Salam 💜

I just had Thom J. Défilet on my podcast.

You might know him as the halal business guy.

Allahuma Barik he has been very successful with running halal businesses.

Here are the 7 biggest lessons I learned from our conversation.

1. Money is a tool, not the goal.

Chasing wealth, status, and pleasure leaves you empty. Islam reframes money as a tool for sadaqah, service, and building something lasting.

2. Intention is everything in business.

Success isn’t about effort alone, it’s about why you’re striving.

A pure niyyah keeps you grounded, while showing off (riyā’) corrupts even good deeds.

3. Tie your camel & trust Allah.

Work hard, plan, and execute but know the results come only from Allah. Input is yours, output is His.

4. Focus on action, not motion.

Reading books, buying courses, or “planning forever” feels productive but isn’t. Progress only comes from taking real steps forward.

5. Surround yourself with the right people.

Brotherhood and environment shape your imān. Being around practicing Muslims keeps you disciplined, while isolation or bad company pulls you back.

6. Growth comes step by step.

Don’t try to master everything at once. Learn the basics first, then build. Even the Qur’an was revealed gradually. Growth is a process.

7. Live with accountability.

Remember the book of deeds. Every action is recorded, and that awareness creates urgency to align your work, worship, and daily life.

If you are interested in becoming successful in this dunya without sacrificing your ahkira I think you will enjoy the podcast just as much as I did.

Watch The Full Podcast: https://youtu.be/qRXYV8UmdAA?si=W9F2LlrH97lRCpF4