𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 (4) 🤌

A Reminder for Muslims in Business In an age where branding, trends, and online visibility dominate the business world, it’s crucial for Muslims to remember that Allāh alone is the Provider (Ar-Razzāq) and that our Deen must always take precedence over marketing strategies. Some people feel pressured to conceal their Islamic identity in hopes of attracting more customers. In the name of marketing, they turn to tasweer, music, immodest portrayals of women, or participation in un-Islamic events—thinking these tactics will increase reach and profit. But no level of popularity or commercial success is worth compromising the principles that define us as Muslims. Marketing may expand your audience, but only sincerity, honesty, and adherence to the Sunnah bring real barakah. When you prioritise Deen, you safeguard your integrity, your message, and ultimately, your Ākhirah. It’s well known that Islam spread through Indonesia largely through honest and trustworthy Muslim traders. Their character—not their marketing tactics—moved hearts. If their upright conduct invited people to Islam, why then do we feel the need to hide our Deen when doing business with non-Muslims today? At Side Hustles, we had initially used the 🤙 gesture to mean “call us.” However, we later learned that this symbol is also recognised as the Shaka, representing “aloha spirit, love, and local pride”—a cultural marker tied to Hawaiian identity. The Prophet ﷺ warned us against imitating the kuffār in their distinct religious or identity-based practices, reminding us to maintain our own dignified and unique Islamic character. Because of this, we decided to replace the gesture with 🤌, meaning “take it easy,” which also reflects the spirit of the hadith: ((رَحِمَ اللهُ رَجُلاً سَمْحًا إِذَا بَاعَ، وَإِذَا اشْتَرَى، وَإِذَا اقْتَضَى)) “May Allāh have mercy on a person who is gentle when he sells, gentle when he buys, and gentle when he seeks repayment.” [Sahih al-Bukhari (2076)] May Allāh grant us sincerity, grant us barakah, and keep our side hustles aligned with His pleasure. Source: https://t.me/sidehustlez/74