I am sure that you’ve heard a rendition of this question being asked in return for your services. I really feel that this is an unfair question because no Muslim in their right mind would conceivably say, “No, Allah’s pleasure is not enough.” I mean come on now, that’s so not fair!
This may be my business educational background coming out but I think that Muslims have had a misunderstanding of the word “profit.” I, myself, didn’t know the formal definition and needed to ask my good friends at Dictionary.com. They defined it as follows:
prof·it 
/ˈprɒfɪt/
| 1. | Often, profits.
|
| 2. | the monetary surplus left to a producer or employer after deducting wages, rent, cost of raw materials, etc.: The company works on a small margin of profit. |
| 3. | advantage; benefit; gain. |
–verb (used without object)
| 4. | to gain an advantage or benefit: He profited greatly from his schooling. |
| 5. | to make a profit. |
| 6. | to take advantage: to profit from the weaknesses of others. |
| 7. | to be of service or benefit. |
| 8. | to make progress. |
–verb (used with object)
| 9. | to be of advantage or profit to: Nothing profits one so much as a sound education. |
Often times when people think of business, number 6 comes to mind. I believe that is is particularly true when it comes to Muslim business owners. But why is that? Why can’t Muslim businesspeople benefit themselves and the ummah at the same time? Why aren’t Muslims looking at the other 8 definitions in which profit is a benefit to all those involved?
As a Muslim businessman, I find it particularly disappointing that people would have a mental disposition that classifies businesspeople as crooks or hustlers. No don’t get me wrong, they exists. But we need better judgement in distinguishing the two.
However with every challenge comes an opportunity, I do concede that in the past few years corporations in America have not been the shining example of “profiting” society. Enron scandals, option backdating schemes, exploiting foreign workers and environment…unfourtunately the list goes on and on. InshAllah, with MuslimTees.com and the subsequent businesses started with the capital we gain we can invest in Muslim companies that represent Islam’s rich history of successful businessmen. Now I’m not saying that selling T-shirts will suddenly motivate corporate America to adopt Islamic business principles…..no, I’m not that starry-eyed. But I do think that if we can be successful by implementing Islamic business practices we can help the movement that is catering to Muslim investors and such, but I’ll save that entry for another day.
I do feel compelled to discuss why we are a for-profit business. Two of the three founders of MuslimTees.com have a higher education in business and we felt that if MT was a for-profit venture then the principal investors would feel more compelled to ensure its success than if it were a non-profit business. I guess we’re just trying to apply what we learn….try that with organic chemistry (I’m joking that’s just a jab to all my pre-med friends 
). We felt that as a for-profit venture we would be expected to live up to a higher level of service and be more professional. We’ve had our lapses in execution but we feel that we are constantly trying to achieve the service that you would get from other for-profit businesses.
On another note, MuslimTees.com is a stepping stone for the principals to do carry out larger business efforts without taking out interest-bearing loans. My personal goal is to run a private-equity fund with a strong arm in servicing the needs of Muslim consumers….but that is a long-term goal.
In the end we’re for-profit and there are a lot of great non-profit organizations that you should be aware of and know. Organizations and individuals like MuslimGear.com and HijabMan.com are doing great things for the ummah with their efforts. Our benefits may not be as direct but we do believe that the trickle down effect of our efforts will provide noticeable benefits, inshAllah.
We’ve met a lot of people who disagree with our philosophy of being a for-profit business. We always enjoy entertaining their thoughts because often times they shed light on an idea that we may have overlooked. However, we still stand firm by our decision of being a for-profit organization.
It is your turn to sound off, do you think MuslimTees.com should be a “for-profit” business? Why or why not? Remember there’s no right answers, just your answers. I look forward to reading your candid responses. Jazaak Allah Khair.
Salaam.Z.
PS: 4 new designs coming in the next 2 weeks or so!
PSS: Keep us, and all the other Muslims who are in school, in your dua for finals! We have you in ours!
