6 Arab business success secrets that can help entrepreneurs

The “Arabian Business Secrets of Arabs” have long been a topic of interest, both within the Arab world and beyond. It has been the subject of study by the west for a long time, despite its negative portrayal by western media.

Ideas like the ‘4-hour work week’ which become popular in the western world in the 5 years have long been a practical reality in the Arab world. There are millionaires even billionaires in the Arab world, that spent most of their time day in and day out in philanthropic work. How do they run their business then? They just hire people to do it, they are not in habit of romanticizing failures or entrepreneurship. A business is just a tool for them to have the resources to do good.

The Arab world is home to some of the most successful business leaders and entrepreneurs in the world, and many attribute their success to the teachings and values of the Quran.

Arabs Connected to the Quran

This is the ultimate secret. It is the Tawheed mindset, which fosters a deep connection to the oneness of Allah as taught in the Quran. This Tawheed mindset is so powerful that they even go to the extent of helping their competitor like in the case of Bin Dawood when confronted with a rival at their doorstep. Simply because they believe that their Rizk comes from Allah not marketing tactics or elaborate branding.

A prime example of this principle in action is the case of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO of Emirates Group. Sheikh Ahmed is widely regarded as one of the most successful and respected business leaders in the Arab world. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his commitment to honesty and integrity, and he has built a reputation as a trusted leader who always operates with the highest level of ethics and morality.

Fail Proof Investment Sadaqa.

Another important principle in the Quran is the concept of “Sadaqa,” which refers to charity and philanthropy. This principle encourages individuals to give back to their communities and to support those in need. Many Arab business leaders have demonstrated their commitment to this principle by supporting charities, foundations, and social causes that align with their values. You don’t have to be Muslim or Arab to benefit from their kindness and support.

A great example of this principle in action is Sulaiman Al Rajhi, a successful businessman, and philanthropist from Saudi Arabia. Sulaiman Al Rajhi has dedicated much of his wealth to supporting charitable causes, including disaster relief efforts, education initiatives, and food security Through his charitable giving, he has made a positive impact on countless lives and has demonstrated the importance of using wealth for good.

An example of this that stood the test of history is the Caliph Uthman bin Affan he still has a Bank Account in Saudi and a hotel that generates revenue of about, 50,000,000 Saudi Riyal a year. Half of which is donated to charity

Silaturahim loyal collaboration

Linguistically Silaturahim refers to the relationship of the womb, i.e your family. But it can also refer to a higher level of collaboration. The western concept of collaboration is of mutual interest. The sole determining factor, is I scratch your back you scratch mine. If you lose both of your arms, It is time to say goodbye. But the Arab concept is more like support as if you are my family. I’ll stand by you rain or shine, through thick and thin.

This is reflected in the way that Arab business leaders often work together to achieve common goals. Arab entrepreneurs are known for their ability to bring people together and build strong, collaborative relationships with partners and colleagues. This helps to foster a sense of community and to create a supportive environment in which businesses can thrive. The weak can become strong and the strong will have loyal allies.

An excellent example of this principle in action is the case of the Al Ghurair Group, a Dubai-based conglomerate that has been at the forefront of the UAE’s economic development. The Al Ghurair Group is a family-owned business that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is a testament to the power of teamwork and collaboration. Through their work, the Al Ghurair family has been able to build a successful and sustainable business, and they continue to make a positive impact on the UAE and the wider region.

The role of hard work

Another key principle of the Quran is the importance of hard work and determination. The Quran encourages individuals to strive for success and to use their skills and abilities to achieve their goals. Arab business leaders often embody this principle, working tirelessly to grow their businesses and achieve success. However, all their effort will not be at the expense of the teaching of the Quran.

Determination is something that requires willpower from within and it can fluctuate. You might be so determined one day by some idea, one day burning like a raging fire, but two months down the road barely maintain a flicker of light. However, when you know with absolute certainty that one day there is going to be an audit of everything, the level of seriousness will be different.

Similarly when you know And when you don’t give yourself 100% all the time God will not be happy with you. It is not about determination anymore, it is a whole new concept of commitment that transcends any obstacles that appear in your way.

An inspiring example of this principle in action is the case of Dr. Al-Waleed Al-Ibrahim, the founder of the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC). Dr. Al-Ibrahim is a self-made man who built his media empire from the ground up, and he is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential businessmen in the Arab world. Through his hard work and determination, Dr. Al-Ibrahim has been able to achieve great success and make a positive impact on the media landscape in the Middle East.

The Concept of Justice

When we talk about business, it is about profit margin and has nothing to do with justice. But with Arabs, justice is important. the Quran places great importance on the concept of Adl, or fairness and justice. Arab business leaders often seek to operate their businesses in a fair and just manner, treating their employees, customers, and suppliers with respect and fairness. This principle is essential to building a successful and sustainable business, as it helps to foster trust and loyalty among stakeholders.

A prime example of this principle in action is the case of Sultan Al Qassemi, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist from the UAE. Sultan Al Qassemi is known for his commitment to fairness and justice, and he has built a reputation as a trusted and respected business leader. Through his work, Sultan Al Qassemi has been able to make a positive impact on the UAE and the wider region, and he continues to be a powerful advocate for the principles of fairness and justice in business.

In his view, a just society requires not only the protection of individual rights, but also the promotion of economic opportunities, cultural diversity, and open dialogue. He has emphasized the importance of educating citizens about their rights, promoting good governance, and encouraging civic engagement to build more just and equitable societies.

Tawakkul or Reliance on Allah

The concept of Tawakkul, or reliance on Allah, is another important principle in the Arab world that informs their approach to business. Tawakkul is the belief that ultimately, all outcomes are determined by Allah and that individuals should place their trust in Him, rather than relying solely on their own efforts.

This belief is often reflected in the way that Arab business leaders approach their work, as they believe that success is a gift from Allah and that their role is to work hard and do their best while relying on Allah to guide them to success. In practice, this means that Arab business leaders often take a long-term view, as they understand that success is not something that can be achieved overnight.

They focus on building strong relationships, making wise decisions, and working hard, while also relying on Allah to guide their path. This approach is believed to bring a sense of peace and stability to business operations, as the business leaders are not solely reliant on their own efforts, but also trust in Allah’s plan.

In contrast, the Western view of business is often more focused on immediate results and short-term gains, with a greater emphasis on competition and individual achievement. This approach can lead to stress and burnout, as business leaders are constantly striving for success and feel pressured to succeed at all costs.

The concept of Tawakkul is an important principle in the Arab world that informs their approach to business. By relying on Allah and taking a long-term view, Arab business leaders are able to approach their work with peace and stability, knowing that success is not solely dependent on their own efforts. While the Western view of business is often focused on short-term gains and immediate results. Understanding the concept of Tawakkul is important for businesses looking to operate in the Arab world, as it provides valuable insight into the cultural and religious values that inform the local business environment.

Arab v Western concept of Business

Wrapping up the “Business Secrets of Arabs” are rooted in the teachings of the Quran and reflects the values of integrity, charity, teamwork, determination, and fairness. These principles have been demonstrated time and time again by successful Arab business leaders, and they are essential to building a successful and sustainable business. Whether you are an Arab entrepreneur or a business leader from any other background, these principles can provide valuable guidance and inspiration as you work to achieve your goals.

The principles of business outlined in the Quran differ significantly from the Western view of business in several key ways. Firstly, the focus in the Arab world is on building relationships and fostering trust, rather than solely on profit maximization. This means that Arab business leaders place a strong emphasis on treating employees, customers, and suppliers fairly and with respect, as this helps to build long-term relationships that are essential for success.

In contrast, Western business often prioritizes short-term financial gains and may prioritize profit over other factors such as employee welfare or customer satisfaction. This approach can lead to a focus on cut-throat competition and a disregard for the well-being of stakeholders.

Another key difference between the two approaches is the importance placed on charity and social responsibility. In the Arab world, it is common for successful business leaders to give back to their communities through charitable acts, such as supporting schools and hospitals. This is seen as an important way to give back to society and build a positive reputation.

In the Western world, there is often a perception that business and charity should be kept separate, with a focus on maximizing shareholder value. This has led to a situation where corporations are often seen as lacking in social responsibility and only concerned with their own financial interests.

In conclusion, the principles of business outlined in the Quran emphasize fairness, justice, and the importance of relationships, while also recognizing the importance of charity and social responsibility. In comparison, the Western view of business is often focused on short-term financial gains and may prioritize profit over other factors such as employee welfare or customer satisfaction. Understanding these differences is important for businesses looking to operate in a global marketplace, as it allows them to approach business in a way that is consistent with their cultural and ethical values.