@Halal September/October 2024 | Page 29

29 the financial health of their business , thus making necessary adjustments to strengthen the weaker areas . The right skills and knowledge provide more confidence for Asnaf to run their business and make continuous improvements over time .
September-October . 2024 | @ Halal

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29 the financial health of their business , thus making necessary adjustments to strengthen the weaker areas . The right skills and knowledge provide more confidence for Asnaf to run their business and make continuous improvements over time .
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Access to financial resources is critical for establishing a new business venture . This is particularly important for microentrepreneurs like asnaf , who lack initial capital to start their business or expand existing operations .
In response to this , various institutions , including zakat institutions such as Lembaga Zakat Selangor ( LZS ), Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan ( MAIWP ), and Majlis Agama Islam Johor ( MAIJ ) provide financial assistance through multiple programmes to help asnaf start and grow their businesses .
Additionally , there are also initiatives from other institutions which include funding and training for entrepreneurs like RAKYATpreneur and UNIpreneur programmes by Bank Rakyat .
The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development ( MEDAC ) also introduces the AsnafPreneur Transformation Program ( TAP ) to support asnaf in starting a business by providing financial assistance , training and business equipment .
Microfinance institutions such as Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia ( AIM ) and TEKUN Nasional also play an important role in helping asnaf halalpreneurs through their financing schemes that include capital for business development .
Alliance Islamic Banks also introduces zakat microfinancing programs ( AZAM ), cementing their commitment to support asnaf by providing more accessible and affordable financing opportunities .
All of these initiatives demonstrate growing attention and support from various parties to elevate the livelihood of asnaf through entrepreneurship towards a better quality of life .
ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTIVATIONS
Motivation plays a vital role in entrepreneurial success . It serves as a driving force for people to start and succeed in their businesses . For halalpreneurs , initial motivation must be self-driven to ensure that they are genuinely prepared to engage in the entrepreneurial journey that could be challenging .
Most entrepreneurs are motivated by economic goals which later become the driving factors to seek business profits and achieve strong business performance . Motivation serves as a source of strength for asnaf halalpreneurs to ensure they remain driven and consistent in their journey as entrepreneurs .
The journey of successful halalpreneurs has strong connections with spiritual values such as iman ( faith in God ), amanah ( trustworthiness ), perseverance , tawakkal ( complete trust and reliance in Allah SWT ) and ihsan ( excellence in all deeds and relations ).
Iman guides halalpreneurs to carry out their works with a strong sense of purpose and direction . Halalpreneurs who have a strong faith are likely to have a desire to create a positive change in society rather than only making profits . This is because the values and principles they hold help them to make ethical business decisions and develop sustainable businesses that will benefit society later .
A strong faith also helps halalpreneurs maintain a positive mindset , be more grateful and stay humble . This , in turn , allows them to stay focused on essential aspects of life rather than get distracted by focusing only on profit motives . Faith reminds us that true
success and sustenance ultimately come from Allah SWT .
Another fundamental value is amanah or trustworthiness , which refers to the responsibility and integrity that an individual must hold , especially when they are given something valuable like financial assistance .
In this instance , the halalpreneurs must understand that the money they receive is not only about financial aid but also a trust that must be used for the intended purpose .
SPIRITUAL VALUES IN BUSINESS
The essence of trustworthiness shall ensure that halalpreneurs who receive financial assistance ( from any institution ) use the money wisely and ethically towards their business growth with the ultimate aim of enhancing their well-being and benefiting society at large .
Furthermore , perseverance empowers halalpreneurs not only to put extra effort into achieving their business goals but also to seek knowledge for improvement continuously . It involves a severe commitment to completing tasks where they are willing to give beyond what is expected or required from them .
For asnaf halalpreneurs , they may begin their entrepreneurship journey with limited resources , but the value of perseverance shall drive them to overcome all difficulties and challenges .
After all the best efforts made , halalpreneurs must put their trust in Allah SWT . This is where tawakkal takes place . Tawakkal teaches halalpreneurs to rely on Allah SWT in every situation , especially during difficulties , by seeking His guidance and help .
Having tawakkal in the entrepreneurship journey will provide halalpreneurs inner
peace and confidence to face uncertainties and challenges , knowing that Allah will always help ; many times , this help comes from unexpected sources and forms .
Finally , the value of ihsan will help halalpreneurs conduct their business with integrity , honesty , and sincere intention to please Allah SWT through their work . The concept of ihsan requires individuals to obtain perfection in worship , which can be achieved through obligatory and voluntary worship , such as consistently praying on time , giving charity , and other voluntary acts .
All of these acts shall bring positive effects on their businesses . After all , doing business with sincere kindness and charity will bring more incredible blessings to wealth and income . For halalpreneurs , ihsan encourages them to pursue perfection not just in religious practices but also in business activities .
CONCLUSION
Halal entrepreneurship offers opportunities for asnaf to transform their lives while maintaining Islamic values in their business practices . To be a successful asnaf halalpreneur requires support from various parties and different forms of assistance , including financial aspects , motivation , necessary skills and knowledge .
Meanwhile , the spiritual values of iman , amanah , perseverance , tawakal and ihsan become a foundation to guide them in making ethical business decisions and remaining persistent in facing challenges . Empowering more asnaf to become halalpreneurs not only brings individual success but contributes to the nation ’ s economic growth and society ’ s well-being . –
“ For asnaf halalpreneurs , they may begin their entrepreneurship journey with limited resources , but the value of perseverance shall drive them to overcome all difficulties and challenges .”