Al Salam Alaikum 🌱 

This week, I want to share an important lesson about entrepreneurship drawn from the teachings of the Noble Quran. The lesson is about Stewardship.

As Muslims and faith-first entrepreneurs, we have been given a significant and dignified role by Allah (SWT): to be His Khalifas, or successors, on Earth. 

This role comes with a profound responsibility to act as stewards of the resources that Allah has bestowed upon us.

The illustration below outlines our mission: to affirm the oneness of Allah, acknowledging that Allah is the ultimate source and owner of all resources.

As Khalifas and successors on Earth, we are entrusted with the sustainable use and care of these resources.

This responsibility extends to the environment and everything within it and all other resources that Allah has provided us.

In the context of entrepreneurship, this stewardship extends to our businesses, our teams, our customers, and our communities.

It means conducting our business affairs ethically, managing our resources wisely, and creating a profound and positive social impact through our entrepreneurial endeavors.

The Quran strongly cautions against Israf (extravagance or waste). In a particular verse in Surah Al-An’am, Allah (SWT) advises us to act in moderation and avoid excess.

As entrepreneurs, this teaches us to avoid wasteful practices in our businesses and to strive for efficiency.

It’s a reminder that every resource we have—from our time to our capital—is an Amanah (trust and blessing) from Allah, which we should use judiciously and responsibly.

Time, in particular, is not just a resource but a critical and invaluable asset in business.

The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of using time wisely.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth before you become old; your health before you fall sick; your wealth, before you become poor; your free time before you become preoccupied, and your life, before your death.” (Musnad Imam Ahmad).

In our pursuit of growth and holistic success, let’s not forget our responsibility toward the resources entrusted to us.

Let’s use them wisely, avoid extravagance, and aim to create a lasting positive impact.

As faith-first entrepreneurs, our businesses serve a higher purpose. They are an extension of our faith and a means to serve our Creator, our communities, and the Ummah.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. As Muslim entrepreneurs, we are called to be stewards of the resources Allah (SWT) has given us.

2. The Quran warns against Israf, or wastefulness. It is important to avoid wasteful practices and strive for efficiency in our businesses and lives.

3. Time is a critical resource in business. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of using time judiciously.

This week, take some time to inventory your business's resources. Are there areas where you could be more efficient or where resources are being wasted? Consider both tangible resources like capital and intangible ones like time and skills.

🤲 Closing Dua

“O Allah, guide us to be responsible stewards of the resources You have bestowed upon us. Help us to use them wisely and judiciously to create value and make a positive impact. Instill in us the wisdom to lead our businesses with integrity and a commitment to serving Your cause.

Ameen.