Nigerian ulama and the business world

Traditionally, in northern Nigeria, the ulama are expected to remain reserved, focusing solely on da’awa while relying on handouts, sadaqa, zakat, and gifts for sustenance. However, this should not be the case. Islam teaches that success comes through effort and striving while placing trust in Allah. A believer should work hard, avoid laziness and seek […]

Traditionally, in northern Nigeria, the ulama are expected to remain reserved, focusing solely on da’awa while relying on handouts, sadaqa, zakat, and gifts for sustenance. However, this should not be the case.

Islam teaches that success comes through effort and striving while placing trust in Allah. A believer should work hard, avoid laziness and seek lawful earnings, as this is part of being a responsible Muslim and an exemplary scholar. The Qur’an and Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasise the importance of self-reliance, hard work and lawful livelihood.

The Qur’an: Surah Al-Jumu’ah (62:10) says, “Then when the prayer has ended, disperse in the land and seek the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often so you may succeed.” — This verse encourages people to work hard after fulfilling their religious duties.

Quran: Surah An-Najm (53:39) also says, “And that man will have nothing except what he strives for.” — This verse highlights that people will only benefit from their own efforts.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “No one has ever eaten a better meal than that which he has earned with his own hands. The Prophet of Allah, Dawud (David), used to eat from what he earned with his own hands.” (Bukhari, 2072) — This Hadith encourages earning through one’s own efforts rather than relying on others.

The prophet (SAW) also said:

“The upper hand (the one that gives) is better than the lower hand (the one that receives).” (Bukhari & Muslim)— This Hadith discourages dependence and promotes financial independence and generosity.

Recently, there has been debate about some Nigerian ulama, their associates, or companies receiving government contracts. However, this is neither a crime nor against Nigerian law or Islamic teachings. The ulama are human like everyone else and may make mistakes, but their participation in business benefits society, themselves, and Islam. It grants them financial independence and the ability to speak the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.

The involvement of the ulama in business is not new in Nigeria or globally. The late Sheikh Mahmud Gumi’s constant call to his students and ulama was to let them not depend on other people but work in business or the public sector.

A shining example is the late Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u, a billionaire businessman and renowned Islamic scholar. He established Isyaku Rabi’u & Sons in 1952, initially trading in sewing machines, bicycles and religious books before becoming a major distributor for Kaduna Textiles in 1958. By the 1970s, his company had diversified into real estate, manufacturing, insurance, and banking.

His children, including Abdulsamad Rabi’u, Chairman of BUA Group, and Rabi’u Rabi’u, owner of IRS Airlines, continue his entrepreneurial legacy.

Similarly, the late Muhammad Auwal Adam, also known as Albani Zaria, was not only a respected scholar but also a businessman and IT expert. He established the Albani Science Academy and the Safwa Technologies Limited. Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim, an Islamic scholar, is also a businessman and international consultant and technocrat who served as the Director General of NITDA and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi is a globally recognised scholar and businessman and entrepreneur.

A younger example is Abu Jabir Abdallah (Pen Abdul), a successful architect, entrepreneur and Islamic preacher. He is also the CEO of SPW Limited and Principal Partner at Diamond4 Architect. Dr Idris Dutsen Tanshi in Bauchi State is a scholar, farmer and entrepreneur. Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, National Chairman Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) National Headquarters Jos is also a scholar, farmer and entrepreneur.

Before and after he assumed as Imam of Doubeli Juma’at mosque in Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State, many remember Sheikh Bala Lau as a hardworking farmer, entrepreneur and businessman. In fact, His security company, Al-Ahli Security Guards Limited, has been in existence for over 20 years.

Today, he is involved in large-scale mechanised farming and international trade as well as scholarship and Dawa’a as leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Nigeria and Africa.

Islamic scholars worldwide have historically balanced religious scholarship with business, proving that economic success and religious devotion can coexist.

Dr Zakir Naik of India – An Islamic scholar and entrepreneur, founded the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and owns media networks like Peace TV.

Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan (RA) – The third Caliph of Islam and one of the wealthiest companions of the Prophet (SAW). A major trader, was known for his generosity and famously purchased a well in Madinah, making it free for public use.

Abdur-Rahman Ibn Awf (RA), one of the 10 companions promised Paradise, was a leading businessman in Makkah and Madinah, and a generous philanthropist who funded many Islamic causes.

Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahimahullah), the founder of the Hanafi school of thought and a wealthy textile merchant, was known for his honesty and fairness in trade.

Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Uthaymeen (Rahimahullah) – was a renowned 20th-century scholar from Saudi Arabia who invested in businesses and financially supported Islamic education.

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan – A contemporary Saudi scholar has investments in various sectors while continuing his role as an Islamic scholar.

Islam has a strong tradition of combining scholarship, knowledge and business. While the ulama should avoid unlawful practices and corruption, they should actively participate in business—both in private ventures and government contracts. This will grant them financial independence and the freedom to speak the truth without fear.

By engaging in lawful business, the ulama set an example for the Muslim community, demonstrating that economic empowerment and religious integrity are not mutually exclusive.

 

Muhammad resides in Abuja, [email protected]