The business of responsibility

Saafir Rabb, a business strategist and community activist, reflects on the responsibility of the business community to better address the needs of society and humanity.This Ramadan, I am reminded even more of the social context for Muslim community life. Human beings are a community of communities, and as such we are responsible for developing what is needed for out society, whatever is needed. In addition to prayer, education, healthcare and public service, we must also be the ones responsible for developing business life, as much as any other religious duty. We cannot service the immaterial aspects of our lives if we are not equipped with material accommodation.Our business community has reached a point where convenience and technology is more accommodating and profitable than ever before in known history. Simultaneously, by neglecting to adequately assume responsibility for addressing concerns associated with poor people and the environment, our achievements have been muted, saturated with greed and inconsiderate behavior. With all the might and development brought to the world by scientific growth and corporate achievement, an invisible creature, the Covid-19 virus, has come to balance our awareness by paralyzing the world.This year, the month of Ramadan has coincided with the global paralysis brought about by Covid. Muslims all over the world are observing this holy month, while required to remain in our homes as we observe the mandate to shelter in place. During Ramadan, we are returned to simplicity, and reminded of our interdependence. We are forced to reset our priorities and reminded to appreciate the benefits of our life and the need to empathize with those who experience lack in any form. Fasting reminds us of this reality and the discipline strengthened by fasting enables us to increase our dignity and honor, to increase our contribution to the social community context for our lives.In a way, Ramadan enables our ability to serve and better manage our material resources to achieve even greater convenience and more business efficacy, for it focuses our concentration in the right way. I am reminded by the conditions of the current pandemic-frozen world, that Ramadan should also constantly address the business community’s social context for success and enable us to better manage the spirit of human solidarity through service and cooperation. Whether man-made or naturally occurring, Covid-19’s beginning coinciding with Ramadan causes us to acknowledge and serve the needs of our fellow human beings moving forward, with far better priority and balance. Doing so we will equip ourselves for the long recovery period before us that requires improved future cooperation or promises further devastation. To read all '30 reflections for our times', please follow the Facebook page '30 days 30 deeds', Instagram @salmahasanali, or subscribe to the newsletter at www.salmahasanali.com.