Are you looking for a business idea that is aligned with the teachings of Islam?
Do you want to start a venture that is ethical, profitable, and beneficial for the society? If yes, then you are in the right place. In this blog post, I will share with you some Quran and sunnah's guidelines on business idea that can inspire you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
Business is a noble profession in Islam. Allah SWT says in the Quran:
"O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew." (62:9)
This verse shows that trade is permissible and encouraged in Islam, as long as it does not distract us from our primary obligation of worshipping Allah SWT.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was also a successful trader before he became a messenger of Allah SWT. He was known for his honesty, integrity, and fairness in his dealings with people. He said:
حَدَّثَنَا هَنَّادٌ، حَدَّثَنَا قَبِيصَةُ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " التَّاجِرُ الصَّدُوقُ الأَمِينُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاءِ " . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ لاَ نَعْرِفُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ مِنْ حَدِيثِ الثَّوْرِيِّ عَنْ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ . وَأَبُو حَمْزَةَ اسْمُهُ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ جَابِرٍ وَهُوَ شَيْخٌ بَصْرِيٌّ .
Abu Sa'eed narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The truthful, trustworthy merchant is with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs."
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1209
This hadith show that business is a way of earning halal income and serving the community. So, what are some Quran and sunnah's guidelines on business idea that we can follow? Here are some suggestions:
- Choose a business idea that is halal and beneficial. Avoid any business that involves riba (interest), gambling, alcohol, pork, or anything that is harmful or forbidden in Islam. Allah SWT says in the Quran:
"But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest." (2:275)
He also says:
"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." (5:2)
- Choose a business idea that is based on your skills, talents, and passions. Allah SWT has created us with different abilities and preferences, and we should use them to serve Him and His creation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Everyone of you is a guardian and everyone of you is responsible for his charge...a man is a guardian of his family and responsible for his charge; and so everyone of you is a guardian and responsible for his charge." (Bukhari and Muslim)
He also said:
"Allah loves that when anyone of you does something, he should do it perfectly." (Abu Dawud)
- Choose a business idea that is innovative and creative. Islam encourages us to seek knowledge, explore new opportunities, and solve problems. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." (Ibn Majah)
He also said:
أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو عَمَّارٍ الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ حُرَيْثٍ، عَنْ وَكِيعٍ، عَنْ هِشَامٍ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ عُبَادَةَ، قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الصَّدَقَةِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ " سَقْىُ الْمَاءِ ".
It was narrated that Sa'd bin 'Ubadah said: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, what kind of charity is best?' He said: 'Providing drinking water.'"
Sunan an-Nasa'i 3665
This shows that we should strive to provide solutions that meet the needs of people and improve their lives.
- Choose a business idea that is ethical and transparent. Islam teaches us to be honest, fair, and trustworthy in our business transactions. We should not cheat, lie, or deceive anyone. We should not hide any defects or faults in our products or services. We should not charge excessive prices or exploit anyone. We should fulfill our contracts and promises. Allah SWT says in the Quran:
یَـٰۤأَیُّهَا ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَأۡكُلُوۤا۟ أَمۡوَ ٰلَكُم بَیۡنَكُم بِٱلۡبَـٰطِلِ إِلَّاۤ أَن تَكُونَ تِجَـٰرَةً عَن تَرَاضࣲ مِّنكُمۡۚ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُوۤا۟ أَنفُسَكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمۡ رَحِیمࣰا
O People who Believe! Do not unjustly devour the property of each other, except through trade by mutual agreement; and do not kill one another; indeed Allah is Most Merciful upon you.(4:29)
He also says:
وَأَوۡفُوا۟ ٱلۡكَیۡلَ إِذَا كِلۡتُمۡ وَزِنُوا۟ بِٱلۡقِسۡطَاسِ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِیمِۚ ذَ ٰلِكَ خَیۡرࣱ وَأَحۡسَنُ تَأۡوِیلࣰا
And correctly measure when you measure, and weigh correctly with the scales; this is better, and has a better outcome.(17:35)
These are some Quran and sunnah's guidelines on business idea that can help you start your own halal and successful venture. I hope you found this blog post useful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. May Allah SWT bless you with prosperity and happiness in this world and the next. Ameen.