Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful, CEO of an Investment Bank, and Director of a Trust (1) Introduction: Faith (or Imaan) is the opposite of worldly laws even when it comes to earning a living. In this world we say; ‘seeing is believing’, while faith is to believe in the invisible’. (2) A Couple of examples: A common sense will motivate us to accumulate, so that we become wealthier. But Allah SWT tells us that, if we

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Formerly associated with Dawood Investment Bank Published July 3, 2017 Introduction There should be no fear or hesitation in spreading the message of the Qur’an and Sunnah. It should not matter if others mock us or outright reject ideas derived from divine guidance. Surah Al-Hijr (15:95) “Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers.” A World of Doubt and Uncertainty Our vision is limited; we cannot see beyond what is immediately apparent.

Reflections on Surah Al-A’raf By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful, CEO of an Investment Bank and Director of a Trust March 19, 2018 Introduction Although the dos and don’ts have clearly been outlined in the Qur’an and further explained by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), there have always been powerful and authoritative individuals who, in order to protect their worldly interests, deny the truth. In such situations, believers are instructed to rema

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful, CEO of an Investment Bank and Director of a Trust September 21, 2016 Introduction There can be some flexibility when something is Makrooh or if an act is Mustahab (i.e., not Farz ). However, when Allah (SWT) has clearly declared something forbidden — for example, the meat of a dead goat — then we cannot justify its use, nor can we convert it into something that may be called halal. Riba If there is no dis

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful, CEO of an Investment Bank and Director of a Trust March 11, 2016 Introduction If a child does something wrong in school or in the neighborhood, the teacher or neighbors will often contact the parents. In most cases, the parents are held responsible, and rarely is the child alone punished for misdeeds in a civil society. In a Society Similarly, in a society, if something goes wrong, we approach institutions

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful | CEO of an Investment Bank | Director of a TrustOriginally published: September 27, 2016 Introduction The verses of the Qur’an are the ultimate source of guidance for humanity. We recite them repeatedly, yet often fail to reflect deeply on their meanings or fully submit to their commandments. The message is clear, but are we truly listening? Knowledge and Responsibility We consider ourselves fortunate to ha

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful | CEO of an Investment Bank | Director of a TrustOriginally published: September 29, 2016 Introduction For centuries, capitalism dominated much of the global economic system. In 1848, Karl Marx challenged this dominance through his book The Communist Manifesto, presenting an alternative ideology in open revolt against prevailing structures. During the first half of the twentieth century, many countries adopt

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Published: May 2, 2017 Introduction At best, we can only make a modest effort to share the true message of Islam with our families, friends, colleagues, and wider communities, including through social media. Whatever little good we can do is only possible through the guidance and mercy of Allah (SWT). However, in our pursuit of understanding Islamic teachings, it is important to reflect on our intellectual humility, especially when compared to the

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful | CEO of an Investment Bank | Director of a Trust Originally published: June 21, 2018 Introduction The Qur’an repeatedly draws attention to human behavior, highlighting not only our strengths but also our weaknesses. Surah At-Tauba presents powerful verses that reflect the character of humanity in general, and Muslims in particular, especially when it comes to promises made to Allah (SWT). A Forgotten Promis

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful | CEO of an Investment Bank | Director of a Trust Originally published: August 12, 2015 Introduction The concept of lawmaking dates back thousands of years to ancient Greek aristocracies. However, these early laws largely served the interests of the elite, leaving the lower classes marginalized. As a result, ethics, morals, and values became tools through which the oppressed sought justice and demanded thei