Lately, the term “investment” has been heard more and more in various conversations. Some people start small businesses with friends, while others buy simple properties or try businesses with a joint venture system. On social media, we are presented with various success stories: “Alhamdulillah, the second business is already running,” or “First profit from a side business.”
However, unfortunately, what is often shown is only the end result, not the process. We see their happy smiles, but we don’t know their struggles and ups and downs. Unconsciously, we feel left behind and carried away by the current, “He can start, why can’t I?”
This is what is called the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) phenomenon which is often experienced by beginner investors, namely the fear of missing out on trends or other people’s achievements. In fact, everyone’s conditions are different, you know.
In fact, for those of us who are still learning and groping in the world of investment for beginners, it is very important to realize one important thing: Investment is not about who starts first, but who understands what he is doing.
If you don’t understand, don’t force it. If you’re not ready, don’t be reckless. Because Allah ﷻ has also reminded us in the Qur’an:
وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْـُٔولًۭا
“And do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart, all of these will be questioned.” (QS. Al-Isra’: 36)
This verse is like a warning signal for anyone who is learning about investment for beginners: “Don’t just follow along.” Because everything we choose, including financial decisions, will be questioned, even about what’s in our hearts.
Realizing Investment Goals from the Start
Before rushing to think about the profits and losses or types of instruments, try asking yourself first: “What am I actually investing for?” This is important for everyone who is just starting to enter the world of investment for beginners.
Is it for children’s education funds? Funds for needs? Or just following along because friends have started first? Well, the answer to this question is very important, because this will be our main direction and target going forward.
If the goal is not clear, we will easily waver. After a short while, we are bored. After a small loss, we immediately back down. But if the goal is strong and realistic from the start, we can be more patient and calm in going through the process.
In Islam, this can actually also be included in the chapter on intention. The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى
“Indeed, deeds depend on intentions, and indeed every person (will be rewarded) according to what he intended.” (HR. Bukhari & Muslim)
So, let’s clarify our intentions and goals in investing, especially for beginners. So that later the steps will be more steady and not easily shaken.
Also read: Halal Wealth and Salvation in the World and the Hereafter
Understanding the Risks Before You Jump In
If the goal is clear, now let’s discuss the risks. Because all investments definitely have risks, especially for beginners. Don’t let our enthusiasm make us forget that there could be losses too.
Some risks that often occur:
- Risk of losing capital
Investments can fail, businesses can go bankrupt, or the market can fall.
- Liquidity risk
There are types of investments that cannot be immediately cashed in if you need money suddenly.
- Mental and emotional risks
See the profit go down a little and immediately panic, or lose a little and become stressed. This is also dangerous.
In Islam, we are taught not to rush. The Prophet ﷺ once said:
إِنَّ التَّرَدُّدَ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَالْعَجَلَةَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ
“Being careful is from Allah, while being hasty is from Satan.” (HR. Tirmidhi)
This means that in investing for beginners, we must also be calm and considerate. Not just following along because we are tempted by other people’s results.
Also read: How to Avoid FOMO in Investment
When is the Right Time to Start Investing for Beginners?
Now, the most frequently asked question: “When is the right time to start investing for beginners?”
The answer is: yes, when you are ready. Not because everyone has started, but because you already have a strong foundation.
At the very least, make sure these three things are safe first:
- Basic needs are met
Don’t use monthly shopping money or electricity bills to buy stocks or open a business.
- Have an emergency fund
At least 3-6 months of monthly expenses. So that if there is an emergency, we don’t panic.
- The money invested is idle funds
This means, not children’s school fees, not house rent, but money that has no other important allocations.
If these three things are in order, God willing, your investment steps can be calmer and more calculated.
Also read: Uncovering Hidden Sins in the World of Product Marketing
Conclusion: Better Safe Than Rushing
Investing for beginners is not a race. It doesn’t have to be whoever is fast wins. What’s important is: whoever is ready, survives.
For beginners, don’t rush. Learn slowly, fulfill your financial foundations first, and make sure your steps are in accordance with sharia values and common sense.
Because a wrong first step can make us fall deep. But a step that is full of consideration, God willing, will lead us in a better direction.
Also read: Profit Sharing or Usury? Know the Difference from the Start
Let’s Visit, Zeed and join for halal investment with Zeed.
References
Al-Qur’an Al-Karim https://tafsirweb.com
Al-Bukhari, Muhammad bin Ismail. Sahih al-Bukhari. Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/bukhari
Muslim, Abu al-Husain. Sahih Muslim. Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/muslim
Tirmidhi, Abu Isa Muhammad bin Isa. Sunan At-Tirmidzi. Retrieved from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/
Ibnu Qudamah, Mukhtashar Minhajul Qashidin, Darul Minhaj
Weinstein, N. D. (1980). “Unrealistic optimism about future life events.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 39(5), 806–820
Prastowo, A. (2020). Sharia Investment: Concepts and Practices in the Digital Era. Deepublish
Sugiyanto, S. (2019). Investment Risk Management. Salemba Empat