Personal Journey

• Early influences and education: Naeem graduated as an electrical engineer and spent 20 years in technology and management consulting. His parents instilled in him the importance of saving and investing early. He and his wife began by purchasing a duplex to generate rental income.
• Role of Islamic faith in career choices: Early in his career, Sharia-compliant financial products were scarce, so he and his family made intentional choices—like calculating and donating interest from conventional mortgages—to align with Islamic principles. He emphasizes that intention is central.
• Challenges faced as a Muslim professional: A key challenge is identifying truly Muslim-owned and operated Sharia-compliant companies amidst a financial ecosystem largely controlled by non-Muslim entities. Due diligence is essential.
• Key turning points and decisions:

  • An epiphany while getting his car serviced made him realize the freedom and potential of entrepreneurship vs. corporate life.

  • The death of his brother from cancer profoundly impacted him.

  • A consulting trip to Afghanistan revealed he was “part of the problem” in a system exploiting the country, leading him to later return independently and help build a girls’ school in Ghazni.

Industry Deep Dive

• Current role and responsibilities: Naeem helps individuals and families grow and manage their wealth in a Sharia-compliant manner, ensuring their investments are ethical and aligned with their values.
• Corporate ethics discussion: He notes that many Muslim professionals are unhappy in corporate America but feel trapped by financial responsibilities. He advises doing the best one can within the system while seeking ethical alternatives where possible.
• Specific cases of corporate misconduct in their field: He describes how management consulting firms and NGOs in places like Afghanistan charge exorbitant fees to vulnerable governments, profiting from aid and development work.
• How Muslim professionals can navigate ethical dilemmas: Start by controlling what you can—direct personal investments to Sharia-compliant funds, support Muslim-owned businesses, and choose roles within companies that minimize harm. Calculate and donate interest where unavoidable.

Resources and Advice Segment

• Essential resources for aspiring professionals: Research and use Sharia-compliant wealth management services. Support local Muslim-owned businesses, even if slightly more expensive.
• Mentorship opportunities: Implied through community engagement and following knowledgeable leaders in the Muslim community.
• Organizations supporting Muslim professionals: Muslim-owned financial firms like Sharia Portfolio and a growing number of ethical Islamic finance companies.
• Practical advice for industry newcomers: Avoid the “hustle culture” that sacrifices family and personal well-being. Strive for balance (wasatiyah—the middle way). Carve out time for self-care and personal passions.

Accountability Focus

• Discussion of specific corporations with problematic records: While not named directly, he references “Fortune 1000” companies, major banks, and credit card companies whose interest-based systems and investments may fund activities contrary to Islamic and ethical values.?
• Analysis of human rights violations or war crimes connections: He shares his firsthand experience in Afghanistan, where he saw the aftermath of war and how foreign corporations profited from the country’s instability.
• Ways to advocate for corporate accountability: Support ethical Muslim-owned alternatives. Be vocal in choosing where your money goes. Use your position within a company to select the most ethical options available (e.g., Sharia-compliant investment options in 401k plans).
• Alternative ethical options within the industry: A growing market of Sharia-compliant financial products, mortgages, loans, and Muslim-owned financial institutions.

Closing Reflections

• Final advice from guest: Practice gratitude and patience. Reject extremist work culture and embrace balance (wasatiyah). Take pride in the Muslim community’s generosity and resilience. Stay optimistic and put “good energy” out into the world.
• Contact Information to reach guest speaker: Naeem can be found on his YouTube channel, Ride with Naeem
• Call to action for listeners: Support and subscribe to positive Muslim content creators. Make conscious choices to support ethical, Muslim-owned businesses and financial services. Strive for personal balance and community betterment.