The Dawoodi Bohras are a business-minded community, and through conducting ethical and halal business in both our worldly and spiritual affairs, we reap the profits by leading a prosperous life in this world and the hereafter. Our visionary Aimmat Tahereen AS and Doat Mutlaqeen RA lead by example, through the stewardship of their own enterprises, while also inculcating an ethical and entrepreneurial spirit within their mumineen.
Awliyaa Kiraam’s AS mohabbat runs through our veins; it is in each drop of our blood, in the same way that Maulana Ali ibn Abi Talib’s mohabbat was infused within Bani Riyah’s servant. Whenever the opportunity arose and he met Maulana Ali AS, he would declare his mohabbat, “Ana Wallahe Ohibboka Ya Maulaya.” His mohabbat turned into a profitable undertaking upon his death.
There are many benefits of running one’s own business: income flows quickly; profit has no limit; you are your own boss; it is a source of respect and honor, and many more. Maulana Ali’s AS commitment to and perseverance in his personal ventures was seen in the sweat on his brow and the dust upon his face. Throughout Maulana Ali’s AS life, he earned many titles that reflected his character, wisdom, courage, and leadership. On the 8th of Moharram, which marks the zikr and shahadat of Maulana Ali AS, Maula TUS described nine of Maulana Ali’s titles, linking them to nine qualities of business people. These qualities represented by his titles are essential for success in business and leadership today.
1. Ali
In accordance with his name, علي (Ali), Amirul Mumineen’s AS baland himmat (lofty aspiration) was unmatched when it came to sacrificing himself for Rasulallah SAW. Emulating Maulana Ali’s AS courage, businessmen should hold baland himmat in their business endeavors, by keeping from saying ‘this cannot be done’ for livelihood is provided by Allah Ta’ala. Remembering these words will remind one of the trust they should have in Allah Ta’ala:
تغدو خماصا وتروح بطانا
And if you put your true trust in Allah Ta’ala, he will sustain you just like he sustains a bird: it leaves empty stomached in the morning and returns in the afternoon having had its fill.
Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA showed the people of Chechat the true meaning of having courage in business, when he compelled them to start an industry in their area. The people of Chechat expressed concern because their knowledge was limited to business. Maula RA addressed their concern and insisted they start industrial work for they were once novices in business as well.
2. Qasimul Jannate wan Naar
While courage is needed in business, it must be balanced with the calculation of risks. The idea of this balance is extracted from Amirul Mumineen’s AS commonly known epithet: Qasimul Jannate wan Naar. During the battle of Khandaq, at the critical time of Amar Bin Abdewad’s entrance into Madina, Amirul Mumineen AS courageously advanced to resist his attack. Amirul Mumineen AS was calculated in taking this risk because he knew that there was no possibility for loss when fighting for the khushi (happiness) of Rasulallah SAW. Similarly, those in business must free themselves from the trap of riba, by understanding that there is no loss in pursuit of Maula’s TUS khushi.
3. Al Farooq ul Akbar
Amirul Mumineen AS is al Farooq ul Akbar: the separator between haqq and batil. It is a businessman’s duty to exert themselves in earning their livelihood, while simultaneously adhering to the truth that it is Allah Ta’ala who is the true provider of all provision. Income is not earned through one’s cleverness but instead it is Allah Ta’ala who grants livelihood. It’s possible that someone with extensive academic credentials may earn less than individuals with less qualifications.
4. Haidar and Asadullah
In correspondence with his name, Haidar and Asadullah, Amirul Mumineen’s AS grants mumineen protection. Entrepreneurship is a safeguarding for mumineen from shaitan. It’s commonly said that ‘an idle man is a devil’s workshop.’ One who puts their full efforts into their business will be spared of the workings of shaitan; they are spared from acts of defiance, oppression, disobedience, frivolous activities and other transgressions in their companies and practices.
5. Kar’rar
Karrar refers to someone who strikes repeatedly without tiring. Amirul Mumineen AS is known as karrar because of his unwillingness to ever turn back from battle. On the day of Khaibar, Amirul Mumineen AS was suffering from conjunctivitis; despite this, he continued to serve Rasulallah SAW by making roti for the soldiers. After Rasulallah SAW granted Amirul Mumineen AS shifaa, he faced Marhab who knocked Amirul Mumineen’s AS shield away. Showing unwavering determination, Amirul Mumineen AS alone lifted the door of the fort (khaibar) and used it as his shield instead. He then pursued on to defeat Marhab and conquer the fort. Entrepreneurs should emulate Amirul Mumineen’s AS ever-persistent quality, by never tiring in their endeavours or resorting to retirement. If one approach to business fails, they must never waver, and try another instead.
6. Al Anza’
One of Maulana Ali’s AS epithets was Al Anza,’ meaning one who is untouched by shirk (polytheism); his actions were clean and principled. Similarly, it is important to conduct business in an honest, ethical manner, with the underlying conviction that doing so is an act of worship and obedience of Allah Ta’ala.
7. Ameer un Nehl (Leader of the Honeybees)
A well-known title of Maulana Ali AS is ‘Ameer un Nehl,’ or ‘Leader of the Honeybees.’ He AS possessed a sweetness of character and disposition, endearing him to all. Businesspeople should endeavor to do the same, in their business, personal, and religious affairs.
8. Ali Moaddi Dayni wa Munjeze Idati
Rasualallah SAW stated for Maulana Ali AS that, “Ali will settle my debts and fulfill my promises. It is our responsibility to discharge our obligations to Allah Ta’ala in our business ventures and as mumineen. Wajebaat is a mumin’s major transaction that we undertake with Allah Ta’ala. We operate our trade and ventures with the objective of fulfilling this obligation to Allah Ta’ala, for the spiritual capital we gain in doing so is filled with barakat.
9. Hallal al Mushkilaat
One of Maulana Ali’s AS titles was Hallal al Mushkilaat, that he would remedy all hardships. Adopting a business-minded approach in all aspects of life, not only in work, can be highly beneficial. If we manage our lives and daily affairs with the same diligence, courage, confidence, and ethics that we apply to our businesses, we can avoid unnecessary hardship and, in turn, reap the same rewards in life as we do in trade.
Maula TUS connected business-mindedness to marriage, emphasizing the ways in which each of the aforementioned qualities can be applied to and benefit our marriages. For example, if a company sends a business proposal to a vendor and it is accepted, then another company should not compete unfairly; likewise, if a woman accepts one man’s proposal, it is inappropriate to send another. Marriage is a source of confidence and courage; it should also not be viewed as an obstacle, for marriage and one’s career and/or education are not mutually exclusive. Marriage is also an act of worship, for Rasulallah SAW had stated that marriage completes one’s faith.