Quran: the source of ‘Best Business Practices’

Cont’d from page 3

[41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend.

Respecting others, their opinions and their rights in difficult situations, helps to build character. In addition, it serves as an example for others to follow.

Keep it legal: Business schools emphasize the importance of being transparent and maintaining clean books. They serve to augment employee morale and enhance loyalty. If an employee watches their manager cheat and behave unethically, they are more open to cheating, and if they cheat the customer then they are more likely to cheat the organization. Additionally, the financial benefits of clean books are obvious. While business schools encourage clean books mainly for financial reasons, God tells us that this should be the standard of our behavior no matter what the situation.

[26:181-183] “You shall give full measure when you trade; do not cheat. You shall weigh with an equitable scale. Do not cheat the people out of their rights, and do not roam the earth corruptingly”.

Being equitable always has its benefits.

Learn by using relevant case studies and examples: Case studies are in-depth profiles of established data and the Quran

is full of case studies and examples. Every incident or narrative has a lesson to teach. Lessons that are time-tested and, most importantly, authorized by God. God teaches us through experiences; our own and those of others. Just like we are encouraged to follow the methods employed by business leaders, the lessons from the Quran could also be followed in our businesses.

[12:7] In Joseph and his brothers there are lessons for the seekers.

Sura 12, Joseph, teaches us to not to shy away from (honestly) showcasing expertise: [12:55] He said, “Make me the treasurer, for I am experienced in this area and knowledgeable.”
It also teaches us to be patient and trust the system

[subtitle]: Believers are Blessed with God's Assurances:

[12:15] When they went away with him, and unanimously decided to throw him into the abyss of the well, we inspired him: “Someday, you will tell them about all this, while they have no idea.”

All this, and many other lessons that are steeped in the experiences that Joseph and the other messengers/prophets went through. God encourages us to follow the teachings from Quran, just like we follow and practice lessons taught by business leaders.

The Quran is replete with many ‘best business practices.’ All we have to do is listen and follow God’s instructions.

RD

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Conference Report 2014

[31:22] Those who submit completely to GOD, while leading a righteous life, have gotten hold of the strongest bond. For GOD is in full control of all things.

The 29th annual conference of United Submitters International was held Aug 8-10 in Reston, Virginia. The Friday sermon was delivered by Brother Bahram, who talked of building our Submission. The foundation must be strong, but on that foundation we must build a solid structure, using the practices of submission that God has granted us.

The presentations were very informative and thought-provoking on a wide range of Quranic topics. It made you appreciative of God’s blessings. It’s always wonderful to listen to so many interesting points of view. The evening commemoration of God was inspiring, as always. All of our voices raised in praise of God.

[15:98-9] You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators. And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.

It was a beautiful location and a wonderful reunion of submitters from around the world. God gave us the opportunity of meeting many first-time attendees. May God bless us throughout the year, and allow us to come together again next year for the conference to be held in Tucson, God willing. Our thanks to the D.C.-area Submitters for their hard work in making such a grand success of the conference.

Lydia and Nargis

[61:4] GOD loves those who fight in His cause united in one column, like the bricks in one wall.