Have you ever felt like you have extra money, but you’re confused about what to use it for? Savings are starting to exist, daily needs are secure, but the rest is just sitting idle in your account. It’s a shame to keep saving it, but if you want to invest it, you’re afraid it will go in the wrong direction, be subject to usury, not halal, or far from blessings.
This problem is actually very natural. Many of us have started to think, “How can we make this wealth grow, but still in accordance with Islamic teachings?” Because basically, wealth is a mandate from Allah ﷻ. Not only for ourselves, but there is also a social responsibility in it. Islam does not teach us to save wealth without direction, especially if it only circulates among the same circles.
Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:
“So that wealth does not circulate only among the rich among you.” (QS. Al-Hasyr: 7)
This verse is a reminder that wealth should have wider benefits. Don’t let it stagnate, just stored or circulated in a place that has no positive impact. Therefore, investment—if carried out in a halal and ethical manner can be a solution. Not only to increase income, but also as a form of responsible wealth management.
Through this article, we will discuss how to invest while remaining on the sharia track: from the basic rules, the concept of syirkah as a model of Islamic cooperation, to the ethics of investing that make our wealth not only grow, but also be blessed.
Basic Principles of Halal Investment and the Concept of Syirkah
When talking about investment in Islam, it cannot be separated from the word “halal”. Because for Muslims, what is important is not only the return or big profit, but also where it comes from and how to get it. Halal investment means avoiding all forms of practices that are contrary to sharia, such as usury (interest), gharar (uncertainty), and maysir (gambling).
Islam also emphasizes justice, transparency, and responsibility in every financial transaction. So, halal investment is not just about “allowed” or “not allowed”, but about how we maintain blessings in the process of enriching ourselves.
One of the important concepts in halal investment is syirkah.
What is Syirkah?
Syirkah (الشرکة) is a form of business cooperation between two or more parties. Each party contributes whether in the form of capital, labor, or expertise and the results are later divided according to agreement. Not only profits are shared, but also risks and losses.
Why is syirkah important? Because this is a form of joint venture that is fair and transparent. No one is harmed, and everyone is bound by a clear contract or agreement at the beginning.
Imagine you and your friend open a coffee shop. You provide the capital, he manages everything. You make an agreement: if there is a profit, you get 20%, he gets 80%. But if there is a loss, both are responsible, according to their portions. That is a simple description of syirkah.
Important Principles in Syirkah
In order for this syirkah investment model to remain halal and blessed, there are several basic principles that must be maintained:
- Transparency and Clarity
Everything must be clear from the start: who gives what, how much capital, how to share the profits, and who bears the risk. Without this, the potential for conflict becomes great.
- Fairness in Profit Sharing
No one should take a larger share than agreed. If one party contributes more, it is natural to get a larger share as long as it was agreed at the start.
- Free from Usury
Profits must come from real efforts, not from loan interest. In syirkah, no one provides capital and then sits back and waits for the interest to grow on its own.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Those who consume usury cannot stand except as one who is possessed by Satan stands because he is possessed…” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 275)
- Sharing the Risk
If the business loses, then all parties share the burden. As long as there is no negligence, the loss is not the responsibility of one party alone.
- Halal Business
You should not invest in haram businesses, such as alcohol, gambling, or anything that is destructive.
Allah ﷻ says: “And help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and enmity…” (QS. Al-Ma’idah: 2)
Also read: Sharia Compliant Investments for Beginners
The Right Partnership for Those Looking for Halal Investments
If you have capital and want to develop it without having to bother managing it directly, there are two halal investment schemes that are most suitable for you: mudharabah and murabahah.
1. Mudharabah (Capital and Management Partnership)
Concept:
In mudharabah, there are two roles:
- Shahibul Maal (capital owner/investor)
- Mudharib (business manager)
The investor deposits capital, while the manager runs the business. Profits are divided according to the initial agreement. If the business is profitable, both get a share. But if it loses (and not due to the manager’s negligence), the loss is borne by the investor according to the proportion of the lost capital.
Suitable for investors because:
- You can sit back without interfering in technical matters.
- The focus is only on monitoring reports and clarity of management.
- The risk is clear and fair from the start.
Evidence:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once conducted a mudharabah transaction and his companions also practiced it. This practice is recognized as one of the legitimate forms of cooperation in Islam.
2. Murabahah (Buy and Sell with Profit Margin)
Concept:
Murabahah is a buy and sell scheme, not a business cooperation. Investors or institutions buy goods needed by customers, then resell them to customers at a higher price (agreed margin), and payments can be made in installments.
Investor position here:
Investors provide funds for the purchase of goods (for example raw materials, vehicles, or production equipment), then resell them to the ordering party with an agreed profit.
Why is it suitable for investors?
- Lower risk than mudharabah, because there are real goods being traded.
- Income (profit margin) can be estimated from the start.
- The process is clear and does not contain usury, as long as the sharia requirements are met.
Real example:
For example, you have funds and there is an MSME that needs a motorbike for a courier. You buy the motorbike, then sell it to them in installments according to the agreement. The MSME pays you in stages according to schedule.
Important conditions of murabahah:
- Goods must be actually purchased by the investor before being resold.
- Prices and margins must be clear at the outset.
- There must be no late fees that are usurious.
Also read: Risk Management in Investment
Investing Etiquette: So That Profit Is Not Only Halal, But Also Blessed
In Islam, investing is not just a matter of contracts and numbers. There is a dimension of etiquette that is an important part of our financial journey. Because wealth is not only ours, but a trust from Allah ﷻ that must be managed with responsibility and the right attitude.
Here are some important etiquette that needs to be considered in halal investing:
- Righteous Intentions
All deeds depend on the intention. Including in investment. Don’t let investment be solely for showing off wealth or market dominance. Intend investment as a form of effort to grow halal sustenance, help useful businesses, and have a good impact on the surrounding area.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, every deed depends on its intention.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
2. Transparent and Honest
In transactions, honesty is the main foundation. Don’t let anything be covered up, either in terms of capital, potential risk, or profit-sharing system. Including if there are obstacles, convey them openly.
3. Not Greedy
Profit targets are reasonable, but if ambition turns a blind eye to what is forbidden, that is dangerous. Don’t follow investment trends just because they are “popular” or the lure of big profits without looking at the halal-haram aspects. Islam recommends an attitude of qana’ah (sufficiency) and being careful.
4. Consulting
If you want to invest with other people, try to discuss everything through healthy deliberation. No need to pretend to know everything yourself. Listen to the opinions of partners, ustaz, or sharia consultants so that decisions are more mature and fair.
5. Maintaining Trust
If you are the one holding other people’s funds, then it is a trust. It must be managed according to the agreement, it cannot be arbitrary. On the other hand, if you are an investor, you are still obliged to respect the role and efforts of business partners, don’t just demand results.
Allah ﷻ said:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to convey the trust to those who are entitled to receive it.” (QS. An-Nisa: 58)
6. Avoiding Gharar (Ambiguity)
Investment etiquette also requires us to avoid ambiguity. Investments that are “unclear” in their flow, fictitious projects, or unwritten contracts are very prone to violating sharia. So everything must be transparent from the start, from the type of business to how funds are managed.
7. Always Ask for Guidance and Prayer
Sometimes everything is halal, according to the contract, but the results are not yet visible. So the last etiquette, and the most important: rely on Allah ﷻ. Don’t forget to pray, ask for guidance, and beg that this business be used as a good path to sustenance and bring benefits.
If you already understand these etiquettes, the next step is to find a suitable form of investment—and of course according to sharia. We have discussed murabahah and syirkah, just choose which one best suits your needs and profile.
Also read: Importance of Financial Ratios for Investment
Khatimah
Investment in Islam is not only about seeking profit, but also about maintaining the halalness of wealth, fulfilling social responsibilities, and carrying out the mandate from Allah ﷻ. Idle money or assets should be managed so that they do not stagnate and can provide wider benefits.
Islam opens up opportunities for investment as long as it is carried out according to sharia principles, such as avoiding usury, gharar, and maysir. One form of halal investment that is suitable for investors is syirkah, especially mudarabah and musyarakah, as well as murabahah contracts for clear and safe types of futures trading.
Although halal, investment still has risks, so it needs to be managed carefully and responsibly. Therefore, investment etiquette such as honesty, trustworthiness, transparency, and good intentions are very important so that growing assets bring blessings, not just an increase in numbers.
In essence, halal investment is a worldly endeavor that has an afterlife value, as long as the intention and method remain on the path that is approved by Allah ﷻ.
Also read: Return on Investment:Crucial to Understand Your Investment Outcomes
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. Retrieved from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/bukhari
Muslim, Abu al-Husain. Sahih Muslim. Retrieved from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/muslim