Success in business may be rated by profits, growth, and even market share. But when one does things the Islamic way, the value of success exceeds the attainment of material wealth to that which involves receiving the favors of Allah (Barakah) using the means for wealth through the service to humanity that earns eternal rewards. One powerful tool in bringing this about is ensuring that Allah is your partner in business through consistent charity.
Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf, Who is founder of Noorain educational institute, summarizes this profound concept as follows: If you are a sole proprietor and run your business alone, i.e., you are the owner of your business, of its profit and loss, then it is important that you participate in it. You must be thinking, ‘Why should I participate when I am a sole proprietor? Allah has given me so much that I can run my own business, I can own it myself; then why should I participate?’ Therefore, participation is necessary because this participation is sacred. That participation is of Allah—that you give a specific share of your profit to Allah. When you give charity to Allah, then it means that you have made Allah a partner in your business. Now how much participation should we do? i.e., how much should we take out in the way of Allah? It is up to you. If you want, then 10% or 20% of your profit or many people take out 50% to 70% in the way of Allah. Then Allah gives them blessings, and there is so much blessing in their livelihood that they not only feed themselves but also thousands of families, and their money becomes a source of comfort for them in the world and in the grave.”
This blog will dive into the spiritual and practical aspects of integrating charity with business and elaborate on its profound benefits while offering practical steps for entrepreneurs to get their ventures aligned with divine blessings.
The Concept of Barakah in Islam
Barakah, or divine blessings, is a central theme in Islamic teachings. It refers to the increase, wealth, or spiritual enrichment in something, whether it is wealth, time, health, or relationships. Unlike material gain, Barakah is not countable but manifests in ways that enhance the quality of life and satisfaction.
Acts of charity, such as giving, invite Barakah. When a businessperson shares some of his earnings for the cause of Allah, then, in fact, he is calling Allah to his work so that Allah may grant him more prosperity and success than human minds can calculate.
How Allah Becomes Your Business Partner
1. The Spiritual Approach:
Making Allah a business partner is actually out of gratitude and trust. Recognizing the fact that all wealth will end up in the hands of Allah shows a level of humility and dependency on Allah. The concept here is not representative but actual, like sharing the profit through acts of charity.
The Quran says the example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain], which grows seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.” (Qur’an 2:261)
This verse shows an exponential multiplication of rewards for giving in charities in this world and also in the Hereafter as well.
2. Practical Engagement through Charity:
Charity, or Sadaqah, is one way to signify this partnership. Whether 10%, 20%, or up to 50% of earnings, as Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf pointed out, giving something back is a demonstration that wealth is used for the good of others.
This involvement makes a venture no longer purely based on profit but becomes a form of social benefit, which creates a positive impact in any community and brings about material benefits.
Benefits of Business Charity
1. Increasing Barakah:
When you donate a portion of your earnings to charity, Allah promises to refill it with blessings. This renewal may come in the form of increased profits, smoother operations, or unexpected opportunities.
2. Positive Reputation:
Businesses that contribute to social causes earn respect and loyalty from customers and communities. People are more likely to support enterprises that give back, creating a cycle of goodwill and success.
3. Developing Inner Peace and Thankfulness:
Charity creates contentment and thankfulness. Being able to understand that your money is working for others develops inner peace and puts your business into the correct purpose in life.
4. Creating Long-Term Success:
A business, being on the right path of ethics and spirituality, forms a strong basis for long-term success. The blessings through charity create prosperity for the business, no matter how hard the situation is.
5. Obtaining Eternity Benefits:
Benefits in this world aside, every act of charity is a source of comfort and reward in the Hereafter, according to Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf.
“How Much Do I Have to Give?
It’s personal how much a business owner should give in charity. Islam encourages generosity but equally insists on balance. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, the upper hand is better than the lower hand.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith suggests one should give generously but not at the cost of one’s financial security”
Giving Guidelines
Begin small: Start with a percentage of your profits, say 5% or 10%.
Gradually increase: As your business grows, increase your contribution to match your capacity.
Set a goal: Work toward allocating a specific percentage of your profits to charity every year, say 20% or more.
Inspiring Examples of Charitable Businesses
Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (RA)
Among the richest companions of the Prophet (PBUH), Abdul Rahman Ibn Awf (RA) was one of the generous persons. He was continuously distributing a considerable amount of his wealth in charity, for which Allah granted His blessings and respected him among the Muslim society.
Modern Entrepreneurs
In modern days, many Muslim entrepreneurs donate a percentage of their profits to charity. From sponsoring schools and hospitals to empowering poor communities, these acts of generosity show how this principle remains evergreen.
How to Implement Charity in Your Business
1. Percentage of Profits:
Choose the percentage of your profits you will donate to charity. This can be done monthly, quarterly, or annually.
2. Identify Causes to Support:
Choose causes that resonate with your values, such as education, healthcare, or poverty improvement.
3. Collaborate with Charitable Organizations:
Partner with established charities to ensure your contributions reach those in needs effectively.
4. Involve Your Team:
Encourage your employees to participate in charitable activities, creating a culture of giving within your organization.
5. Monitor and Reflect:
Keep track of your contributions and their impact. Reflect on the blessings that follow, reinforcing your commitment to this practice.
Charity: The Transformative Power
Charity transforms businesses as well as the lives of those who give and those who receive. It associated the gap between wealth and need, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion.
By making Allah a partner in your business, you put your work in line with divine principles, so the efforts would be blessed, and wealth would be a good source both for you and for others around you.
Conclusion
Business success does not solely rely on gains from it but on what this success is creating for people. Reminding Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf to make Allah a partner in your business through charity is a call to take your deeds to a higher purpose.
“When you give charity to Allah, then it means that you have made Allah a partner in your business.” This simple yet profound act brings Barakah, transforms lives, and ensures that your wealth becomes a source of comfort in this world and the Hereafter.
Let us adopt this eternal wisdom and make our businesses tools for good, opening up all that we do to Allah’s grace. Through generosity, we are enriching our own lives while helping to build a better world for generations to come.
