5 Freedoms You Gain as a Muslim Business Owner

Forget scrambling for a quiet corner to pray during a busy workday. As the owner, you set the schedule.  Factor in prayer breaks and even consider closing the shop briefly for obligatory prayers to go to the masjid. You can get an office or open your retail shop next to a Masjid. This ensures you fulfill your religious duties without compromising productivity. You can even open a Musala inside your office where others can come and pray, or your employees can pray and you get reward for that.

Ramadan becomes less stressful when you're the boss. You can adjust work hours to accommodate pre-dawn meals (Suhoor) and  evening meals (Iftar). You can even take some extra days off as needed if you are feeling like you wanna worship Allah more. Sometimes sleeping a bit longer is beneficial. This allows you to prioritize your well-being and spiritual obligations during the holy month.

Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha? No need to beg for time off or miss out on family celebrations. You have the autonomy to close your business for Islamic holidays, allowing yourself and your employees (if any) to celebrate these important occasions. Muslims have two official holidays, but if your boss is saying no to those, it can be a real disappointment. 

Performing Hajj, Umrah, or Itikaf requires dedication and planning. As a business owner, you have more flexibility to schedule your pilgrimage or retreat. You can arrange your workload and delegate tasks to ensure a smooth business operation during your absence. This allows you to focus solely on your spiritual journey without workplace worries.

Your business becomes an extension of your Islamic values. You don't feel shy of saying "Assalamu'alaikum" or when the Adhan sound comes on your phone. You can practice the sunnah of sleeping during lunch time. You can prioritize hiring fellow Muslims who share your faith, creating a work environment built on Islamic brotherhood. You can set the tone by cultivating a spirit of respect and ethical conduct. This means promoting Islamic principles of fairness, honesty, and compassion in your business dealings and interactions with employees.

Running your own business as a Muslim entrepreneur offers unique opportunities to align your professional activities with your faith. The questions that once required approval in a corporate setting become decisions you can make independently.