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Guest post by Sakina Design.

We would like to introduce you to a new business, Sakina Design, which was introduced to the Muslim-American community at summer’s ISNA convention 2009. A lot of time, hard work and love went into the development and launching of this venture. It all started about three years ago when we were inspired to start a company that would change the standard by which Muslim businesses were judged. Like many Muslims in America, we had become frustrated with the quality and standards of many Muslim-run businesses. While we respect these pioneers, and thank them for the foundation they have provided, we feel it is time for a change. Not only should the Muslim-American community have access to Islamic products, but at standards that match or exceed those in the current U.S. marketplace.

Our principal complaint is the lack of Islamic decorations designed specifically for the Muslim-American consumer. What we see are products designed for overseas markets being imported to the U.S. They are either overly ornate or otherwise unappealing to our sense of taste and style. We also find most of these products to be low-quality, so even if we do like them, they appear cheap or break easily.

We believe the Muslim community deserves better. And we feel that the term Islam and Muslim should be attached to high quality products. Products that are designed and manufactured in accordance with the Islamic principle of ihsan (excellence). Products that appeal to our unique sense of aesthetics, that are durable and long-lasting, that are produced with their environmental impact in mind, and that take into consideration the health, safety and dignity of our fellow human beings.

And so the idea of Sakina Design was born. Here, we produce contemporary, high quality, eco-friendly artwork, which pulls on the rich tradition of Islamic art. We uphold the highest standards of honesty in our business dealings. We also do not take or give interest and believe that charity should be an integral part of any good business.

At Sakina Design, we not only hold ourselves to these standards, but hope that we will set a new standard for Muslim businesses, and all businesses. This is possible only with the help and participation of the Muslim American consumers. We will do our part in establishing and upholding these high standards, and we ask our customers to support us and all companies that uphold these ideals. Together we can change what is expected of Muslim businesses, and be proud of this label.

HalalBucks Reminder: It’s more important to have verses of the Quran in your mind and recited by your tongue than simply treating them as decorations!

I’ve met many Muslims who have strong emotional attachment to their businesses. They don’t want partners or fresh ideas. Often, they have no exit strategy in their mind other than Built to Last.

Well, if you have a successful business or satisfied with your business’s stagnant status quo, FINE Alhamdulllah. But, if you are suffering from a failing business or a losing industry, why not consider some fresh ideas?

You can:

• Open for investors
• Change it to a franchise model
• Set it as a cooperative model, where workers and community members get a share
• Sell or partner with another business
• or … ask your customers for fresh ideas!

Anyway, here is a nice case study: Guy Kawasaki posted the process of building Trumors, promoting it, and selling it.

If you don’t know Guy Kawasaki, he is the author of The Art of the Start