Fahdi Ghazali, “ TIba-tiba masa itu buat research, jumpa satu perkataan, ‘business’, apakah itu business, lepas tu baca, Nabi pun berniaga..”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), before receiving his prophethood, engaged in various business activities in his early life. His business ventures reflected his reputation as an honest and trustworthy individual, qualities that would later become integral to his role as the Prophet of Islam.

Merchant Trade:

Muhammad, even before marriage, worked as a merchant, trading goods in various markets, including those in Mecca and surrounding areas. He was often referred to as “Al-Amin,” meaning “the trustworthy” or “the honest,” by the people of Mecca due to his impeccable reputation in business dealings.

Partnership with Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her):

One of the most notable aspects of Prophet Muhammad’s business life was his partnership with Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, who would later become his first wife. Khadijah was a successful businesswoman in her own right and recognized Muhammad’s integrity. She entrusted him with her trade caravans, and their partnership thrived, leading to their eventual marriage.

Honesty in Trade:

Muhammad’s commitment to honesty in trade was renowned. He was known for his precise record-keeping and for ensuring that each transaction was fair and transparent. This honesty earned him the trust and respect of those with whom he conducted business.

Fair Treatment of Workers:

In his role as a merchant, Muhammad also employed others to work for him. He was known for treating his workers fairly, paying them promptly, and ensuring that they had safe and suitable working conditions. This ethical treatment of employees was an extension of his character as an honest and compassionate individual.

The Cave of Hira:

It was during one of his contemplative retreats to the Cave of Hira that Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. This marked the beginning of his prophethood, and he transitioned from being a successful businessman to the last prophet of Islam.

Muhammad’s experiences in the business world provided him with valuable skills and qualities that would prove essential in his later role as a prophet. His honesty, trustworthiness, and ability to build strong relationships were foundational to the message of Islam. These qualities also played a crucial role in his ability to unite the diverse tribes and communities in Arabia during his prophethood.

In summary, Prophet Muhammad’s early business activities were marked by honesty, integrity, and fairness, making him highly respected among his peers. These qualities not only defined his business ventures but also laid the ethical foundation for the principles of justice and compassion that would become central to the teachings of Islam.

References :

•  “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan. This book provides a detailed account of Prophet Muhammad’s early life, including his work as a merchant and the trust he earned from the people of Mecca.
• “Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar)” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri. This biography of Prophet Muhammad offers insights into his partnership with Khadijah and their successful business endeavors.
• Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are two of the most respected collections of Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). Numerous Hadith emphasize the Prophet’s honesty in trade and his fair treatment of workers. For example, Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 34, Hadith 293, mentions the story of the first revelation in the Cave of Hira.
• Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, as mentioned earlier, contain numerous Hadith that highlight Prophet Muhammad’s fair treatment of workers. These collections of Hadith are widely recognized as authentic sources of Islamic teachings and include various narrations about the Prophet’s interactions with those he employed and his emphasis on paying workers promptly and treating them with respect.
• The incident of the first revelation in the Cave of Hira is documented in Islamic sources, including the Quran itself. The Quranic revelation that occurred in the cave is mentioned in the Quran itself, particularly in Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter 96). Additionally, classical Islamic biographies of the Prophet, such as “Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar),” provide detailed accounts of this pivotal event in Prophet Muhammad’s life

If you would like to know more about how a Petronas-Scholar Engineer found his passion in business and built an army of entrepreneurs, head over to this LINK to hear how he credits his struggles, mentors,and  Allah r.a to build Funnel Evo, a digital marketing consultancy and academy.