Islam and The Business Mindset

Motivational Tips and Advice for Muslim Entrepreneurs. Written by one of the top young entrepreneurs in the North of England, this short guide will tell you all you need to know to set up or conduct your business in the most barakah filled way.

By Ilyas Salim, Managing Director of Scent Salim

In a world obsessed with hustle culture, rapid scaling, and overnight success stories, it’s easy for entrepreneurs, especially young Muslim entrepreneurs to feel overwhelmed or disconnected from their deeper purpose. When I began my journey with Scent Salim, I knew that my business could not just be about profit. It had to be about principles, purpose, and people.

Over the years, as our award‑winning Oud brand grew from a small family vision to a global fragrance house, one truth became clearer than ever: Success without barakah isn’t success at all. Below, I share the core pillars that shaped my entrepreneurial journey—rooted in the Qur’an, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and the timeless ethics of Islamic commerce.

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1. Creating an Islamic Business Mentality

An Islamic business mindset begins with understanding that wealth is a trust (amanah) from Allah. It’s not something we own; it’s something we are responsible for. This mindset shifts everything, your goals, your strategy, and even how you treat people. You start to see business as an act of worship (ibadah), where integrity and sincerity matter just as much as innovation. For me, this meant ensuring that Scent Salim wasn’t just another company selling luxury products but a brand that brought value, respect, and honesty to every stage of the customer journey.

2. Building a Moral and Ethical Business

Islamic business isn’t simply “halal vs. haram.” It is about excellence in character.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known as Al‑Ameen, the Trustworthy - long before he received revelation. That reputation was his greatest asset.

In practice, that means:

• Being transparent with customers

• Avoiding exploitation at all costs

• Creating products you genuinely believe in

• Treating employees with compassion and fairness

  
  

At Scent Salim, we built our foundations on these principles, ethical sourcing, fair pricing, and honest communication. This created trust, and trust created loyalty.

3. Expanding Your Business With Purpose

Growth is a blessing - when guided by intention. Islam teaches us to build, contribute, and strive for excellence, but never at the expense of our values.

When expanding our brand internationally, I learned to ask:

• Does this step align with our purpose?

• Does it honour the people we serve?

• Will this bring benefit (khayr) to the wider community?

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Purpose-driven expansion isn’t slower. It’s stronger and more sustainable. It builds a legacy rather than just a business.

4. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Hard work is important, but Islam teaches balance, not burnout.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Your body has a right over you.”This means rest is not laziness. Reflection is not wasted time. Planning is not procrastination.

Some practical steps I live by:

• Automate processes that drain time

• Delegate with trust

• Protect creative thinking time

• Prioritise tasks that move the needle

Working smarter allows you to grow without losing yourself or your peace.

5. Attracting Barakah Into Your Business

If there is one principle I wish every Muslim entrepreneur would embrace, it’s this: Barakah is the true multiplier. Barakah turns small ideas into global movements It turns limited resources into abundant outcomes. It fills your business not just with revenue, but with meaning.

Ways to invite barakah include:

• Giving charity consistently, even when profits are small

• Beginning every task with intention

• Maintaining honesty in every interaction

• Keeping your heart free from envy and greed

• Staying grateful, even during challenges

When you operate with barakah in mind, you stop chasing success and start receiving it.

6. Achieving Whole-Life Balance, Not Just Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is about dividing your time. Whole-life balance is about aligning your purpose. Islam doesn’t separate “business life” from “personal life.” They are one integrated journey. When your spiritual, emotional, and professional life support one another, you operate with clarity and calm.

For me, whole-life balance means:

• Being present for my family

• Keeping a strong connection with faith

• Staying grounded through community and service

• Ensuring business goals don’t eclipse personal values

  
  

When your life is balanced, your business becomes more resilient and your leadership becomes more compassionate.

I wrote this blog to remind you that entrepreneurship can be spiritual. Purpose can be profitable. And with the right mindset, your business can become a source of sadaqah jariyah - continuous blessing long after you’re gone.

May Allah put barakah in your efforts, your income, and your intentions. Ameen.

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