Al Salam Alaikum 🌱 

In this week’s newsletter, I want to share some insights I gained from the Noble Quran about fairness and justice, and how these principles can be applied in your business.

These principles are not just abstract concepts; they are practical, powerful principles that can transform the way you run your business.

Let’s dive in.

⚖️ Lesson from the Quran

One verse profoundly impacted my understanding of fairness and justice is:

This verse reminds us of the importance of standing firm in justice, even when it is difficult or goes against our personal interests.

It calls us to be fair and unbiased, regardless of the circumstances.

🌟 Prophetic Story: Upholding Justice

One of the most profound examples of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) commitment to justice can be found in the story of a noblewoman named Fatimah from the Makhzum tribe.

Fatimah had committed theft, and her influential tribe sought to intercede on her behalf to avoid the prescribed punishment.

They send Usama Ibn Zayd, a beloved companion of the Prophet, to plead for leniency.

When Usama spoke to the Prophet on her behalf, the Prophet’s face changed color, and he asked, “Do you intercede to violate one of Allah’s laws?”

He then gathered the people and delivered a powerful message: “The people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If Fatimah (the daughter of Muhammad) did that, I would cut off her hand.”

This story highlights the Prophet’s unwavering commitment to justice and serves as a compelling example of the principle that justice must not be compromised for the sake of favoritism or social status.

💬 A Personal Story

A few years ago, my company faced a challenge.

We had to decide on the allocation of resources for two critical projects.

One project was led by a close friend of mine, while the other was headed by a newer, less familiar team member.

Despite the newer project showing greater potential and alignment with our long-term goals, I allowed my personal bias to influence my decision and allocated more resources to my friend’s project.

This decision created tension and resentment within the team.

The newer team member felt undervalued, and others began to questioning the fairness of my leadership.

Productivity declined, and the company’s morale took a hit.

In hindsight, I realized that my actions were not in line with the principles of fairness and justice outlined in the Quran.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Reflecting on this experience, I learned the following key lessons:

1. Objectivity is Crucial: As leaders, we must strive to make decisions based on merit and facts, not personal relationships or biases.

2. Transparency Builds Trust: Open communication and transparency in decision-making processes foster trust and respect among team members.

3. Accountability is Essential: Holding myself accountable to the principles of fairness and justice ensures that I lead with integrity and uphold the values I cherish.

This week, take five minutes to reflect on the following questions:

1. Am I making decisions based on fairness and justice, or are personal biases influencing my actions?

2. How canI ensure transparency and open communication in my leadership and decision-making processes?

3. What steps can I take to hold myself accountable to the principles of fairness and justice in my business and life?

Spend a few moments contemplating these questions and jotting down your thoughts.

This simple exercise can help you align your actions with the values of fairness and justice, ultimately fostering a more harmonious and successful business environment.

🤲 Closing Supplication

May Allah guide us all in our endeavors and grant us the wisdom to lead with fairness and justice in all aspects of our lives.

Ameen.