Image Source: TIC-IT
Local – Iman Faith Malaka, co-founder of TIC-IT Telecoms, urged women in business to lead with intention, faith, and discipline. With over two decades of experience in the technology and entrepreneurial sectors, she encouraged women to embrace Islamic principles in every aspect of their business journey.
Success, Malaka said, is not measured by profit or status, but by the ability to follow through on one’s intentions and remain consistent in small, meaningful actions.
She believes the valid reward lies not in the outcome, but in the growth that takes place along the way.
“Success is… doing what you set yourself to do… The actual success is in the process of attaining your goals… In fact, the baraka lies in the process because… there’s a process of learning, self-discovery, self-mastery.”
She also emphasised the importance of financial independence. Instead of relying on debt or loans, she advised aspiring entrepreneurs to plan well in advance, save diligently, and trust in Allah’s provision.
This approach, she explained, allows one to remain free from the burden of riba and maintain complete control over their business decisions.
“The advice is… to plan, plan, plan… and do your homework… Owning… owing the bank is one of the worst things ever… we don’t want to go deep into riba… however, it is one of the worst.”
Handling Challenges with Reflection
Challenges, in Malaka’s view, are not roadblocks but reminders to pause, reflect, and realign with purpose. She advised against reacting to criticism impulsively and instead encouraged listening deeply and separating ego from truth.
“A setback for me is a pause… pause, reflect, realign, and come back… and in terms of criticism, I try as much as possible not to be reactive.”
The Role of Faith in Business
Malaka believes that Islam is not separate from one’s professional identity, it is a complete way of life that should guide every business decision, interaction, and intention.
Whether reviewing contracts or leading a team, she insisted that fairness, honesty, and integrity must be upheld at all times.
“Islam teaches us… It is a total way of life… You cannot separate who you are as a Muslim from how you conduct yourself… my dealings… transparency, honesty, integrity, all the way as we are taught in Islam.”
She added that visible practice of faith, such as prayer and discipline, can inspire others more than words ever could. Leading with sincerity and values, she said, is a form of dawah in itself.
“Da’wah is not necessarily always about telling people verbally… it is in them seeing you do the things that you do… they get influenced somehow.”
