“There are, basically, three kinds of people – the unsuccessful, the temporarily successful, and those who become and remain successful. The difference is character.” – Jon Huntsman

We’ve all come across successful Muslim entrepreneurs in our lives who’ve created amazing businesses, and pioneered new 

We may presume that these incredibly outstanding achievers have discovered secret success strategies to skyrocket their business.

But we cannot deny the fact that the ultimate formula for succeeding is not based solely on what you should DO but is based on who you should BE.

These role models we look up to and want to emulate have carefully set the foundations for their inner selves before acting on their missions outwardly.

If we wish to make an impact, we first need to possess the qualities for success rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Let’s take a look at these characteristics and how we can also become successful as muslim entrepreneurs.

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1. Ikhlas (Sincerity)

“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended…” [Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 51]

Every successful deed start with a sincere intention.

If one intended good, he gets good. And if one intended evil, then he gets evil.

With a sincere heart, everything – relationships, health, career, family, and yes, in business – will surely be filled with Barakah (blessings).

It’s important to set the intention that the time we spend working on our business is to help our customers, provide for our loved ones, and ultimately to serve the world.

2. Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah)

Successful Muslim entrepreneurs believe that no matter what misfortunes arise when running their business, they will accept it without panic and remain strong in the face of such difficulties.

As Muslims, we believe that the Almighty Allah is the best support and that He knows everything, He is Almighty and sufficient to rely on.

That being said, it’s also important to not being complacent and inactive, and continuously work hard to achieve our goals, fulfill our targets, and make our efforts fruitful.

Tawakkul, therefore, involves three major pillars: belief, dependence, and action.

3. Ihsan (Excellence)

Islam commands us to practice and apply Ihsan, striving for excellence, in all that we do.

So, in any undertaking, we should do it in the most beautiful and outstanding way possible.

As Muslim entrepeneurs, excellence – be it in our products, services, or marketing – should be at the center of our company’s reason to exist. We work first and foremost solve problems and address your customers’ needs.

4. Sabr (Patience)

While many challenges may come along the way of starting and growing a business, the biggest mistake is to make hasty decisions.

To successfully march into a pool of overwhelming adversities, every business owner must understand that “overnight” success takes five to ten years to happen.

Thus, as difficult as it may be, as Muslim entrepreneurs, we must remember that patience, especially in business, truly is a virtue.

5. Adab ([Good] Manners)

The ability to carefully listen and respond even to your business competitors leaves you a greater chance of earning a respectable brand and loyal customers.

By empathizing with others, respecting cultural differences, showing appreciation, acknowledging the hard work of your people, you will definitely be able to encourage a team to keep going that extra mile.

6. Sadaqah (Charity)

Some people worry that donating to charities will put a huge dent in their profit margins and may ruin their business.

However, the wisest of Muslim entrepreneurs see their contributions to charitable causes as a means of boosting their employees’ morale, raising awareness, and giving themselves a bigger purpose more than just making money while fulfilling their religious obligations.

The Prophet SAWS said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.”

7. Taqwa (God-Consciousness)

If you center your business upon values that remind you to act upon the doctrines of the Islamic faith, it will encourage positive outcomes and can benefit your organization with your employees.

By having Taqwa, you create a more principled, committed, productive, adaptive, and innovative atmosphere.

8. Siddiq (Honesty)

Successful Muslim entrepreneurs don’t care about being famous but they, for sure, care about one thing – integrity.

They are never afraid of speaking the truth even if the truth is ugly.

They keep their promises and they stand up for what they believe in without compromising their principles.

So let us be reminded that with honesty, you are not just helping yourself but helping build trust with your team and the business as a whole.

9. Amanah (Trustworthiness)

Creating an environment that fosters trust with other people is vital for a business to thrive – from our teams to our colleagues, business partners, and of course to our clients/customers.

Being trustworthy and sharing our truest thoughts and desires can help build a safe space for your employees.

The best way to do this is by being open and authentic with our words and our manners.

10. Khushu (Humility)

Being humble doesn’t mean being passive and weak but it’s all about recognizing that you will not always be the best and there will always be more to learn along the way.

You treat failures as learning opportunities so you can become smarter and better.

Most importantly, you never dismiss feedback and you allow yourself to continuously grow from criticism.=