3 minutes read
One of the fastest ways to weaken a company is to confuse loyalty with competence.
Islam places tremendous importance on maintaining family ties and treating relatives with excellence.
Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says:
"And worship Allâh and join none with Him (in worship), and do good to parents, kinsfolk..."(Surah An-Nisa 4:36)
"And worship Allâh and join none with Him (in worship), and do good to parents, kinsfolk..."(Surah An-Nisa 4:36)
"Whoever would like his provision to be increased and his lifespan to be extended, let him uphold the ties of kinship."(Sahih al-Bukhari)
"Whoever would like his provision to be increased and his lifespan to be extended, let him uphold the ties of kinship."(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Strong families and loyal friendships are blessings.
But they should never become the primary qualification for positions of authority.
Many Muslim businesses unintentionally damage themselves by placing relatives or close friends into critical roles they are not prepared for.
The intention may be noble.
But the outcome often is not.
Muslim Founder Brief
A daily briefing on Muslim ownership, responsibility, and disciplined building.
Competence Must Come Before Loyalty
When an unqualified person is given responsibility, four groups are harmed.
First, the family member or friend who is placed in a position where they are likely to struggle or fail.
Second, the business itself, because poor decisions at critical positions eventually weaken the entire institution.
Third, the customers who receive lower quality products, services, or leadership.
And fourth, society, which loses trust in Muslim businesses and institutions.
A good intention does not justify an action that creates greater harm than benefit.
Maintaining ties of kinship does not require sacrificing justice, excellence, or competence.
Build Teams on Justice and Excellence
When hiring for an important role, the first question should always be:
Can this person perform the work with excellence, or can they realistically be trained to do so within the required timeframe?
Only after competence has been established should other factors such as trust, loyalty, and family relationships be considered.
Businesses built upon justice and merit are stronger, more trustworthy, and better equipped to serve both the Ummah and society.
Muslim Founder Brief
A daily briefing on Muslim ownership, responsibility, and disciplined building.
Muslim Founder Brief
A daily briefing on Muslim ownership, responsibility, and disciplined building.
Muslim Founder Brief
A daily briefing on Muslim ownership, responsibility, and disciplined building.
