Business Behavior in an Islamic Perspective: Case Study of Muslim Woman Entrepreneurs in Ikatan Wanita Pengusaha Indonesia (IWAPI)

Abstract

In today’s business world, women also can be successful in running a business. They are called as women entrepreneurs. Some research stated that cultural diversity may have an impact on women entrepreneurial behavior, one of them is about religion. This research will reveal the Islamic perspective about it. The purpose of this research is to know how Islam ruled women entrepreneurs and whether the business behavior of married Muslim women who are IWAPI members in Surabaya is in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This research used a qualitative descriptive method with case studies approach. The data collection techniques used are in-depth interviews, participative observation, and documentation. In this research, the business behavior of Muslim are in terms of the following aspects: motivation, commitment to family, experienced obstacles, responsibilities, activities, as well as adopting a business strategy which is guided from four characters of the Prophet namely: Siddiq (truthful), Amanah (trustworthy), Fathanah (smart/wise), and Tabligh (deliver). Results of this research show that doing business is not forbidden in Islam as long as it does not ignore the main task of a Muslim woman as a housewife. The business motivation of the housewives is to gain a flexible time management so as to enable a balance between the obligations of housewives and business. Thus, a Muslim is able to prove that a Muslim woman could succeed as a wife, IWAPI member, and businesswoman.