Eman Sakina

What image do we have in mind when we think of a Muslim woman? Perhaps a homemaker, with a baby on her hip, a phone to her ear, and pancakes flying through the air or some food being prepared on a gas stove? Or a girl in the library's far corner, her head buried deep in a book, frantically taking notes. Although a lack of female entrepreneurs is not unique to the Muslim community, it is exacerbated in Muslim communities because women are typically homemakers and men are the primary breadwinners. Women are, however, finding innovative ways to manage a successful business while raising a family in this golden age of the internet.

The following reasons will somehow clearly state why there is a need for more women entrepreneurs:

• In comparison to men, women are more likely to be social entrepreneurs who think about the social, environmental, and ethical aspects of the enterprises they operate or are involved in. The Muslim world, which is often beset by problems (economic, social, and political), could benefit from female-led enterprises since women are more inclined to emphasize social development over profit, which aids in confronting many of the issues that present.
• It's a truth that there are significantly more male-led businesses than female-led businesses, which can lead to work cultures that don't reflect women's needs. Female-led businesses are more likely to recognize the need for flexible working hours and the ability to accommodate women who have families and choose to work from home. More Muslim women entrepreneurs could result in more female-friendly businesses, encouraging Muslim women to take part in the world of work without having to compromise the needs of their families and home life.
• Having more Muslim women entrepreneurs will combat this notion and overcome prejudices that impede a Muslim woman's ability to make excellent and well-thought-out business decisions.
• According to a recent report by the Muslim Council of Britain, 70 percent of Muslim women aged 16 to 24 are unemployed. Entrepreneurship is one strategy to address the high rate of young Muslim female unemployment, as it can help remove many of the hurdles that hinder Muslim women from entering the workforce.
• Young Muslim girls may find it difficult to identify with or seek guidance or mentoring from role models. An increase in Muslim women's entrepreneurship will provide inspirational role models for young females, as well as portray entrepreneurship as a feasible and lucrative career route.

If a Muslim performs an action with the goal of pleasing Allah, it is worship. As a result, there is no distinction between religion and business. Based on the Al-Quran and Hadith, Islam has its own business culture and guiding principles.

Islam does not prohibit women from working, partaking in economic activities, or offering their worth. Many of the Prophet's sahabiya (women companions) were active in various economic ventures. Khadija Bint-i- Khuwailad, the Prophet’s first wife, was a famous trader of Quraish and he, in his youth, used to take her goods to Syria.

This is permissible in Islam. Qur'an and Sunnah encourage people (men and women) to work together to achieve their goals. Qur’an and Sunnah invite people (Men/Women) to work to earn lawful money i.e, Women entrepreneurship was allowed. It is also to be noted that the Muslim woman was given a role, duties, and rights more than 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy today, even in the West. These are rights granted by Allah and are designed to keep balance and peace in society.

“Men shall have a benefit from what they earn, and women shall have a benefit from what they earn.” (Surah An- Nisa: Ayat 32). This is also in line with the Islamic point of view that all human beings should endeavor to become successful.

“Allah will not change what is any nation (the fate of the nation) until they all collectively make a change occur in what is in themselves” (Surah Ar-Ra’ad; Ayat 11)

Islamic law does not deprive a woman of the right to work within the limits that protect her honor and dignity. Islam permits the woman to personally conduct her business contracts and financial transactions. All such contracts and transactions are sound and valid in the view of Islamic jurisprudence. The work that the women engage in outside the home must not conflict with her duties and responsibilities to her husband and children. Her work must be with other women and free of intermingling in a male environment where she may come into physical contact with men, or is confined and exposed to molestation and abuse. As the Messenger of Allah said: "A man is not secluded with a woman, but that the Satan is the third party to them.

We can cite examples of Muslim women who can be role models for the community:

Sabah Nazir founded Islamic Moments in 2004, selling a wide choice of greeting cards for birthdays, thank-yous, and everything else we would expect from a company like this. However, Nazir realized in 2011 that she was missing out on a vital market: Muslims. As a result, she began manufacturing cards just for them, including cards, homeware, bunting and presents that honored Islamic culture, holidays, and iconography.

Her business took off after she focused her efforts on Muslim clientele.

Shahin Hussain founded the Mocktail Company last year. The business produces non-alcoholic drinks, including the Mojito and Strawberry Mockiri. 

Sheeza Shah is the founder of the Up Effect, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to launching products and companies that are ethical, responsible, and sustainable. 

And the list still goes on…….!!!