Investing as Da'wah to make an Impact

Islam regards all existing things on earth as means to satisfy legitimate human needs. The Qur’an frowns upon the love of money, and the accumulation of wealth and property for no justified reason. It is unacceptable that these become a target to which humankind directs all its efforts and energies.

A more nuanced approach is that Islam forbids amassing wealth without investing it in profitable and honorable projects. Through impact investing, Muslims can make just and ethical choices to display worthy stewardship of the earth as God intends. For how we present ourselves is an important method of da’wah (preaching) which shows the true essence of a Muslim. We do not let our business dealings lead us into temptation and sin. We are representing Islam in front of others, as well as seeking the blessings of Allah through our earnings.

Consider also the da’ee or Muslim who engages in da’wah. Rather than preaching about the basic principles of Islam such as the pillars of faith, he/she should talk to others (including fellow Muslims) about the youth, their responsibility in carrying the message of Islam, and their impact on society. A da’ee does not need to be supremely wise or successful to make an impact in the field of advocacy and change. What’s required is knowing how to start preaching, where to start, what to offer, what to delay, what’s important, and what to prioritise.

More generally, as economic beings one of the best ways to represent Islam and make an impact is through the way we deal in business with others. Are we honest in our transactions or do we try to hide flaws and scam others? Are we obsessed with wealth or do we, as mentioned earlier, balance our love for our worldly and otherworldly gains?

Allah guides us in how to manage our business and other people through the story of Prophet Shu’aib. The wealthy people of Madyan cheated in their transactions, thinking that their source of rizq (sustenance) was through such means. To deal with integrity and provide a good representation of Islam to others, we should:

Be just with one another.
Be honest with clients about the products on offer.
Not coerce another to give up their money or assets unwillingly.

As Muslims the choices we make and actions we take can say much about our character. This is true about humankind but for Muslims, it is particularly relevant. As-Salama seeks to underline the ethical ethos and impact of halal investments and thereby enable investors to be good ambassadors of Islam and its core values.