Think Like an Islamic Social Entrepreneur: A Mindset Change for Building a Better World

Description

1. About This Book

In a world facing unprecedented social, economic, and environmental challenges, can entrepreneurship become a force for justice, compassion, and lasting social change? Think Like an Islamic Social Entrepreneur presents a definitive and transformative answer.

This landmark work, by Dr. Thamina (Samina) Anwar, introduces a pioneering framework that redefines enterprise through the lens of Islamic values. It is not merely a book about business; it is a call to a new way of thinking—a mindset shift that integrates the timeless principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah with the dynamic spirit of innovation to build a better world.

Bridging Islamic theology, spirituality, ethics, and contemporary entrepreneurship, this foundational textbook provides a comprehensive model for creating sustainable social impact. It explains how faith can inspire innovation, ethical leadership, and service to humanity, ultimately guiding you to pursue success in this world while striving for the ultimate success in the Hereafter (Al-Falah).

2. Why Read This Book?

• To Understand a Holistic Model of Success: Discover a vision of success that transcends profit margins, encompassing spiritual fulfillment, moral integrity, and social justice.

• To Integrate Faith with Practice: Learn how core Islamic principles like Tawhid (Oneness), Taqwa (God-Consciousness), and Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah) can directly inform and elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

• To Gain a Comprehensive Framework: Move beyond isolated concepts with the “Integrated Islamic Social Entrepreneurship Framework,” a structured guide that unites spiritual, social, economic, and entrepreneurial dimensions.

• To Become a Purpose-Driven Leader: Cultivate the mindset, characteristics, and spiritual depth required to lead with justice (Adl), compassion (Rahmah), and unwavering integrity (Amanah).

• To Drive Sustainable Social Impact: Learn how to build innovative, ethically governed, and financially sustainable enterprises that empower communities and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3. Key Topics Covered

• The Islamic Foundations of Trade and Commerce (Prohibition of Riba, Fiqh al-Muʿāmalāt).

• Entrepreneurship from an Islamic Perspective: The Entrepreneur as a Moral Agent and Steward (Khalifah).

• Defining and Positioning Islamic Social Entrepreneurship (ISE) and the Islamic Social Enterprise (ISE).

• The Pillars of Social Impact: Poverty Alleviation, Community Development, Social Justice, and Sustainability.

• Spiritual Foundations: Tawhid, Taqwa, Tawakkul, Maqasid al-Shariah, and Al-Falah.

• The Profile of an Islamic Social Entrepreneur: Spiritual, Ethical, and Entrepreneurial Characteristics (including Vision, Innovation, Risk-Taking).

• The Role of Knowledge (ʿIlm), Wisdom (Ḥikmah), and Mentorship (Murshid).

• The Integrated Islamic Social Entrepreneurship Framework: A comprehensive model for practice.

• Aligning ISE with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this book, you will be able to:

• Articulate the Islamic ethical and legal principles that govern commerce and social enterprise.

• Define and distinguish Islamic Social Entrepreneurship from conventional models.

• Explain the spiritual and ethical characteristics of a faith-driven entrepreneur.

• Apply the principles of Maqasid al-Shariah to solve complex social and economic problems.

• Develop a mindset that balances financial sustainability with social responsibility and spiritual accountability.

• Identify opportunities for creating sustainable social impact through innovative, ethically governed ventures.

• Evaluate your own leadership potential and commitment to serving humanity for the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

5. Who Should Read This Book?

This book is an essential resource for a diverse and forward-thinking audience:

• Aspiring & Current Entrepreneurs: Seeking to build faith-driven, sustainable social enterprises.

• Students & Researchers: In the fields of Islamic Studies, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Social Work, and Development.

• Policy Makers & Development Practitioners: Looking for faith-based approaches to achieve the SDGs and reduce poverty.

• Non-Profit & Community Leaders: Wanting to transition from charity to sustainable social impact models.

• Scholars & Educators: Who require a foundational textbook for courses on Islamic social finance, business ethics, and social entrepreneurship.

• Anyone Seeking a Purposeful Life: Individuals who wish to integrate their professional work with their spiritual and moral values to contribute positively to the world.

6. Table of Contents

Part I: Foundations of Trade and Entrepreneurship in Islam

• Chapter 1: Trade and Commerce in Islam

• Chapter 2: Entrepreneurship from an Islamic Perspective

Part II: Understanding Islamic Social Entrepreneurship

• Chapter 3: Islamic Social Entrepreneurship

• Chapter 4: Islamic Social Enterprise

• Chapter 5: Social Impact and Sustainable Development

Part III: Islamic Spiritual Foundations

• Chapter 6: Islamic Spirituality and Entrepreneurship

• Chapter 7: Tawhid: The Unifying Principle of Islamic Enterprise

• Chapter 8: Taqwa: The Consciousness That Transforms Enterprise

• Chapter 9: Tawakkul: Reliance, Risk, and Resilience in Enterprise

• Chapter 10: Maqasid al-Shariah

• Chapter 11: Al-Falah (The Ultimate Success)

Part IV: The Islamic Social Entrepreneur

• Chapter 12: Defining the Islamic Social Entrepreneur

• Chapter 13: Spiritual Characteristics: The Forging of the Believer’s Soul

• Chapter 14: Ethical Characteristics

• Chapter 15: Islamic Social Entrepreneurial Characteristics

• Chapter 16: Knowledge, Wisdom, and Mentorship

Part V: The Islamic Social Entrepreneurship Framework

• Chapter 17: The Integrated Islamic Social Entrepreneurship Framework

• Chapter 18: Conclusion: The Future of Islamic Social Entrepreneurship

7. About the Author

Dr. Thamina (Samina) Anwar is an internationally recognised scholar, consultant, Islamic social entrepreneur, educator, International speaker and author. With a distinguished multidisciplinary background spanning engineering, information technology, management, governance, leadership, waqf and charitable trust establishment and management, business strategy, Islamic finance, and education, she brings together decades of academic achievement and international professional experience. Throughout her career, she has worked and collaborated across multiple countries, contributing to research, education, governance, and strategic development in both the public and private sectors.

She holds a PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), an MBA from Cranfield University (United Kingdom), and the Chartered Islamic Finance Professional (CIFP) master’s qualification from INCEIF (Malaysia).

Dr. Anwar earned her Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering from the University of London, followed by a Master of Science (MSc) in Telecommunications and Real-Time Electronics from the University of Bradford (United Kingdom), where she specialized in Satellite Communications.

She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Auckland (New Zealand), specialising in curriculum development and educational management.

Dr. Anwar’s pioneering work focuses on integrating the timeless guidance of the Qur’an and the Sunnah with contemporary business strategy to develop innovative, Sharīʿah-informed models for entrepreneurship, sustainable development, socio-economic justice, and community empowerment. Her research and practice encompass Islamic Social Entrepreneurship, waqf revitalization, the halal economy, ethical leadership, Islamic governance, and social innovation.

She is the founder of several organizations dedicated to advancing the global halal ecosystem, ethical enterprise, Islamic education, and sustainable socio-economic development. As an international keynote speaker, consultant, board advisor, and thought leader, her expertise in halal governance, waqf revitalization, and Islamic Social Entrepreneurship continues to influence policy, research, and practice across the globe.

Driven by a vision to contribute to the revival of Islamic civilization, Dr. Anwar is committed to promoting ethical leadership, knowledge, innovation, and transformative enterprise rooted in the enduring principles of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.