Reclaiming the Economic Dignity of Our Ummah

 Holding the Line

As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh my beloved SIR Wali Family(Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah).Let’s speak plainly today. Many of us are exhausted. Not just from the 9-to-5 grind or the rejections that flood our inboxes like clockwork. But from something deeper. A quiet, collective grief: that we are not living the lives we know we were meant for.

We find ourselves negotiating prayer times with supervisors, hiding prayer mats under desks, and shaping our appearance and language to appease a world that was never built for us. Many of us long to build — to create halal, dignified livelihoods that center Allah — yet we remain locked in cycles of dependence, waiting for permission to thrive.

Let’s ask ourselves:

• Why don’t Muslims own more businesses?

• Why have we been forced into economic dependence, generation after generation?

• How do we shift from surviving to self-determining?

Quran verse of the week

Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Ra'd, verse 11:

"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves."

This profound verse challenges us to look inward and recognize our agency in transforming our circumstances. It isn't merely about accepting our situation as qadr (divine decree), but actively working to improve our conditions within the framework Allah has provided us. Allah has blessed each and everyone of us with a gift, waiting to be unlocked. However, how can this ever be unlocked if we simply just go through life as if were robots alive but not truly living? As believers its up to us to impact the community through the help of Allah.

Malcolm X on Economic Independence

Everyone that knows me truly understands my deep admiration for Malcolm X. He spoke powerfully about economic autonomy as a cornerstone of community dignity and strength. He said:

"The economic philosophy of Black Nationalism is pure and simple. It only means that we should control the economy of our community... Why should white people be running all the stores in our community? Why should white people be running the banks of our community? Why should the economy of our community be in the hands of the white man? Why? If a black man can't move his store into a white community, you tell me why a white man should move his store into a black community."

While Malcolm X spoke specifically about the Black community, his economic philosophy applies directly to our situation as Muslims. The same questions asked then can be apply now to the community as a whole. WHHHHHHY & How have we become what we are now? When we lack businesses and entrepreneurial ventures within our own community:

1. We become dependent on systems that may not accommodate our religious needs

2. We surrender control over our time, including prayer times

3. We contribute to economic systems that may not align with Islamic principles

4. We remain vulnerable to economic hardships outside our control

Can we truly be satisfied as believers if were not free to live the life Allah deems fit, A life that is for him and the betterment of humanity? I find myself deep in a whole questioning this reality day in and day out.

The Islamic Perspective on Entrepreneurship

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself was a businessman before prophethood. His wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was a successful businesswoman. Our tradition honors honest commerce and self-sufficiency.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "No one eats better food than that which he eats from his work." (Bukhari)

Let us deeply consider: Have we internalized a mindset of dependency rather than entrepreneurship? Have we forgotten that our Prophet ﷺ and many companions were successful business owners? It sometimes worries me that we overlook the Prophet's multifaceted life, particularly his role as a successful businessman. By focusing solely on his prophethood, we risk missing the richness of his experiences and contributions beyond prayer, fasting, preaching, and guiding conversions. He was a complete individual, and understanding his business acumen offers a more holistic view of his life and impact. for goodness sake we all say "follow sunnah, follow sunnah"yet we forget that aspect of his character the clever merchant he was.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. What specific skills or knowledge do you possess that could form the basis of a halal business venture?

2. How might our community pool resources to create businesses that serve our needs while creating jobs for fellow Muslims?

3. What Islamic principles could guide a new economic framework that allows us to practice our faith fully while achieving financial stability?

4. How are we preparing the next generation to think beyond traditional employment and toward entrepreneurship?

5. What steps can we take today, even small ones, toward greater economic independence?

6. What would my life look like if I could structure it around my faith, not around a boss?

7. What’s stopping me from starting today? What do I need to?

A LIFE Challenge

Rather than offering a weekly challenge, today I present a life challenge: Commit to changing this narrative for our brothers and sisters.

This might mean:

• Starting a small business, even as a side venture

• Supporting Muslim-owned businesses with your patronage

• Developing marketable skills that increase your employment options

• Mentoring young Muslims in business principles

• Forming investment groups that follow Islamic financing principles

• Creating workplaces that honor prayer times and Islamic values

Whatever your capacity, commit to one actionable step toward economic independence. This is not merely a personal goal but a community obligation—to create spaces where our brothers and sisters can practice Islam fully without compromise.

We must become the employers, the innovators, the ones who build for Allah’s sake and uplift others along the way.

Imagine a world where no Muslim had to ask for permission to pray.

Let’s build it.

Upcoming Sunnah Fasting Days

As we strengthen our economic practice, let us also strengthen our spiritual practice. The following days are recommended for voluntary fasting:

• Monday, May 19

• Thursday, May 22

Remember that these voluntary fasts carry tremendous rewards while strengthening our self-discipline—a quality essential for both spiritual and economic growth.

Next Week's Newsletter

Beginning next week, our newsletter will explore themes from the important book "Islam at the Crossroads," examining how our community can navigate modern challenges while remaining true to our core principles.

Closing Inspirational Words

Let us remember these powerful words from Malcolm X:

“Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.” — Malcolm X

Let us prepare today for the economic future we want to see for our community tomorrow.

Du'a

Ya Allah, grant us the wisdom to see opportunities where others see obstacles. Strengthen our resolve to create ethical businesses that serve our community and honor Your commands. Guide us to financial independence that allows us to worship You properly without compromise. Make us a community that is self-sufficient and generous, strong and compassionate. Ease our hardships and bless our endeavors, for truly You are the Best of Providers. Ameen.

Until next week, may Allah guide our steps and purify our intentions.

Spread the Barakah

If you've benefited from this newsletter, please share it with friends and family who might find value in it. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected ummah.

With love, du’as, and determination, Your sister Khadija

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