Sabiqoon twice in verse ten. What is the difference between the two mentioned groups? The forerunners are a small part of those on the right hand (all those who have earned Allah’s [swt] pleasure).
However there is a special group of people that Allah has highlighted called the Sabiqoon (the Nearest/Forerunners). These are people who are the best of those on the right hand, who have earned Allah’s pleasure and will be nearest to Him because of how they acted in the world.
From Omar Suleiman ‘The Firsts’ series, regarding the Sabiqoon:
They rush to do good without waiting for anyone else to follow.
They continuously challenge themselves and others in their efforts to commit as many recommended deeds as possible with the intention of earning Allah’s pleasure.
Prophet Muhammad (saw) exhorts Muslims to ‘rush to do good deeds’, and they follow this Hadeeth in letter and spirit.
Scholars have identified them as being self-motivated and having high ambitions.
They do not wait for the right environment, visionary leaders or adequate supporters.
Sabiqoon refers to both individuals and groups of people.
Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) is a perfect example of the individual Sabiqoon.
The early emigrants to Madinah, who migrated before the conquest of Makkah, are an example of such a group of forerunners.
By the same token, those who are forerunners in this life will be forerunners to be rewarded on the Day of Judgement – they will be under the shade of Allah’s (swt) throne and the quickest to their stations in Jannah.
They rush to Allah (swt) in Dunya; therefore, they will be rushed to Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgement by the Saiq (drivers) and the Shaheed (witnesses) amongst the angels, who will take charge of us on that day.
Likewise, the first to run away from evil or to abandon sin are also categorised as Sabiqoon. According to Ibn Sirin, the early converts of Makkah and Madinah, who prayed toward Jerusalem, both sacrificed greatly in their bid to leave the ways of the Jahiliyah.
My definition of an Economically Empowered Muslim, who is acting in the right way is inspired by and aligned with this definition of the Sabiqoon in the Qu’ran.
This is who we are trying to develop more of.
Here's how it works:
How the TRUST Model Works
Taqwa
Taqwa (God-conciousness) is a core component of the Economically Empowered Muslim (EEM).
He is mindful of his transactions and relationships, his etiquette and his ethics at all times. He ensures his transactions are halal at all times. He know there will come a day where he will be held accountable for all of his deeds so the way he operates is at the highest level of morality.
In Surah Waqiah, we are reminded constantly of the Last Day and a time we will be held accountable for our deeds. This drives Taqwa.
This also speaks to step 1 of how an EEM should be - ethical and in accordance with Islamic principles always.
Resilience
There are times where putting yourself out there, being first can be difficult and tiring. This is why developing resilience and becoming antifragile is vital on this road. There will be times nothing works, where you are struggling, where you can’t figure out the solution. No matter how difficult, you have to keep moving forward and find a way to ride out the storm. It will shape you.
The EEM is tough and is prepared for tough tests. He knows they are necessary and powers through. The Sabiqoon in Surah Waqiah are mentioned as people who endure hardships but maintain their faith.
This also covers Step 2 - to develop a strong mindset, a strong why that is able to drive you forward no matter how difficult it gets.
Unity
This is extremely important. We have to be a force for good in the world, and that also means being united with people.
As Muslims, our daily life is split into two - ibadah (worship) and mu’amalaat (relationships). There’s no point in having 10/10 level worship if your relationships are a 1/10.
This also means having an abundance mindset, thinking good of your brother, and making dua that we all succeed, together. Even if they are your 'competitor' - always remember all rizq comes from Allah, NOT from tactics.
As Nouman Ali Khan said:
"Nothing terrifies them more than our allegiance, so they create as many divisions as possible within the Muslims.""Now imagine if we could break this cycle. Imagine if we started seeing each other's success as our own success. If we started supporting each other, helping each other, and working together. If the Muslims become allies to each other, that’s it. Then you’re on top. There’s nothing that can stop you. This is what terrifies them the most – our unity and our strength. So they work hard to keep us divided. But we have to be smarter. We have to recognize these tactics and refuse to be divided. We have to build our unity and our strength together."
We want all Muslims to be of those people of the Right and the Nearest on that Last Day.
This also covers step 3 of this process - to foster a spirit of unity, togetherness and brotherhood and collaborate and help one another where possible. Community is vital, we all have a cause, we all need support so we must be willing to help each other at different times. If you've seen success, pay it forward.
And have an intention of working with, buying from and hiring fellow Muslims.
The Chinese and Jews transact with one another and their money exchanges hands between 15-18 times between them, before leaving their community. That explains a lot about how wealth is circulated.
Can you do the same?
Service
Part of our purpose is to serve. The Western world want you to serve their system or serve yourself.
But that is not our way.
We must work with a strong sense of service to others, not just Muslims but humanity at large.
To quote Jim Rohn:
"Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness -great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy." —Jim Rohn
The plentiful rewards available in Jannah for those who serve with the right intentions are mentioned frequently in Surah al Waqiah.
And our time here is short. We need to serve before we get served.
Business is nothing except an exchange of value.
Step 4 is to understand who you serve, how you serve them and what you serve them with. And then take the steps towards making it all happen.
Transformation
Always be learning, always be growing. This entire process is one which pushes you out of your comfort zone, develops you and transforms you into someone who is highly competent, worthy of being one of the Sabiqoon, insha’allah.
Part of this will require you to adopt a growth mindset with regards your learning, have a beginner mindset and absorb new knowledge like a sponge, so that you can handle all the different challenges you will face on your journey.
And this also applies to your client or whoever you are selling to - they should also experience a transformation by working with you.
Insha'allah this will result us all transforming into those economically empowered Muslims and one of the Sabiqoon.
Transformation is the key step as it's important you grow along the way, so you can serve your customer / client in the best way that gives them the transformation they've been looking for.
Trust (Tawakkul)
Of course, none of this is possible without having Tawakkul, the ultimate trust in God.
There will be days you want to quit, where there’s no momentum or motivation. It doesn’t matter.
Trust in Allah, and go and do the work, just like the birds who go out and fly every morning, not knowing where their next meal is coming from. They trust in Allah to provide and so should you.
Take the first step - feel the fear and do it anyway. Remember, there’s no power except with Allah.
Trust underpins this entire model and makes it all come together in a way anyone can an economically empowered Muslim and have money with purpose insha’allah.
Trust is key to this entire process as there will be times you feel as though you're doing everything and it just isn't working.
It may mean you have to tweak and come up with a better way. It may mean you haven't done enough yet. Whatever the case, Allah is testing you, He is growing you and you are getting closer.
The entire Surah revolves around the themes of divine providence and the ultimate judgment, which are central to the concept of Tawakkul. It teaches that Allah is the Provider and Decider of all fates, emphasising that we as humans should perform our duties with a sole reliance on Allah’s will.
The description of how Allah disperses sustenance more to some and less to others highlights the need to trust Allah’s wisdom and plan.
In a nutshell: Surrender to Him!
Now you understand the keys to money, power and impact are as simple as TRUST.
Economic empowerment is not just a personal goal but a communal obligation. As Muslims, we have a duty to ensure that our resources, talents, and opportunities are utilised for the greater good of the Ummah. The path to economic empowerment begins with reframing our understanding of money, addressing common financial mistakes, and adopting strategies that align with our values and principles.
I hope you can see that the TRUST model provides a comprehensive framework for achieving this goal. By embodying Taqwa, Resilience, Unity, Service, Transformation, and Trust, we can insha’allah transform our individual and collective economic realities.
This is also a call to action for every Muslim to rise, unite, and contribute to the collective strength and prosperity of the Ummah.
I pray that this has been a thought-provoking look at how we can embark on this journey of economic empowerment with the intention of benefiting not just ourselves but our entire community.
Together, we can create a world where Muslims can be influential, impactful and eventually lead the way in solving the world's biggest problems.
Insha’allah.
If you’d like to learn more about the work I do, you can check out my companies below:
KNOW: Website | KNOW is an education and training company that helps Muslims to find their purpose (their divine duty) and fulfil their true potential.
Muslim CEO: Website | Muslim CEO is an education and training company that helps Muslims to build simple education businesses online.