Introduction

Graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan. Worked as a software engineer at DocuSign, where he contributed to early enterprise products and AI features like automated document summarization. He later left to study Islamic sciences full-time and co-founded BackPockitAI. (View full interview on YouTube)

Personal Journey

• Early interest in tech was sparked by fixing gadgets. Initially pre-med in college, he switched to Computer Science. Secured internships through networking and leveraged mentorship at DocuSign.
• Emphasized that the faith is integral to their professional conduct. This includes adhering to Islamic business ethics, avoiding interest (riba), and maintaining practices like not shaking hands with non-mahram colleagues.
• Views work as a form of worship (ibadah) when done with the right intention (fisabilillah).
• Navigating social norms, such as politely declining handshakes, which can initially be awkward but often leads to respect and curiosity from colleagues.
• The psychological challenge of practicing faith in a secular environment, though they note America offers religious freedoms like prayer rooms and time for Jumu’ah.
• Realizing he wanted more human interaction than pure coding offered. Deciding to pursue startups instead of an MBA, seeing it as a more valuable learning experience.

Industry Deep Dive 

• Back Pocket AI: They are building an AI solution to automate routine inquiries (e.g., scheduling tours, answering policy questions) for property managers, freeing them to handle complex issues.
• Affaan handles customer discovery, sales, marketing, and product strategy.
• The property management industry involves significant regulations (e.g., Fair Housing laws) to prevent discrimination. Their AI must be carefully trained to avoid ethical pitfalls related to tenant screening and communication.
• A key ethical concern in AI broadly is its potential misuse (e.g., in military applications like drone software), contrasting with their goal to use it for productivity and improving lives.
• They highlighted the risk of discrimination lawsuits in housing if AI is not properly managed. They avoid automating sensitive negotiations (e.g., pricing, policy violations), keeping a “human in the loop” for those.
• Focus on what is within your individual control. Uphold personal integrity in your work, such as building ethical software and maintaining Islamic principles in interactions.
• Believe in the power of personal example; consistent ethical conduct can serve as a form of dawah and earn respect.

Resources and Advice Segment

• For AI: Start by using tools like ChatGPT to explore ideas and outline projects. The field is new, so hands-on learning is key.
• For general growth: Pick one difficult but good habit to build consistency (e.g., daily nafl prayers).
• Stressed the importance of mentorship they received and now aim to pay it forward. Open to being contacted on LinkedIn for advice.
• While no specific organizations were named, they recommended seeking knowledge and community through Islamic institutes like the Miftah Institute (where Affaan studied).
• Practice empathetic listening. Many business ideas come from solving real problems people complain about.

Accountability Focus

• Expressed general concern about “big tech” companies involved in ethically questionable projects, such as developing software for military drones, but did not name specific corporations.
• Discussed the moral responsibility of tech workers, noting that Muslims should be in positions of influence to change conversations and refuse to work on harmful projects, even at the cost of personal comfort or pay.
• Muslims need to attain valuable positions within companies where their departure would be impactful, giving them leverage to advocate for ethical practices.
• On an individual level, consistently make ethical choices in your own work (e.g., what projects you accept, how you interact with colleagues).
• Focus on using AI for positive applications that solve genuine human problems and improve productivity, as they are doing with Back Pocket AI.

Closing Reflections

• “Develop an “intrinsic locus of control.” Focus on the ethical actions within your power, as you will be accountable for them. Listen to people’s problems to find business opportunities.” Affaan Saadat
• You may contact Affaan Saadat at LinkedIn
• If you know any property managers or leasing agents who could benefit from Back Pocket AI, please reach out to Affaan on LinkedIn.
• Encouraged listeners to connect with him professionally on LinkedIn for mentorship or conversation.