Have you ever felt like you’ve tried the right path in business one that’s halal, sharia-compliant, free from usury and doubt but it just feels harder? Meanwhile, those who take the easy route, those who don’t think too much about halal and haram, seem to have a smoother and faster rise?
If so, you’re not alone. Many fellow believers have experienced the same thing. And it’s at that point that we begin to understand… oh, so this is the true meaning of “principle.”
Allah ﷻ says:
” أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُون َ”
“Do people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tested?”
(QS. Al-‘Ankabūt : 2)
Adhering to the principles of Islamic law is part of faith. But true faith will inevitably be tested. So it’s not just about having good intentions, but also about whether we persevere when the test comes.
Principles are Promises to Allah ﷻ , Not Just Trading Strategies
In the business world, we often think about strategy, branding, or partners who can help us grow quickly. But as Muslims, we must never forget: every decision we make whether it concerns contracts, capital, systems, or partnerships is our responsibility before Allah ﷻ .
Principles aren’t just marketing strategies that can be changed if they don’t work. They’re promises. They’re promises that we’ll uphold our trust, even when no one is watching. They’re promises that we’ll remain honest, even when others cheat.
Allah ﷻ says:
وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا، وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِب ُ
“Whoever fears Allah, surely He will open a way out for him and give him sustenance from an unexpected direction.”
(QS. Ath-Thalaq : 2–3)
This verse isn’t just a word of encouragement. It’s a guarantee from our Lord. If we uphold our principles, God willing, Allah ﷻ Himself will open the way. But the condition is clear: piety.
Also read: Financial Discipline from an Islamic Perspective
When Principles Are Exchanged for Temporary Profits
Temptation will inevitably come. It could be through offers of collaboration, quick capital, or projects that seem promising… but turn out to involve usury, deception, or unclear contracts. This is where the real test lies.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
يَأْتِي عَلَى النَّاسِ زَمَانٌ الصَّابِرُ فِيهِمْ عَلَى God
willing “There will come a time when people who patiently hold on to their religion are like holding onto burning coals.” (HR. Tirmidhi no. 2186)
Holding a coal is hot. But it’s better to be scorched for a while in this world than to burn in hell for violating principles for fleeting gain.
Also read: Financial Planning in Times of Crisis
Violated Principles = Narrow Life
Many people think that if principles were relaxed a little, business would grow more quickly. But consider this statement from Allah ﷻ :
” وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْ ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنْكًا “
“And whoever turns away from My warning, then indeed for him is a narrow life…” (QS. Ṭāhā : 124)
Being insecure isn’t always about having little money. You might have a lot of money, but your heart might feel narrow, restless, and uneasy. That’s because your path isn’t pleasing to you.
On the other hand, Allah ﷻ also promises:
” مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً or
“Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, in a state of faith, then We will surely give him a good life.” (QS. An-Naḥl : 97)
That’s the peace we seek. A life of peace, blessings, and approval. It’s not just about numbers, but also about peace of mind.
Also read: Urgency of Holding Cash and Avoiding Buying Too Much Not Liquid Assets
Principles Are a Foundation, Not a Burden
Sometimes we think, “If I weren’t so rigid, maybe my business would be bigger.” But it’s precisely the meaning of those principles that sustain us. Like a foundation that keeps a building strong, even when storms come.
In business, we’ll inevitably be faced with difficult choices. A fast but uncertain partner, or a slow but trustworthy one? A vague contract or a clear and legitimate one?
Holding onto the principle isn’t about making things difficult, but about preserving them. Because lawful sustenance is more than enough, and blessings can’t be measured with a calculator.
Allah ﷻ says:
فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلۡعُسۡرِ يُسۡرٗا • إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلۡعُسۡرِ يُسۡرٗا
“So truly, with difficulty there is ease. Indeed, with difficulty there is ease.” (QS. Al-Insyirah : 5–6)
Adhering to sharia principles can indeed feel difficult, especially when business colleagues seem to be taking shortcuts. But believe me, ease from Allah comes not from where we expect.
Even the Prophet ﷺ said:
حُجِبَتْ النَّارُ بِالشَّهَوَاتِ وَحُجِبَتْ الْجَنَّةُ بِالْمَكَارِهِ
“Hell is surrounded by lust (things that please the desires), while Paradise is surrounded by things that are disliked (the desires).” (HR. Al-Bukhari No. 6006)
So, when we choose a clear contract, reject usury, maintain honesty in transactions, and be patient in growth, these are small steps that Allah views as big. These principles don’t slow you down; they actually keep you from going astray.
Also read: Wealth as a Tool, Not a Goal in Islam
Conclusion: The Principle Is Light, Not Chains
Principles aren’t barriers. They’re the light that illuminates our path, preventing us from going astray. If today you’re torn between principles and opportunities, between patience and quick profits, remember:
True principles won’t cause you any harm. It might feel slow, but God willing, it’s safe.
Imam Ibnul Qayyim رحمه الله once said:
“Every human being will be tested at their weakest point. So whoever is steadfast in their principles at that point will be the one who will survive.”
May Allah ﷻ strengthen us all to remain honest, remain clean, and remain patient, until the end.
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Reference
The Holy Quran.
Al-Bukhārī, Muḥammad ibn Ismāʿīl. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī no. 6006. Accessed from: https://www.hadits.id/hadits/bukhari/6006
At-Tirmidhi, Jāmi’ at-Tirmidhi , no. 2186. Accessed from: https://www.hadits.id/hadits/tirmidzi/2186
Ibnul Qayyim al-Jauziyyah. I’lam al-Muwaqqi’īn ‘an Rabb al-‘Ālamīn . Beirut: Dār al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah.
