Emphasising the importance of halal and ethical trade for the economic empowerment of the Muslim community, Mr. Ali Shareef, General Secretary of Lifeline Foundation, stated that mosques should be developed as centres for economic guidance. Where this is not feasible, local schools should be utilised to educate people about the principles of economic development. He stressed that businesses can be initiated even with small capital, and institutions like Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Lifeline Foundation, and others are actively guiding the community in this direction.
Mr. Ali Shareef was addressing a programme organised for Muslim women engaged in small-scale businesses at the Agriculture Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. The programme was jointly organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, and Rifah Chamber of Commerce, Karnataka, under the theme of community economic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. FakhraAtiq, Assistant Secretary Markaz JIH and MD Saheliyan, highlighted the importance of business planning and sustainability. She emphasised that proper planning is essential for long-term economic growth and stability and encouraged Muslim women to utilise their skills while remaining mindful of ethical and social boundaries.
Mr. Riyaz Ahmed Kopal, Director of MEWA, introduced various central and state government schemes, urging participants to focus particularly on schemes related to medical services, education, MSMEs, and agriculture. He pointed out that many government schemes fail to reach beneficiaries due to lack of awareness and information.
Delivering the keynote address, Er. Syed Mumtaz Mansoori, President of Rifah Chamber of Commerce, Karnataka, reflected on the responsibilities of women in the light of the Qur’an and Hadith. He cited examples of courageous Muslim businesswomen from early Islamic history, including Hazrat Asma bint Makhzuma, who was engaged in the perfume trade, and highlighted the role of Ansari women who worked in agriculture and supervised date palm cultivation. He also elaborated on various dimensions of trade and commerce.
During the programme, Naheeda, Tayyab Nourishers, Madiha Sheerin, Chocko Turf, Pratibha, and Energy Bar shared their entrepreneurial experiences. Mr. Afnan Hasan, CEO of Hamd Foods and Founder of Pizza Valley, spoke on effective marketing strategies for small businesses.
In his concluding address, Mr. Muhammad Yusuf Kanni, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, remarked that the economic condition of Muslims in the country can be gauged from the fact that many Muslim women are compelled to conceal their identity and work in others’ homes. He explained that the title of the programme, “Azm” (Resolve), symbolises firm determination, strong intent, and perseverance. He emphasised that commitment, planning, and consistent effort are essential for economic empowerment.
Highlighting the initiatives of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, he mentioned the establishment of Rifah Chamber of Commerce, engagement with traders on a large scale, formation of facilitation societies, efforts toward microfinance initiatives, guidance for small businesses, and a focused approach toward agricultural development. He concluded by stating that sustainable progress is possible only through patience, perseverance, piety, and righteousness.
The programme commenced with a motivational address by Mr. Rafiq Ahmed, National Advisory Member of Rifah Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Tasneem Farzana, Assistant Secretary (Halqa), delivered the opening remarks and explained the objective of the programme, stating that it was named “Azm” to reflect the resolve to support families through halal and ethical trade while seeking the pleasure of Allah and success in the Hereafter.
The responsibilities of the convener were carried out by Ms. Arshiya Fatima Tanzil, while the vote of thanks was presented by Ms. SameenaBano, General Secretary.