Entrepreneurs must prioritise Islamic values over profit

SHAH ALAM - Injustice in business often occurs when entrepreneurs prioritise profit over Islamic values.

Studio and photography entrepreneur Nurulazma Shafiqah Khairul Azhar said that forms of injustice commonly include setting unreasonable prices, hiding product defects and exploiting workers with low wages and excessive workloads.

She said that the main factors driving such practices were greed and a lack of religious awareness among business owners.

“Entrepreneurs often face pressure to maintain profits, leading some to disregard ethics for the sake of business survival.

"Unhealthy competition, such as price manipulation or copying products, also affects honest business owners who want to conduct their business in accordance with Islam,” she told Sinar Harian.

Nurulazma, who is also the Negeri Sembilan Malaysian Youth Hostel Association president emphasised that many entrepreneurs did not fully understand the concept of halal transactions, which led them to unknowingly commit wrongdoings.

"In Islam, the blessing of sustenance is not only measured by the amount of profit but also by peace of mind, good relationships with customers and ease in business dealings.

"Honesty in trade will attract more customers who trust the integrity of the business, resulting in sustainable profits," she added.

She said that Islamic-based business was not just a label or slogan but should be practiced in every aspect, including fair pricing, worker welfare and transparent transactions.

"Only by upholding justice and blessings can Muslim entrepreneurs achieve lasting success and receive the mercy and blessings of Allah SWT," she said.