MOGAMAT ALI SALIE, co-founder of MuslimFin, draws lessons from the life of Nabi Muhammad (SAW) and Muslim history on the key principles of a sound relationship to achieve economic and communal success.
Throughout history, relationships have been a cornerstone of success in Islamic traditions, enabling individuals and communities to achieve remarkable fortunes.
From the life of Nabi Muhammad (SAW) and the Sahaba to Muslims in later eras, strong interpersonal bonds and ethical networking have consistently been at the heart of economic and social achievements. These examples offer timeless lessons for Muslims in the modern world on how to build wealth through relationships rooted in trust, integrity and collective benefit.
Nabi Muhammad (SAW): Building trust as the foundation of wealth
Nabi Muhammad (SAW) himself is an unparalleled example of how relationships can be leveraged for economic growth. Before his prophethood, Muhammad (SAW) was known as Al-Ameen (the Trustworthy) due to his impeccable character and reliability.
His honesty and integrity attracted the attention of Khadijah (RA), a wealthy businesswoman in Makkah. She entrusted him with her trade caravans, which he managed with exceptional skill, honesty and foresight, yielding significant profits.
Their marriage further solidified this partnership. Khadijah (RA) not only supported Muhammad (SAW) financially but also emotionally, enabling him to focus on his Prophetic mission. This relationship was a model of mutual respect and collaboration, demonstrating how ethical and meaningful partnerships can create both material and spiritual wealth.
The Sahaba: Collaborative wealth creation
The companions of Nabi Muhammad (SAW), the Sahaba, also exemplified the importance of relationships in creating wealth. The bond between the Ansar (helpers) and Muhajireen (migrants) in Madinah is a profound example. When the Muhajireen fled Makkah, leaving behind their homes and wealth, the Ansar opened their doors and shared their resources without hesitation. This brotherhood was not just an act of charity but a demonstration of economic solidarity.
Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA), a prominent companion, is a case in point. Upon arriving in Madinah, his Ansari brother offered him half of his wealth. Abdur Rahman (RA) graciously declined and instead asked to be shown the marketplace. Through his business acumen and the networks he built in Madinah, he became one of the wealthiest Sahaba. His wealth, however, was not hoarded; he used it generously to support the Muslim community, fund military campaigns and assist the poor.
Muslim Golden Age: Relationships in trade and knowledge
During the Islamic Golden Age, relationships played a pivotal role in advancing trade, science and culture. Muslim traders established vast networks that spanned continents, from the Middle East to Asia, Africa and Europe. These trade routes were not merely economic pathways but also conduits for building trust and fostering relationships.
One notable example is the use of souq (marketplace / commercial quarter) and caravanserais (resting places for traders), which were established to facilitate commerce and networking among traders. Muslim merchants like Ibn Battuta built connections that allowed them to thrive economically while spreading Islam’s ethical principles. Their success was rooted in trust, fairness and the understanding that wealth creation was a collective effort.
Similarly, Bayt al-Hikmah (the House of Wisdom) in Baghdad exemplifies how relationships can foster intellectual and economic growth. Scholars of various faiths and backgrounds collaborated to translate and expand knowledge, which in turn fuelled advancements in technology, agriculture and medicine – essential elements of a thriving economy.
Modern examples: Islamic finance and community wealth
In modern times, Muslims continue to harness relationships to build wealth. Islamic banking and finance are prime examples of how trust-based systems can thrive. By adhering to principles such as riba-free transactions and risk-sharing, Islamic finance institutions foster trust among clients and investors. This collaborative approach ensures that wealth creation aligns with ethical values, benefiting society at large.
Another example is the rise of Muslim entrepreneurs who rely on networks to fund and grow their businesses. Platforms like crowdfunding are modern iterations of historical trust-based systems, enabling communities to pool resources for collective benefit. The success of organisations such as the numerous zakaah foundations that exist globally illustrates how pooling wealth through relationships can uplift entire communities, address poverty and create opportunities.
Lessons for modern Muslims
The examples of Nabi Muhammad (SAW), the Sahaba and Muslim history provide clear guidance on the importance of building relationships in wealth creation. Key lessons include:
- Trust and integrity: A reputation for honesty, as exemplified by Nabi Muhammad (SAW), is essential for long-term success.
- Collaboration over competition: The partnership between the Ansar and Muhajireen demonstrates the power of collective wealth-building.
- Ethical networking: Muslim traders and scholars built networks rooted in fairness and mutual benefit, a principle that remains relevant today.
- Generosity and redistribution: Wealth is a trust from Allah and must be used to uplift others, as shown by Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA).
As Muslims navigate the modern world, these timeless principles offer a roadmap for ethical and sustainable wealth creation. By prioritising relationships over transactions and fostering networks of trust, we can achieve not only material success but also the pleasure of Allah and the betterment of society.
- This article was first published in the February 21, 2025 print edition of Muslim Views.
