HalalBucks » Misc

Muslim Purchase Power

Aman — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:40:35 +0000

“Big trees attracts wind.” This phrase means when you are big enough you attract attention. The good news is the Muslim population in France is big enough to attract non-Muslim fast food chains to sell Halal meat and remove pork from their menu; the not so good news is the controversy over such business moves.

Halal meat, or meat slaughtered in line with Muslim tradition, is at the centre of a political controversy.

Quick – a fast-food French restaurant chain – is testing out a new niche market, withdrawing all pork products from the menu and serving only halal meat in some of its branches.

Experts say that with more than 5 million French Muslims who are potential customers, Quick is targeting a booming market: the $7.5bn halal business.

But the mayor of Roubaix, a French town near the northern city of Lille, has launched a law suit against the food chain, arguing that it constituted “discrimination” against non-Muslims.

And Marine Le Pen, the vice-president of the far-right National Front party, has warned of “Islamisation”.

Al Jazeera’s Estelle Youssouffa reports from Paris.

Source: Al Jazeera

Bob Moore gives company to his employees

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:31:28 +0000

Bob Moore, owner of Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, gave his company via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to his employees.

Click here for the story: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/02/18/pm-bobs-oats-q/

You are wealthier than you think

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:11:09 +0000

This lecture is A MUST listen for Muslims pursuing Halal wealth.

We contacted IlmQuest to buy the CD, but never heard back from them. However, after a little googling found the lecture online.

CD 1 | CD 2 | CD 3

CD Set: Let’s Buy a House Islamically, By Ghassan Barqawi

After a quick search online, the following result was found:
[disclaimer: We have no affiliation with the result pasted below]

Buying a home is a major dream for almost every family. However, it is a decision that goes well beyond finances. You want your home to reflect your values and your lifestyle. The biggest advantage to owning a house over renting an apartment is that your house belongs to you. It’s your home, and that’s a pretty big achievement in itself. This is why when a person is ready to buy a house, emotion can often get in the way of effective decision making. Not only can it hinder sound financial planning, but it can lead one into major sins. This CD Set is a guide to know what Islamic Finance really is, how one can understand the different terms used by various Islamic financial institutes, and how to make the best decision for your family in this life as well as the next. Shiekh Ghassan had the honor to study under the late scholar of Yemen, Shiekh Muqbil bin Haadi al-Waadi’ee, and earned an Ijaazah in Hadith from him. He has a Masters degree in Business and is an advisor who is able to give guidance in the field of Finance. He is also the founder of the Islamic Institution of Islamic Studies of Columbia, South Carolina. At present he is the Imam of the Islamic Center of Mobile, Alabama.

A Tale of Two Zabeeha Meat Stores

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:47:11 +0000

Seth Godin tells the story of two lemonade stands using two different business models

Does this story rings a bell when you compare the lemonade stands to Halal/Zabeeha meat stores?

Related Posts:
Muslims & My Store
Free as a Business Model

Design = Money

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:59:46 +0000

Often time you hear the statement, “Content is King.” Well, not if your content is delivered in a lousy way. That’s way many newspapers and contents providers are running out of business.

However, the following talk by newspaper designer Jacek Utko shows how design can revive the content business, or in HalalBucks terms: MAKES MONEY.

Buying Vs. Renting

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:31:52 +0000

Well, the following analysis is based on conventional Haram Riba, which shows that buying with interests is not a good model. Bare in mind that this comparison did not consider the sin of dealing with Riba and the evil consequence in this life and the hereafter.

If we do the analysis comparing equity (co-owing a house vs. financing with Riba), you’ll see that the Halal equity model is far better. BTW, Halal equity model mentioned here is not what the so-called “Islamic” financial banks offer.

Recommended Resource:
CD Set: Let’s Buy a House Islamically, By Ghassan Barqawi

After a quick search online, the following result was found:
[disclaimer: We have no affiliation with the result pasted below]

CD 1 | CD 2 | CD 3

Would You Buy From BestBuy?

admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:22:19 +0000

Alhamduillah, something good out of this recession!

BestBuy tried to target Muslim consumers in their Black Friday ads.

Now, the question is: Would you buy from BestBuy because of this ad?

Note:

A few years back IKEA in Canada targeted Muslim in their ads, so do many other businesses.

Muslims & My Store

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:24:49 +0000

This reflection is from a sister who used to run a store that was catered for Muslims. She eventually had to close it after losing her money and health to cope with non-supporting Muslim consumers. Nothing interesting in that part of the story, but what follows is interesting:

Well here is the thing… I now work part time in an American store where I am happy doing things that I love and with the energy and enthusiasm that I love to give. I am sorry brother but I don’t think that I would ever open a store that catered to our community alone again. That is what makes me sad. Now let me tell you the other thing when the customers who used to come to my store, come to the American store that I work for they are just wonderful. You see it actually makes me MORE sad because they are willing to be on their BEST behavior with the non Muslim. That is why that I decided it is best for me and my Eeman to play in a game that I understand the rules and can be the best I can be physically, mentally and spiritually. That’s the thing people don’t understand…is I lost all of that, I was physically sick….at my Islamic store. May Allah guide us all.

What do you think? How can Muslim businesses thrive as a minority community? Any suggestions or experience?

Freemium

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:08:20 +0000

More about free as a business model. Here is a talk by Chris Anderson given at Revenue Bootcamp Conference.

Some Notes:
-Quality is in the eye of beholder.
-There are multiple economies: In the currency economy may be free, but in reputation or time it may not.
-Offer the low cost product as free, and sell the premium one as paid.
-Number of packages: Keep it simple, three options, one for free, and two paid.
-Your free trial should be long enough in time to get users’ engagement. Chris Anderson advise against the common 30-day free trial; He explains that customers won’t commit in using your service when they know they might leave it. Rather, he advised to use limited feature freemium model.

Where is our Halal store?

admin — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:52:57 +0000

Muslims need to step up to the plate and do something like this.

Portland, Ore., Grocer Sells In An ‘Alternate Universe’

We should establish community supported coops that are Halal (no tobacco!), organic, healthy, green, and with profit sharing with workers and the local community.

What do you think?

How are the Muslim owned stores in your community? What are some of the issues? How can you improve them? Share your thoughts. InshaAllah, together we can make a difference.