Business and trading is where I'd like to say I made it, I learnt my craft as an employee and not as an owner. I cut my teeth under the gaze of a boss. I did my time, I earned a crust, I did what was required. I travelled the world, I wined and dined, as the provider and recipient in order to gain advantage.
I've met many individuals through work and social networks who've demonstrated a knack for generating profits. Some being scrupulous some not, even though it might be legal it mightn't be ethical or halal.
Trying to get ahead ethically and halal is a very tough proposition. Even more so now than before. I've found some businessmen to be manipulative, constantly seeking an angle to gain advantage and they use kindness and charity as a mask to further their own personal, cynical advancement.
I regret to have to admit that I have been like that at some points in my life. How I try to underpin my actions in work is simple. It's not haram to make a profit. I ask myself a series of questions first.
Is it legal? Is it halal? Is it ethical? Or is it in the grey zone?
The grey zone is where so much exists...
How I deal with the grey zone is simple. Does doing this get me to achieve my aims and objectives? Does it compromise my faith? Some things are necessary evils, is what your doing the lesser of two evils or can you find another route completely?
I struggled with this for some time. It has had a cost, I just hope it didn't cost my soul!
"The businessmen will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement amongst the sinful (fujjar), except those who have taqwa of Allah, and are honest and truthful." [6]
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