Yusuf Omar – Lifestyle | 4 October 2016

With the Chinese economy still in struggles, at least five European countries sitting in more than one trillion euros of debt and the shaky oil prices of the Arab world, the future of the global economy doesn’t look very bright. Major corporations are feeling the pinch as the dollar rate dances and teases their budget and small retail shop-owners are getting used to passing their time with a fly catcher as every day, more and more customers wake up unemployed. In such trying times, there is no method that guarantees a six figure turnover nor is there any method that ensures retirement at 40. However, by following the pure teachings of Islam, blessings are guaranteed irrespective of the size or type of business you run.

As part of the Muharram focus on Moosa A.S, we bring you five entrepreneurial lessons from his life specifically aimed at businessman. Of course, the great task of Dawah that was fulfilled by Moosa A.S. can never be compared to a business transaction however, certain lessons can be taken from his illustrious life.

1. Don’t be afraid to network and seek assistance.

When Moosa A.S. intended to give Dawah to Firawn, he asked Allah to grant him assistance in the form of his brother Haroon A.S.

“Appoint for me an assistant from my family, my brother Haroon. Strengthen me with him and make him a partner to my task.” (TaaHaa – 29-32)

Allah replied: “…We have accepted your request O Moosa” (TaaHaa – 36)

Moosa A.S. understood that his brother, Haroon A.S., possessed a skill which he did not possess at the time, therefore he sought assistance in this regard. According to some scholars, Moosa A.S. required the eloquence of Haroon A.S.

After a thorough check in your business, point out the skills that are lacking and employ such people. It might pinch your pocket, but it will pay off in the long run. If employment might not suit your budget, then meet with such people and build a strong relationship. It is possible that another entrepreneur might need a skill that you possess and the two of you can help each other out. The point is, skills are unseen assets. In fact, it is more valuable than assets because it is your staff’s skills that mainly contribute to acquiring assets.

2. It’s a test, it will turn back into a stick.

When Moosa A.S. was granted prophethood, he was instructed by Allah to throw his stick on the ground. The stick then turned into a serpent. Allah then commanded…

“Seize it! And do not fear. Soon we shall return it to its original state.” (TaaHaa – 21)

Moosa A.S. initially was in fear but he trusted the command of Allah and took hold of the serpent. As soon as he took hold of it, it resumed its original state.

Likewise, in your day to day business, never fear the command of Allah. What seemed like a threat to Moosa A.S. was in fact harmless and a means of blessings as he fulfilled the command of Allah. Closing your business and going for Salaah might seem like a threat to your financial well-being when in reality, it has great benefits as this is when Allah grants your venture an abundance in blessings. The same can be said with dealing in interest and stolen goods etc. You might be scared to turn such deals away but when this test is passed, Blessings will shower your business. You might wonder what exactly does ‘blessings’ mean? When you can do more with R10 000 than another person can do with R15 000. That, my friend, is blessings. Some have huge businesses yet they still struggle, others are simple labourers yet that smile never leaves heir faces.

3. Market, advertise, but never compromise

Like every other prophet, Moosa A.S. was strong in his Dawah. He spoke of Allah and Allah’s qualities and never compromised. Firawn claimed to be a deity but Moosa A.S. never accepted the claim of Firawn not even in the slightest. From the beginning until the end, his belief was that Allah is in complete control and that stance never changed. Moosa A.S. could have negotiated and told Firawn that he (Firawn) has 10% control and maybe that would push him to accept Allah as a 90% controller. Even this was not acceptable to Moosa A.S.

Firown enquired: “And what is the Lord of the worlds?” (Ash-Shuarah -23)

Moosa (A.S) replied: “The Lord of the heavens and earth and that between them, if you should be convinced.” (Ash-Shuarah -d 24)

Moosa A.S. stuck to his ground and never compromised.

How many times during a transaction, when we see the customer or client moving away from the deal, we play the ‘quality’ card or the ‘last one left’ card. “Last one left, it’s been selling like hot cakes” but we well aware that the storeroom is loaded with stock. “This quality you won’t find in other shops” but we saw many other shopkeepers dealing with the supplier. This is compromise. Don’t compromise your honesty and integrity to make a sale. Stick to your beliefs. Your responsibility as far as business is concerned is to make effort to earn your bread. How much you earn is not in your hands. Moosa A.S.‘s responsibility was to give Dawah. Who accepted his message was not in his control.

4. Use your expertise to help others

One day while travelling with the Bani Israel, Moosa A.S. passed by a nation who were devoted to their idols. The people of Bani Israel requested from Moosa A.S…

“Oh Moosa! Make a deity for us, so that we may also have an idol to worship” (A’raaf – 138)

When Moosa A.S. heard this he advised them not to forsake Allah for an idol and not to forget the numerous bounties that Allah has bestowed upon them. He used his knowledge to help those that knew less.

In your business, use the knowledge of the field that you master to assist others. Listen to the customer’s needs and advise them correctly. Your advice should be to help the customer, not to sell slow stock. Your clientele will automatically have confidence in your work when they realise that your advice helped them. They will also not hesitate to refer you to others. In a way, it could be a very clever marketing strategy. Show them what is right and point out the best quality product that suits their need.

5. Trust, but keep your eyes peeled.

Once when Moosa A.S. went into seclusion in Mount Toor, the Bani Israeel started worshipping a golden calf. A man came to them, during Moosa A.S.’s absence, and convinced them that the golden calf is their deity. A man by the name of Saamiriy was behind this act. He convinced the people to worship the idol. The people started worshipping the idol until Allah, via divine revelation, informed Moosa A.S. of what was happening.

“Indeed, we have tested your people after you (had left) and Saamiriy has led them astray.” (TaaHaa – 85)

Build trust and a strong relationship with your customers but never take anything for granted. Always keep your eyes peeled for that few that might pocket something when you go into the backroom to get more packets or to get change. Sometimes an honest customer might fall into Shaytaans’ trap in a moment of weakness. It is your responsibility to secure your business as far as theft and deception is concerned. Do your homework, never fail to do a background check on a prospective employee or a possible supplier. Don’t create a gap for ‘Saamiriy’ to enter.

How does the life of Moosa A.S. affect you? Is there incident, from the above article or otherwise, that inspires you or motivates you to be a better person? Share your thoughts in the comment section or interact with us on one of our social media platforms. If it’s thought provoking, well discuss it on air.

Click here for part two