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

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

1. 

   S Anwar – 26, July, 2026

   Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Syed Othman Alhabshi
   Retired Deputy President (Academic) and
   International Centre of Education In Islamic Finance (INCEIF), Kuala Lumpur.
   Foreword
   In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
   “And cooperate in righteousness and piety” (Quran 5:2)
   The world today stands at a very critical crossroads. We are confronted by ever
   widening inequalities, environmental degradation, economic uncertainties and
   social fragmentation that certainly demand more than conventional solutions.
   Although technological advancement and economic growth have brought
   considerable progress, they have not always translated into greater justice,
   compassion or human well-being. Indeed, if left unchecked, the problems not
   only persist but degrade further. Hence there is a need for a new generation of
   leaders and entrepreneurs who are inspired not only by innovation and
   enterprise but more importantly by purpose, ethics and a sincere and strong
   commitment to serving humanity.
   It is within this context that Dr Thaminah Anwar’s Think Like an Islamic Social
   Entrpreneur: A Mindset Change makes a timely and significant contribution.
   Rather than viewing entrepreneurship solely as an economic activity or even as
   a means of amassing personal wealth, this book encourages readers to view
   entrepreneurship through the lens of Islam which is a comprehensive world
   view where business, spirituality, ethics, and social responsibility are
   inseparably integrated. This reminds us that Islam never regarded commerce
   merely as a means of financial gain. Instead, wealth is viewed as a trust
   (amanah), entrepreneurship as a form of worship (ibadah) when conducted
   sincerely and ethically, and success is measured not only by worldly
   achievement but more so ultimately by the attainment of the pleasure of Allah
   (SWT) and al-falah.
   One of the greatest strengths of this book is its emphasis of mindset. Before
   institutions can be established, there is need to develop individuals who have
   transformed the way they think. Sustainable social change begins with hearts
   guided by Tawhid, minds shaped by Taqwa, and actions motivated by Ihsan.
   This book rightly argues that Islamic Social Entrepreneur is not simply by
   establishing institutions with social objectives; rather it begins with nurturing
   individuals whose values, intentions, and decisions emulate the higher
   objectives of the Shariah and whose entrepreneurial efforts become vehicles
   for mercy, justice and human progress.

   Drawing upon the Qu’ran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW),
   classical Islamic principles and contemporary scholarship, Dr Thaminah
   presents a very thoughtful and integrated framework that bridges faith and
   practice. Hence, the book successfully brings together entrepreneurship, social
   practices, leadership, ethics Islamic economics and sustainable development
   into a coherent body of knowledge that is both academically rigorous and
   practically relevant.
   More importantly, this work is beyond theory. It challenges readers to view
   problems as opportunities, to make social problems as avenues for service and
   to recognize every entrepreneurial endeavor as a means as fulfilling one’s
   responsibility as a vicegerent (khalifah).
   I believe that this book will be of immense value to students, educators,
   researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, social innovators and leaders across
   the Muslim world and beyond. Its insights are equally relevant to anyone
   seeking to build enterprises that balance economic viability with social justice,
   environmental stewardship and ethical responsibility.
   As nations strive to achieve sustainable development and inclusive prosperity,
   Islamic Social Entrepreneurship offers a distinctive and unique contribution
   rooted in timeless divine guidance. It reminds us that meaningful development
   is not measured solely by material wealth but the well-being of the people, the
   strength of communities, the preservation of creation, and the cultivation of
   moral excellence.
   I sincerely commend Dr Thaminah Anwar for her vision, scholarship and
   dedication in producing this very important piece of work. I earnestly hope
   that this book and the nest one will stimulate further research, inspire
   meaningful dialogue and most importantly encourage a new generation of
   Islamic social entrepreneurs who seek to develop society through knowledge,
   integrity, innovation, compassion, and unwavering faith in Allah (SWT). Indeed
   she has already completed another book to train individuals to be an Islamic
   Social Entrepreneur.
   May Allah (SWT) bless this endeavor, accept it as a beneficial contribution and
   make it a source of lasting benefit for individuals, communities and future
   generations. May He grant all who read this book the wisdom to translate its
   principles into actions that bring about justice, mercy and prosperity in this
   world and everlasting success in the hereafter.

   And Allah knows best (Wallahu A’lam)

   7 th July 2026

2. 

   S Anwar – 26, July, 2026

   Daud Vicary Abdullah,
   Managing Director DVA Consulting amd former PCEO at INCEIF and
   Global Leader for Islamic Finance at Deloitte
   Foreword
   Dr. Anwar has produced a book that is not only comprehensive in its approach but is also a clear demonstration of how the dots that are entrepreneurship. commerce and social responsibility may be joined up effectively.

   5th July 2026

3. 

   S Anwar – 26, July, 2026

   Azah Atikah Anwar Batcha
   Researcher in Islamic Economic Thought
   Foreword

   It is both a pleasure and a privilege to write the foreword to this book authored by Dr. Thamina Anwar, whom I first came to know during my time pursuing my professional qualifications in Islamic finance at INCEIF. I was always struck by her perseverance, kindness, professionalism and commitment to advancing knowledge in areas that have the potential to benefit society. Over the years, she has continued to establish herself as a dedicated researcher and consultant, contributing meaningfully to the growing discourse on Islamic entrepreneurship and social development. I praise Dr. Thamina for her dedication and perseverance in producing this valuable contribution.

   This book reinforces the understanding that economics and entrepreneurship cannot be separated from questions of values, ethics, and principles since sustainable prosperity is ultimately measured not only by material achievement but also by the extent to which economic activities promote justice, trustworthiness, compassion, and the common good. In this respect, Islamic social entrepreneurship represents more than a business model; it reflects a philosophy of responsible human conduct grounded in accountability before Allah SWT.

   Since knowledge has always occupied a central place in Islamic civilization, the pursuit, preservation, and dissemination of beneficial knowledge are among the noblest forms of contribution to society. Hence, it is my hope that this work will inspire readers to rethink the purpose of entrepreneurship, appreciate its ethical and social dimensions, and recognise its potential to become a means of serving both our Creator and humanity.

   May the goodness contained in this book encourage greater commitment to ethical, responsible, and impactful entrepreneurship. I pray that Allah SWT blesses the efforts of the author, grants acceptance of this work, and allows it to become a lasting source of benefit for all who read it.

   13th July 2026

4. 

   S Anwar – 27, July, 2026

   Nicole El Hekma
   Islamic Business Strategist, Executive Coach, Speaker and Author
   Foreword
   What about this: Every now and then you meet someone whose life’s work is so consistent that it becomes impossible to separate the person from the purpose.

   Dr Thamina Anwar is one of those people.

   Over the years that I have come to know Thamina, I have watched her return, time and again, to the same central question: How do we build a better world through Islam?

   Not through slogans.

   Not through criticism.

   Not through simply pointing out what is wrong.

   But by building institutions, developing leaders, creating opportunities and equipping people to serve their communities with excellence.

   That question has shaped her research, her teaching, her consulting, her entrepreneurship and now this remarkable book.

   Although our own work takes different forms, I have always felt that we are walking the same road, and only approaching it from slightly different directions.

   My own work focuses on helping people align their hearts, intentions and purpose with Allah before they step into leadership, careers or business. Thamina’s work begins where mine naturally flows, showing what becomes possible when that inner transformation is expressed through enterprise, service and social impact.

   Together they form a beautiful picture.

   Because Islam has never separated faith from work.

   Business from worship.

   Success from service.

   Or wealth from responsibility.

   One of the things I admire most about Thamina is that she refuses to accept the false choice between commercial excellence and social good. In her world, and indeed in the Islamic worldview, they are not opposing forces. Business becomes a vehicle through which justice, compassion, stewardship and human flourishing can be realised.

   That vision runs through every page of this book.

   This is not simply another book about entrepreneurship.

   Nor is it merely an academic text, although readers will immediately recognise the extraordinary scholarship that underpins it. It is evident from the breadth and depth of the work that this is the product of years of research, careful thought and an unwavering commitment to integrating classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary challenges.

   More importantly, however, this is a book of hope.

   It reminds us that Muslims have never been called simply to participate in society, but to contribute meaningfully to it.

   To build.

   To innovate.

   To solve problems.

   To uplift communities.

   To leave the world better than we found it.

   In an age where entrepreneurship is often defined by personal wealth, influence or disruption, Thamina offers something richer: a vision in which enterprise becomes an expression of amanah, leadership becomes an act of service, and success is measured not only by what we accumulate, but by what we contribute for the sake of Allah.

   That is a desperately needed conversation.

   Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, policymaker, academic, business owner or simply someone searching for a more purposeful way to serve, this book will challenge you to think differently.

   More importantly, it will challenge you to think Islamically.

   As I read these pages, I found myself continually returning to one thought.

   Imagine if more of us approached our careers, businesses and organisations with this mindset.

   Imagine if our greatest ambition was not simply to build successful enterprises, but to build enterprises worthy of standing before Allah.

   That is the invitation Thamina extends to every reader.

   And having had the privilege of witnessing the passion, integrity and dedication she has poured into this work, I cannot think of anyone better placed to extend that invitation.

   May Allah accept this effort as ongoing charity, place immense barakah in it, and allow it to inspire a new generation of leaders who measure success not only by what they achieve in this world, but by what they leave behind for the next.
   27th July 2026