Tips for success from entrepreneurs who made it
Photo: Founder of Forever Rose, Ebraheem Al Samadi (left), and Spread Communications Managing Director, Shamim Kassibawi (right)
Regardless of where you may live, following the teachings of Islam is not just a ritual; it’s a way of life that extends to every aspect of one’s existence, from home to work.
However, ever since globalisation made the world a smaller place, dealing with people from different nationalities, religions and creeds has become the norm rather than the exception.
So can one really balances being true to one’s religious beliefs and still run a successful global operation? Ebraheem Al Samadi, founder of exotic long-lasting roses company Forever Rose, in Dubai, UAE, certainly thinks so.
Photo: The array of luxurious bouquet of roses by Forever Rose
“We are very particular about it actually,” he explained. “We don’t take loans from banks; we don’t charge our employees extra if they need to take an advance in their time of need, and we acknowledge and celebrate holidays according to the Islamic calendar.”
Ebraheem does realise that sometimes his adherence to his beliefs, which extend to his business practices, results in negative reactions from the market. For example, he feels that other business owners may not be happy about disclosing their numbers to developers.
“The standard contract that most businesses have with mall owners will include a premium above the rent should you do a certain amount of business,” he said. “We make it a point to always disclose the correct figures, even if it means an increase in cost, because lying would be a sin.”
While his neighbours at the mall may not be entirely happy with his honesty, the mall owners certainly are, which is why his brand is able to avail additional opportunities with developers such as Meraas, Emaar and MAF. These include preference for events, promotional opportunities for special occasions and special display offers.
But all of this is secondary to Ebraheem. “I don’t really care what anyone thinks,” he added with a shrug. “This is how I choose to run my business, and I believe we are better off for it.”
AVOIDING CERTAIN INDUSTRIES
A similar sentiment is echoed by Shamim Kassibawi, Managing Director of PR firm Spread Communications: “I will not accept any clients that are non-Islamic in their business. Like anything to do with alcohol or cigarettes, or nightclubs—anything considered haram.”
Shamim, who was brought up in New Zealand but now lives in Dubai, feels lucky that she was able to set up her PR business in the region, as she finds people very accepting of her beliefs no matter which religion they follow.
Photo: Shamim Kassibawi, Spread Communications, Dubai
“People appreciate the way we do business, because they know they are being dealt with in an honest manner. For example, I invoice my clients at the end of the month, along with a report,” she said. “A lot of agencies will send the invoice before the month’s end to process payments. But to me, charging for work that is still not done is like stealing, so even though my payments are delayed, I always invoice with a complete report.”
Another advantage of operating a Shariah-compliant business is that you don’t take on something you can’t handle. Ebraheem explained, “We don’t operate on loans, so we don’t buy something we can’t afford. Our growth is thus step-by-step; we don’t jump so high that we fall flat later.”
Currently operating five stores, Ebraheem has ambitious expansion plans in the coming months. Interestingly, his company was initially founded in London, where most of his employees are non-Muslim.
“We sit with our employees and explain what Islam is about. Even when it comes to resolving employee conflict, for example, we tell them to give their colleagues 72 excuses before they blame them. This is in the Quran, and we educate them about what these numbers mean,” he explained, adding, “You don’t have to be a Muslim to follow Islam. If you understand and believe that it teaches you to be a better person, then it can still be a way of life for you.”
Shamim agrees. “Most of my team members are non-Muslims, and are very accepting of the way we manage the business. I’ve never had any issues explaining my business decisions, because in the long run, I have always gained much more than what I may have lost.”
While the UAE is an ideal place to be, Ebraheem admits that operating in London is a different challenge. “Of course, we have to follow the laws of the land. That’s also part of our culture—respect for others. But the people who work with us understand where we are coming from, so I don’t have any issues.”
Profits and losses are part of business. Shamim and Ebraheem know that well, having lost clients or goods because of their insistence on following Shariah rules. But both also agree that they have managed to earn more success, more profits, and a much better reputation than they would have otherwise. Which, in accordance with Islam, is really the most important thing.
SETTING UP A BUSINESS? HERE ARE SOME TIPS FROM THE ENTREPRENEURS
- Make profit the secondary aim.
- Be truthful and honest.
- Be open to scrutiny and criticism.
- Aim for a higher goal.
- Work with others in your market.
- Do not sell haram products.
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Umaima Tinwala