MALAWI STORY OF MUSLIM SUCCESS

by: Prince Jamal, On Islam Malawi Correspondent

While growing up in a rural farm in Harare, Zimbabwe, young and ambitious Muslim boy Esa Arab realized that his aspirations and dreams would one day turn him into an accomplished and successful entrepreneur.

“My siblings and I grew up in squalor of poverty. I had very high aspirations and ambitions to achieve something in future, despite the enormous challenges we went through,” Arab told OnIslam.net in Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial city, the location of his trade.

“My eyes were set on accomplishing something as a business venture, which at the same time, would also be of service to humanity.

“Though the road was very tough, it didn’t distract me from focusing on my dreams and vision,” he added.

Defying all odds, Arab trekked down to neighboring Malawi 15 years ago, armed with his experience in sales and marketing to establish his Superior Halal Group which runs a chain of halal meat to restaurants across the southern African nation.

“I was motivated to enter this business after identifying a void in the Malawian market for quality processed halal meats and lack of a quality shopping experience. The existence of my company has set standards in this direction.”

The void, he says, had presented itself an opportunity to him to come to Malawi and operate his business, making a “huge risk”. “However, I wasn’t discouraged by the risk associate with that decision. It was a huge risk which fortunately has finally paid off. I don’t regret to have made that decision.”

Married to Maryam, with four children, the woman he describes as “wonderful and loving” said his family has been with him on his “journey to success.”

“My wife Maryam and my children have been very supportive of me. They have stood with me in both thick and thin. They have been part of the journey which started 15 years ago. Together, we have worked tirelessly to reach this far.”

“This journey began 15 years ago with just myself, my wife and two employees. I was on a machine cutting meat while my wife was attending to customers. At that time, we were selling only 2 cows per week. Today, 15 years down the line, my business has grown in leaps and bounds. We have 10 branches across the country.”

Successful Business

After fifteen years in the halal business, Arab’s Superior Halal Group used a workforce of 400 employees, from various religious and political backgrounds.

“When employing people, we don’t discriminate. We are doing this deliberately to assist people in every little way possible, so that they should take care of their families and at the same time, to lessen their suffering economically,” he told OnIslam.

“During the time we have been there, we have managed to contribute tremendously to the growth of the country’s economy through among others, the people we are employing.”

Asked about the secret behind this success story, he said, “First and foremost, the fear of God, the Almighty, has been the guiding light towards my success in business.”

“Because of my firm belief in God, I have managed to overcome hurdles which I have met in the process,” says Arab.

“Another factor which has also contributed to this success story is that I have always ensured that I provide a quality product and service. And the selfless dedication of the amazing men and women who work for me is a big part of my success.”

Operating his business in a country ranked by the World Bank as one of the most impoverished nations in the sub-Saharan Africa, the 42 year old entrepreneur has ploughed back to the community part of the proceeds from his profits to service the poor and orphans.

“My childhood experience motivates me to reach out to those in need. I know what it means to be poor and what it means to lack what you need most, because I have gone through that experience. To this end, we are involved in a number of charitable projects. Our passion as a family and company lies in assisting orphans,” he said.

“The nation is registering an ever-growing population of orphans who need our hand for their survival. We are paying schools fees to thousands of them across the country irrespective of their religious beliefs.”

True Muslim

Arab’s philanthropic activities have won him praise across the country’s religious spectrum. Sheikh Muhammad Uthuman described him as a “tender-hearted Muslim.”

“This man is a man with a tender heart. He is living an exemplary life of a Muslim who is fulfilling his obligations to assist those in need beyond boundaries of religion. This is how we need to live as Muslims,” Uthuman told OnIslam.net.

“Because of his heart towards those suffering from the pangs of poverty, God has been able to bless him abundantly in his business. God is able to replace what he gives away. We have to follow this way if we are to be blessed.”

Concurring with Uthuman, Andrew Mtambo, and a devout Catholic described Arab as a “rare Muslim” who has touched many hearts.

“This man is a rare Muslim. He is assisted me in so many ways without any form of discrimination. He has always been there whenever I need his support. I wished all Muslims were like him. He demonstrates a true spirit of humanity,” Mtambo told OnIslam.net.

Upon attaining this feat of success, many would have expected Arab to relax on his laurels and enjoy his fortunes. But this seems far from his plans.

“That time has not yet come. At 42, I still have the energy to work towards the fulfillment of my vision, which is to become a permanent player in the production and supply of quality halal meats within Southern Africa and to be a leading provider of quality shopping experience in Malawi,” he told OnIslam.

“I will achieve this through the basic values of hard work and honesty which I firmly believe in. These values have assisted me to be here today. After accomplishing this vision, then it will be time to sit down and take stock of how much God has done to me,” he said.

In a country where Muslims make up of only 36% of the country’s 16 million population, Arab is counted among very few successful Muslims in the country. “I thank God for this status and I don’t take this for granted. It has not been easy to reach this far. I therefore encourage fellow Muslims to work hard and make scarifies to realize their dreams.

“We shouldn’t give up at any cost, even when the going gets tough. We will get there. It is only a matter of time and patience.” (T/P011/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

This article is taken from OnIslam