It’s funny, isn’t it, in the business world we often wish each other “good luck,” but deep down we sometimes feel anxious that someone else will actually succeed first.
Some people pretend to be calm, but in fact, they keep thinking: “Wow, he’s already opened a new branch. I’m still like this.” Secretly, we start comparing, even before Allah ﷻ measures the results.
But if you think about it, what exactly does competition mean for believers? Is it a disturbing threat, or a test that grows?
It could be that the way we judge our competitors is a reflection of how we judge Allah’s destiny .
Competition in business isn’t just about who’s faster, who sells more, or who’s more well-known. It’s about who can remain honest, calm, and adhere to sharia amidst the hustle and bustle of the business world. Because sometimes what appears to be winning in the marketplace isn’t necessarily winning in the sight of Allah ﷻ . This also teaches healthy competition and serves as self evaluation examples.
The business world is never free from trials.
If life is like a school, then business is one of the most realistic exam rooms. This is where honesty is tested, patience is tempered, and intentions are refined.
Every order that comes in, every customer that leaves, all are part of the test that Allah ﷻ has written long before we opened the shop, and also serve as This also teaches healthy competition and serves as self evaluation examples. to assess how far our hearts and intentions are pure.
وَنَبۡلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلۡخَيۡرِ فِتۡنَةࣰ وَإِلَیۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ
“We will test you with evil and good as a trial; and to Us you will be returned.” (Quran Surah Al-Anbiya [21]: 35)
Trials sometimes come in the form of hardships like low sales, lost customers, and increasing competition. But sometimes they come in the form of opportunities like a flood of orders, increased turnover, and a growing reputation.
The problem is, the first requires patience, the second requires trust. And both are the same weight.
Competition is part of it. Sometimes Allah shows us the success of others not to make us feel inferior, but to teach us to cultivate our intentions.
Is this business being run for the sake of Allah ﷻ , or to gain the praise of people? Here, too, we can use as self evaluation examples to assess the quality of our intentions and strategies.
Also read: Prophet Sulaiman عليه السلام The Grateful Rich King
When Competition Actually Grows
Imagine a world without competitors. We’d probably be relaxed, reluctant to innovate, and quickly satisfied with mediocre results.
In fact, much progress is born from challenges. Competitors, in an indirect way, teach us discipline, creativity, and persistence. This also serves as self evaluation examples.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
لَا حَسَدَ إِلَّا فِي اثْنَتَيْنِ: رَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ مَالًا فَسَلَّطَهُ عَلَى هَلَكَتِهِ فِي الْحَقِّ، وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْحِكْمَةَ فَهُوَ يَقْضِي بِهَا وَيُعَلِّمُهَا
“There is no desire (envy) that is permissible except for two things: someone to whom Allah gives wealth and then spends it in the right way, and someone to whom Allah gives wisdom and then teaches it.” (Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari)
This means that if you want to be “envious,” be envious of those who use their success as a means of drawing closer to Allah ﷻ . Envy not of revenue, but of the blessings behind it. Because not everything big is a blessing, and not everything small is a failure.
Competition can be a path to growth if we approach it with an open heart. If our competitors succeed, let it be a catalyst for introspection: What can I improve, not what can I bring down?
That’s how believers compete, not with anger, but with prayer.
Also read: Qarun: A Story of Arrogance and Wealth
When Competition Becomes Poison
But honestly, not everyone is strong at this point. Many eventually change direction. To win, people are willing to cheat. To be known, they’re willing to cheat. To go viral, they’re willing to justify any means.
Even though the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had warned:
مَنْ غَشَّنَا فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا
“Whoever deceives us, then he is not from our group.” (Hadith narrated by Muslim no. 101)
When the business orientation shifts from “blessings” to “abundance”, from “halal” to “as long as it sells”, then what is actually damaged is not the market, but the heart.
Many appear successful on the outside, but inside they are dry, anxious, and full of fear. Conversely, there are those whose efforts are modest, yet their lives are peaceful and sufficient. This is because they know that sustenance is not a product of manipulation, but a gift guaranteed by Allah ﷻ .
وَفِي ٱلسَّمَآءِ رِزۡقُكُمۡ وَمَا تُوعَدُونَ
“And in the heavens is your provision and what you have been promised.”
(Qur’an Surah Adz-Dzariyat [51]: 22)
If we truly believe in this verse, we won’t envy others’ success. Because every blessing has its own address.
Competition will only feel tough if we lose faith in the provider of sustenance, namely Allah ﷻ.
Also read: How to Build Tawakkal in Allah ﷻ While Doing Business
Conclusion: Winning Without Dropping
The business world is indeed tough, but that doesn’t mean we have to be tough too. Muslim businesspeople should be a breath of fresh air amidst the fierce competition.
We can compete without losing our manners, we can develop without having to fall.
The real test isn’t losing in competition, but losing our way. Because no matter how great our efforts, if our intentions are wrong, the results will never be right. Meanwhile, even the smallest effort, if intended for Allah ﷻ , will always have value in His sight.
Let’s learn to view our competitors with a pure heart. If they succeed, be grateful and pray for them. If we lag behind, improve and keep moving forward. It could be that Allah ﷻ hasn’t given us significant results, not because we’re incapable, but because He’s training our hearts to be ready to receive greater blessings later.
“True success is not when our efforts are above others, but when our hearts remain humble before Allah ﷻ .”
And in the end, competition is not a threat, but a test. The patient will grow, the sincere will be at peace, and the honest will triumph, in this world and with Allah ﷻ .
Also read: The Concept of Sustenance and How It Is Perceived in Islam
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Reference:
Al-Qur’an. Al-Karim
Al-Bukhari. Sahih al-Bukhari , Hadith no. 73. Retrieved from https://sunnah.com/bukhari:73
Muslim. Sahih Muslim , Hadith no. 101 and 816. Accessed from https://sunnah.com/muslim:101
Tafsir Ibn Kathir. Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azhim , juz 5.
