1. Why was the MBF created?
2. What is the Muslim Business Forum's mission?
3. Who is the MBF?
4. Many organization's like this started out good and whimper away.What makes this organization so different?
5. Who can join or seek help? Is MBF only for Muslim Businessmen and woman?
6. How can one join and contact the MBF?
7. Are Muslim Business Women catered for?
8. What support does the MBF require?
9. How was the Board and Executive Committee elected?
10. What is in it for the members?
11. What must Businesses contribute (annually or other)?
12. Are the Ulama on board - are they part of the decision making process?
13. Ladies - Are they part of the Exco and decision making process?
14. Must we buy from Businesses that are not up to standard?
15. Are MBF Board Members paid for their services?
16. How will the mentorship program operate?

1. Why was the MBF created?

People and communities by nature strive for independence and it is in that form of upbringing that we fend for ourselves and ultimately navigate our own pathways. It creates the individuality which everyone seeks - in essence; we are born alone and die alone. This concept however is "over done" and sometimes incorrectly perceived which leads to selfishness, in-fighting, back-stabbing, indifference - there is detachment from the group support and this creates a vacuum. The MBF seeks to cover this vacuum.

Islam encourages co-operation and mutual unity and assistance in matters of goodness.

2. What is the Muslim Business Forum's mission?

The MBF, amongst other objectives is currently primarily focused as an outreach for Muslim Business organizations to help budding Muslim Entrepreneurs who have skill shortages or other challenges in business. the support is also aimed at startups and University graduates who have a difficult time in making decisions which will impact their business positively. Our mission is also to impress and encourage entrepreneurs to the Shariah way of doing business.

It is hoped that the inter action between fellow business people will generate an atmosphere of co-operation, tolerance and encouragement. We want to help grow successful business contributors to our society and remove the begging bowl mentality and share the load of responsibility. It is also a networking tool which can be utilized free of charge with great benefit.

3. Who is the MBF?

The MBF is a recently formed ordinary group of concerned businessmen who want to put back into their communities. Of these businessmen, there are established and fledging businessmen of whom, co-incidentally are esteemed Ullama of our communities. They identified the need to provide support for young business people and decided to do something about it! For example, we have many highly skilled artisans within our communities, they are good builders, plumbers, electricians etc. however their business acumen is questionable and lacking and this could lead to tough consequences. We want to help them to become better business people and improve their businesses.

The MBF not only consist of the founder members but every member that joins is an integral part of the organization.

4. Many organizations like this started out good and whimper away. What makes this organization so different?

Organizations like ours are started in good faith with sincere intentions and because of numerous complications, loose direction and focus and ultimately collapse. There is nothing special about the MBF. It is a group of people who are prepared to work to improve the lot of others through their experience and skills. The key to this are the drivers of the organization. We are fortunate to have within our ranks good, experienced and focused individuals who are prepared to share their experiences, knowledge, skills and give support unselfishly.

However the success and sustainability of this effort is not confined to the drivers only. It is the members who with active participation will drive the organization. If they are serious about their business and are goal driven the organization will be compelled to rise to the challenge. It is important for one and all to be sincere and focused on the aims and objectives of the MBF and not be scuttled by skeptics, upper chair critics and divisive negative up chair critics.

5. Who can join or seek help? Is the MBF only for Muslim Business Men and Women?

MBF is accessible and open to all, not only Muslim Business people. We want to Inshallah foster good relations and reach out because the general nature of trade extends over all boundaries. We have to understand that the Muslim Community is part of a greater global community and we must encourage and foster good relations at all times. However, we do also understand that "charity begins at home". We therefore would like to encourage individuals from both the corporate and private sector, members of organizations, schools, madrassas and graduates to join and become active members of the MBF.

6. How can one join and contact the MBF?

We have temporary contact details which we can supply now (C) 0825730123 and email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or our website can be visited for more information.

7. Are Muslim Business Women catered for?

Females have a huge role to play in the business arena in support of the communities. MBF will not discriminate on the basis of colour, language, ethnicity or gender. Many muslim women are involved in community work, education and bu. Their skills and experience are valuable and they can play a big role in assisting others in similar ventures.

8. What support does the MBF require?

The MBF needs the support of the broader community, especially businessmen and the Ulama, to make this successful. There is always strength in unity. Active participation and commitment is needed. Although we understand that everyone is busy and inundated with their own business, it is vital that members be prepared to sacrifice some of their expertise and time for the Ummah. Encouraging and promoting others to join and become members of the MBF is vital.

9. How was the Board and Executive Committee elected?

The MBF has an interim Board and Executive Committee voted in by founders of this organization. The interim committees will hold office for one year and thereafter elections will be held at the next AGM.

10. What is in it for the Members?

The MBF is as strong as its committed membership and the benefits can be many and hugely satisfying and beneficial.

• Creating unity - common cause, common goal
• Uplifting our community - funding for Masjids, Madrassa's, etc.
• Strengthening Muslim businesses
• Networking
• Personal satisfaction of extending a helping hand
• Reaching out beyond Islamic barriers

Possibilities

• Regulating donations
• Channeling funding and donations into building projects
• Funding ailing businessmen

11. What must businesses contribute (annually or other) ?

The membership or joining fee is only a hundred rand (R100) per individual. Donations and financial contributions are more than welcome. However as the forum grows, funding would be needed and all members would be obliged to commit to a monthly contribution Inshallah.

12. Are the Ulama on board - are they part of the decision making process?

Alhamdo lillah, many Ulama have joined the forum. Some serve on the Executive Committee and their opinions, suggestions etc. are invaluable to the organization.

13. Ladies - are they part of the Executive Committee and decision making process?

Woman have a great role to play as they have much experience in diverse fields. Any member that has signed on to the forum is eligible to be elected to the Executive Board and the opinions of all are valued and considered even if one is not an Executive.

14. Must we buy from Businesses that are not up to standard?

The MBF will not prescribe to any one who and where to shop from. We will however endeavor to impress on fellow members to raise the levels, service and delivery of their respective businesses.

15. Are MBF Board Members paid for their services?

All members of the Board are honorary and will receive no remuneration for being on the Board or for attending meetings.

16. How will the mentorship program operate?

This is an area of challenge and we are confident that fellow members will provide direction and expertise to fulfil this are of the Forum.