PHILOSOPHY OF GREENDEEN-PRENEUR(Case of muslim herbal entrepreneurs)

Salamah WahyuniIntan Novela Q.A.

Suryandari Istiqomah

Abstract

This study has the purpose of creating understanding concerning the concept of green-deen entrepreneurship, which is the perfection of both entrepreneurship and eco-preneurship. Using a descriptive-qualitative research approach, we seek to discover the philosophy that becomes basis choice as entrepreneur, business choice in herbal, business purposes, and the basic guidelines used in running their businesses.

The results show that muslim herbal entrepreneurs always show actual steps in realizing their compliance to the commands and recommendation given by The All-Powerful through Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah (records of the examples of the Prophet Muhammad), i.e. in terms of the philosophy of “independence” in life, community welfare, and filial piety. For muslim herbal entrepreneurs, economic aspects are also important, but not the basic foundation.

It is this philosophy of bringing the tenets of Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah down to Earth through herbal business that is unique, that differentiates muslim herbal entrepreneurs from entrepreneurs in general. Even though both entrepreneurs’ businesses are related to medicine, other entrepreneurs are generally more oriented to economic aspects, such as career choice, business opportunities, and forms of capability actualization (Krueger et al., 2000). Through herbal business, they want to show that everything that is found in Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah are true. Finally, the philosophy of hayyatan toyyiban, a good life that is beneficial to others, is the philosophy for achieving life’s purpose i.e. falah, the joy of victory after making the best effort.

Keywords: eco-preneurship, philosophy, green-deen-preneurship, herbal entrepreneur

Introduction

So far, businessmen or entrepreneurs are considered to have important role in

developing a country. Countries become poor not because of insufficient

resources, but because they lack good entrepreneurs (Gupta and Srinivasan,

1992). This is because entrepreneurs have various characteristics that can develop

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the economy or industry of a country because they are innovators, reliable

organizers, great decision-makers, smart catchers of opportunity, and able users of

technology (Azim, 2011). According to Sadri (2010) entrepreneurship is not only

the trigger of economic development, but also a consequence of development

itself.

Further development shows that relying entrepreneur to develop the country

is not enough. Increased entrepreneurial activities not only improved the

economy, but also increased environmental pollution, especially as a consequence

of industrial activity. Even though climate change may be caused by a natural

variation, scientists conclude that the main cause of climate change is

anthropogenic or human behaviour (National Research Council: Swim et al., in

Robertson and Barling, 2012).

Organization considered as the most significant contributor to climate change

(Dilchert and Ones, 2012). In fact, according to the results of Hillary’s research

(in Vasilenko and Arbačiauskas, 2012), small and medium industry also

contributes greatly to environmental pollution. This condition puts environmental

issues in the agenda for corporations, government, and NGO in the past few years.

Currently, policy makers and organization in the world further focus on the

concept “triple bottom line,” which recognizes the relation between economic

performance (profits), people (social performance), and environmental

performance (Dilchert and Ones, 2012). If earlier environmental concerns were

considered as a waste of money, the current trend of global warming and its

impacts renders eco-preneurship or green industry a business opportunity that has

an attractive sales value in the eyes of consumers. Currently, consumers have also

started to care about global warming and avoid products that are not

environmentally-friendly and choose a “back to nature” lifestyle. Therefore, it is

natural if environmentally-friendly products currently have sufficiently high

competitiveness and desired in both local and international markets.

In the business world, there is a currently developing concept called eco-

preneurship. The term “eco-preneurship” is the combination of two words,

“ecology” ('eco') and “entrepreneurship”. Therefore, eco-preneurship may be

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defined roughly as “entrepreneurship viewed through environmental lens”. Eco-

preneurship is a concept that refers to the process wherein the entrepreneur

introduces eco-friendly products and processes (environmentally-friendly, or at

least relatively more environmentally-friendly) to the market (Pastakia, 2002).

Eco-preneurs are entrepreneurs that not only care for their business profits,

but also manages with more concern to the values that base the “green” concept,

while ordinary entrepreneurs do not have such concerns. A feature that

differentiates eco-preneurs from ordinary entrepreneur is their strong ethical

consideration to the environment (Linnanen, 2002). Even though ethical reasons

are frequently not the only reason to develop business, but perhaps it is the only

main difference between the motivation of eco-preneurs and entrepreneur in

general (Kirkwood and Walton, 2010).

In developed countries, the demand for saving the Earth from excessive

damage has become quite strict. Therefore, more global communities are much

more appreciative of products that are more environmentally-friendly and more

concerned with the preserving of ecosystem. It is not only that Earth and its

environment that are threatened by the consequences of excessive waste and the

uncontrolled use of chemicals, but this has also highly impact the health of

humans who are exposed, whether directly or indirectly. Therefore, the factors

that establish eco-preneurship become necessary for growing environmentally-

oriented businesses.

Further developments show that simple eco-preneurship is not enough.

Many studies find that religious values have an important role in entrepreneurial

success. According to various researches, religious values are shown to have the

potential to positively affect individuals in many aspects, especially in relation

with the moral aspect (Wimalasari and Abdul, 1996), honestty (Kotey and

Meredith, 1997). Similarly, researches show that there is significant relation

between religious values and entrepreneurial business performance (Kotey and

Meredith, 1997). Therefore, Matin (2012) generated the concept of green-deen to

complement the insufficiency.

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Matin’s concept based on the tenets of Islam that provides direction for

green-deen-preneur in becoming entrepreneurs with environmental views guided

by Al Qur’an and Hadith. Islam has universal views to the condition of Nature or

the Earth. Islam is religious belief that really cares about the environment. This

is obvious when various arguments explained and construed from texts and tenets.

Many verses of Al-Quran and sayings of the Hadith explain about the

environment or nature (kauniyah), and note that damage to the Earth is caused by

human greed. Islam is not only concerned about spiritual issues and interactions

with fellow mankind, but also inspire the ummah (adherents) to care for nature.

Al-Quran refers to mankind as “khalifah” or the representative of God who

executes His will on Earth, including protecting and taking care of the Earth.

This study attempts to understand the implementation of the green-deen-

preneur concept to muslim herbal entrepreneurs in Central Java. Currently, many

muslim entrepreneurs run the herbal business. These entrepreneurs are unique.

According to Imam al-Ghazali (Salwa, Azahari, and Tamkin, 2013), there are

values in the tenets of Islam that are performed by entrepreneurs because they are

embedded in the very act of entrepreneurship.

This balance of values is comprised of all possible ways that allow for the

achievement of greatness, both in this world and in the hereafter. The first

consideration in the tenets of Islam is to base the intent of performing

entrepreneurial activities to realize faith to Allah. This idea would encourage the

entrepreneur to be involved only in halal (religiously right or proper) activities.

This is based on the fact that the tenets of Islam prohibit entrepreneurs from being

involved in activities that violate the law.

Otherwise, decisions in relation with the production of goods and services

must be based on the satisfaction of fardlu kifayah (absolute or mandatory

obligations) requirements, i.e. to complement community needs. In terms of the

main intent in doing business, business success according to muslim entrepreneurs

would be different from the definition made by entrepreneurs in general. The

meaning of success and the journey entrepreneur towards success is unique,

wherein worldly success must act as bridge for primary success in the afterlife

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(reaching heaven). Therefore business success according to Islam includes both

this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, research concerning business success relating to the religious

values of eco-preneurs, especially those who run herbal business in Indonesia still

limited. (Schaper, 2002) opines that “green management” is a relatively new

phenomenon. Thus it is insufficiently known, insufficiently researched, and

insufficiently understood from an entrepreneurial point of view. The limited

number of studies concerning environmental issues in small companies also

means that the difference between eco-preneurs and conventional entrepreneurs is

still insufficiently known. Similarly with studies concerning spiritually-based

eco-preneurship: it is still not yet researched much.

Literature Research

Eco-preneurship/Green-preneurship

The term “eco-preneurship” is the combination of two words, “ecology”

('eco') and “entrepreneurship”, which means “innovative creation”. Eco-

preneurship is also called “green” entrepreneurship (Schaper, 2002).

(Schaltegger, 2002) defines “eco-preneurship” as a company that supplies

environmentally-friendly products and services, i.e. “entrepreneurship through the

lens of the environment”. Eco-preneurs are moved to enter environmentally-

friendly market not only to seek profit, but because they have strong “green”

values. Eco-preneurs are entrepreneurs who found their businesses based on the

principle of sustainability (Kirkwood and Walton, 2010). Eco-preneurs is a sub-

set of entrepreneurs who may be different in their way of starting their business,

especially in their motivation for becoming entrepreneurs.

Green-deen Concept in Islamic perspective

The harmony and balance of nature must be maintained. If the divine or

natural law (sunnatullah) of order is disturbed, natural disasters would occur.

Nature was created in an orderly manner. Therefore, Al-Qur’an always

emphasizes the need for harmony. Ecological crisis is caused by prolonged

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excessive use of natural wealth, which will cause disasters. Such excess is highly

conflicting with the tenets of Islam. As a samawi (divine or heavenly) religious

belief, Islam has major role in order of preventing and mitigating such natural

crises. Green-deen is an effort to reduce the current occurrence of ecological

crises.

According to Matin (2012), green-deen is a religious belief that demands

mankind to implement Islam while emphasizing the integral relationship between

faith and the environment (the entire universe). Green-deen is built upon six

mutually related principles, i.e.:

The first principle understands the unity God and His creation (tawheed).

This means that in living our life, we must continuously understand that

everything originates from Allah.

The second principle is the ability to see the ayat (signs) of God’s presence

throughout the universe. This principle means that all mankind must see that

everything in nature is signs of the greatness of the Creator.

The third principle is becoming the khalifah (guardian or steward) of the

Earth. This principle means that mankind must understand that in everything

they do, they must protecting, guard, and manage all of the blessings to be

found in nature.

The fourth principle is to appreciate and execute the amanah (trust) given by

God to the ummah or mankind as protector of the Earth. This is means that

mankind is entrusted by God to act as the protector of nature.

The fifth is to fight for ‘adl (fairness). Mankind must understand that it must

bear the negative effects of environmental pollution and damage.

The sixth is to live life harmoniously with nature (mizan). Everything was

created in perfect balance (mizan).

Protecting this balance can be done by first viewing the Earth as a great

mosque. There are laws and regulations in Islam whose purpose is for protecting

this balance. The sixth principle is the guideline that directs us to preserve the

environment. The green-deen principle is a concept that proves that Al-Qur’an

teaches love of the environment. Loving the environment is the same as loving

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ourselves, and of course in the end it means loving Allah. The green-deen

principle becomes mankind’s foundation in its involvement to the prevention of

environmental crisis based on Al-Qur’an.

Islamic Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship in Islam is based on the view that an individual is a

religious being, one who practices what s/he learns and know, people who have

good heart (ihsan) and who depend only on The All-Powerful, who consider their

duty as ibadah (worship) and who take the role of responsible leaders (Radiniz,

2007). Entrepreneurship in Islam focuses in eight principles or ideas:

First, entrepreneurship is an integral part of Islamic religious belief as a

comprehensive lifestyle. There is no separation between business and

religious belief.

Second, muslim entrepreneurs are “khalifah” and have the responsibility to

develop welfare and to see their business as part of their ibadah and/or good

deeds.

Third, motivation of success in Islam is not only measured with net income,

but also the ways and means of obtaining the income.

Fourth, business activity is part of ibadah or “good deeds”.

Fifth, Islam encourages its adherents to explore in their business.

Sixth, the guiding principles of entrepreneurship are found in Al-Quran and

Al-Hadith.

Seven, the principle of entrepreneurship in Islam is in the domain of Islamic

economy.

Eighth, entrepreneurial ethics is based on the exemplary behaviour of our

Prophet Muhammad SAW (Radiniz, 2007).

Conceptual Framework

The concept of green-deen and entrepreneurship in Islamic perspective as

explained above result in in-depth review of the meaning of green-deen-

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entrepreneurship, which in this study uses the case of muslim herbal

entrepreneurs. In line with the base of faith in Islam, the source of all guidelines

is Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah. All intent, will, activity, behaviour, and various

types of decisions are made according to the guidelines in Al Qur’an and As-

Sunnah (deen or spiritual faith).

This study finds information concerning the philosophy herbal business

originating from Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah (deen), as well as the physical and

social implementation of this philosophy in maintaining the environment, as

related to the operation of business policies and activities (Figure 1). The start of

choosing to be an entrepreneur was based on the commands of Allah SWT

expressed in the holy verses of Al Qur’an and holy sayings of As-Sunnah.

Similarly, when choosing the herbal business, it was not just because there is the

economic opportunity, but also to show their compliance to the guidance of Allah

SWT (green). Managing the business afterwards would naturally contain both

joys and sorrows. The solution to all problems is sought by reviewing Al Qur’an

and As-Sunnah (entrepreneurship).

Figure 1

Conception of Green-Deen-Entrepreneurship

Research Method

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EntrepreneurshipGreen

Deen

This study was performed using qualitative in-field research with grounded

theory approach. In the field research stage, interviews were performed with key

and supporting informants, supplemented with observation of documents and

other supporting data. This generates information concerning the characteristics

herbal entrepreneur and the creation of instruments for novelty results.

The population in this study is muslim herbal entrepreneurs in Central Java,

who have ran their businesses for a year or more. Sampling was done using

purposive sampling. This study required both primary and secondary data.

Secondary data was obtained from various media, such as websites, forums,

facebook and twitter accounts, newspapers, and books. Primary data primer was

taken using interview, observation, and focus group discussion. There are two

types of informant who were interviewed deeply, i.e.:

1. Key informants, i.e. muslim managers or owners herbal businesses who

determine the business strategies of the herbal business.

2. Supporting informants, i.e. employees or consumers who are related with

the information given by the key informants.

Results and Discussion

A. Business Philosophy of Muslim Herbal Entrepreneurs

For muslim herbal entrepreneurs, becoming an entrepreneur is an actual step

in realizing their compliance of the commands and recommendation given by The

All-Powerful through Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah, i.e. “independence” in life. All

muslims must attempt to achieve independence in satisfying their their economic

needs.

“It has been told to us that Ibrahim ‘ibn Musa has been informed by Isa ‘ibn Yunus, who was informed by Tsaur, by Khalid ‘ibn Ma’dan, by Al Miqdam RA, by Rasulullah SAW: “'There is nobody who can eat any better food than the food resulting from his own work, and in truth Allah’s Prophet, Daud AS, ate food from the results of his own efforts.””(Hadith Sahih al-Bukhari 1930).

“The truth is, if we have the ability, all muslims want to become entrepreneurs, because that is what is recommended….” (Entrepreneur 2)

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This sense of independence can occur spontaneously from the time one

enters the working world (such as in the case of Entrepreneur 2), and it can also

come through a moving experience. Entrepreneur 1, a Bachelor in Education, was

originally a teacher in State Vocational High School 8 in Surakarta. Sharing

knowledge with his students was the original noble desire to help mankind

become better, but if the pay received was insufficient as what he obtained, it

would pollute the initial intent, because he become not ikhlas (sincere). In order

to keep holding on to his noble intention, he realized that business independence

is the way to realize this intention. There is no other way than as entrepreneur if

he wants to seek livelihood, while keeping on teaching as his field of ibadah to

improve the quality of the ummah.

“My background is education. I was teaching at State Vocational High School 8. Aaa...when I was in education, my heart felt uneasy with how rekoso (miserable) these educators really are. I think there was an unhappy financial disturbance at the school at the time. Then from there I have an azam (resolution) that if I educate like this, I should not have financial expectations, but for me, educating is wanting to change to become better, so I don’t want to be paid, so…aaa…I have such a strong azam that I must be rich. At the time I tried…aaa…the ready-made cloth products business at first, we took bed sheets from factories, then we marketed it, Alhamdulillah (praised be Allah) the results were good.” (Entrepreneur 1)

Other than independence, something many muslim herbal entrepreneurs also

have in choosing entrepreneurship are the desire to improve the welfare of their

surrounding community and filial piety (especially to their mothers). Another

characteristic is a noble attitude: they do not only think of the interest of

themselves and their (nuclear) families, but there is also an element of piety to

parents and bring benefit for the masses. Here is what they say:

“No, Ma’am, I would prefer to empower the people around me, Ma’am, what can I do to improve their standard of living, and should people run to Jakarta, Surabaya to become entrepreneurs…? No…it turns out that even here in the village, we can also be entrepreneurs.” (Entrepreneur 3).

This characteristic of thinking of other people is also recommended by Islam,

as per the firman command of Allah in Al Qur’an, Sura (Book of) Al Maidah

(Q.S. 6:2) that states:

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“And be helpful among thyselves in virtue and taqwa (faithfulness), and do not be helpful among thyselves in sin and hostilities.”

Therefore, filial piety is expressed by choosing to become an entrepreneur

and not becoming a government official, as expressed by Entrepreneur 4:

“My mother said, “When you work, don’t become a government official. As a government official, even if you’re just passing by, people will curse you.”

Respect of parents is very emphasized in Islam. Many verses in Al-Qur’an

state that all mukmin (people of the faith) must do good and respect their parents.

Respecting parents is a form of a mukmin’s gratitude to Allah, and Islam gives a

very high respect and position to mothers.

A hadith recorded by Abu Hurairah, radhiyallaahu ‘anhu (may Allah be pleased with him), states, “A person came to Rasulullah Shalallaahu ‘Alaihi Wassalam (may Allah grant him peace) and said, “Ya Rasulullah (Prophet of Allah), to whom must I first devote myself to?” The Prophet, Shalallaahu ‘Alaihi Wassalam, replied, “Thy mother!” The man asked again, “Then who else?” The Prophet, Shalallaahu ‘Alaihi Wassalam, replied, “Thy mother!” The man asked again, “Then who else?” The Prophet, Shalallaahu ‘Alaihi Wassalam, replied, “Thy mother!” The man asked again, “Then who else?” The Prophet, Shalallaahu ‘Alaihi Wassalam, replied, “Then, thy father.” (Hadith recorded by Bukhari No. 5971 and by Muslim No. 2548) 

The philosophy of independence, helpfulness, and filial piety in muslim

herbal entrepreneurs based on the firman of Allah and As-Sunnah, is different

from that of conventional entrepreneurs. In general, conventional entrepreneurs

are oriented to economic aspects, such as career choice, business opportunities,

and forms of capability actualization (Krueger et al., 2000). For muslim herbal

entrepreneurs, economic aspects are also important, but not the basic foundation.

The results of this study show that muslim herbal entrepreneurs emphasizes the

element of deen as the basis of all choices. This is also shown when an

entrepreneur asked to explain about their businesses: they usually start their

explanation by intoning:

“Bismillaahir rohmaan nir rohiim

(in the name of Allah the Most Merciful and Most Beneficent)….”

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B. Philosophy of Herbal Business

Field observation results show that muslim herbal entrepreneurs has strong

network because they have the same basis for their vision, Ukhuwah Islamiyyah

or muslim brotherhood, as stated in the web of the Association of Muslim Herbal

Entrepreneurs. The business choice in herbal is not just because of economic

opportunity, but as entrepreneurship choice, the guidance in Al Qur’an and As-

Sunnah becomes the strong foundation. From so many types of herbal products,

the honey business is generally the first step and all herbal entrepreneurs have it,

because honey is a medicine mentioned in Al Qur’an and recommended by

Rasulullah SAW. As stated in Al Qur’an, Sura An Nahl verse 69:

“Then eat of all (types) of fruit, then take the path of thy God that has been made easier (for thee). From the belly of the bees come out drinks (honey) of various colours, in which contain medicine that heals mankind. Truly, in such is the mark (of the greatness of Allah) for people who think.”

The following are 2 hadiths that show the recommendation of the Prophet

concerning the benefits of honey as medicine:

“Al Husein told us, “I have been told by Akhmad ‘ibn Mani’, that he has been told by Marwan ‘ibn Suja’, that he has been told by Salim Al Afthos, by Sa’id ‘ibn Jubbair, by Ibnu Abbas RA, who said: “There are three types of medical therapy: i.e. drinking honey, bekam (bleeding using vacuum cups), and kay (pressing hot iron on to wounded areas), while I prohibit my ummah from medicating themselves with kay”. The hadith was rafa’d (traced) (to Prophet SAW) and recorded also by Al Qumi from Laits from Mujahid from Ibnu Abbas from the Prophet SAW, concerning the drinking of honey and the usage of bekam (Hadith Sahih (properly recorded saying of the Prophet) by Al-Bukhari 5248).”

“Ayyas ‘ibn Al Walid has told us that Abdul A’la has told him from Sa’id from Qatadah from Abu Al Mutawakkil from Abu Sa’id that a man came to the Prophet, Shallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wassalam, saying: “My brother has a stomach ache.” The Prophet then said: “Drink honey.” Then the man came for the second time, and the Prophet said again: “Drink honey.” Then the man came for the third time, and the Prophet said again: “Drink honey.” Then he came again, saying; “I have done so.” Then the Prophet said: “Allah is Most Right, and it is thy brother’s stomach that hath told lies. Let him drink honey.” Then the man gave honey for his brother to drink, and the brother was healed.” (Hadith Sahih Al-Bukhari 5252).

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Entrepreneur 1 states that the process in choosing herbal business initially

started only with honey, because:

First, the initial business in cloth products that initially went well started to

get into trouble. Income from the sale of bed sheets was stuck, and it

accumulated. Therefore, the business was terminated.

Second, economic reason: honey does not get stale. Therefore, there is no

need to fear no sale. Furthermore, honey prices do not go down – they at least

remain stable.

Third, spiritual reason, i.e. wanting to bring the tenets of Al Qur’an and

As-Sunnah down to Earth.

In order to implement the desire to bring the tenets of Al Qur’an and As-

Sunnah down to Earth, the selection of herbal business also acts as a medium for

dakwah bil-hal, i.e. dakwah (sermon) through business activities, bringing benefit

to the community that wants to protect their health. Therefore, through the honey

and herbal business, they want to show that what is in Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah

is right.

“From the cloth product business at the time, we could already earn perhaps 12 million, sometimes 13 million (rupiah) a month. But, at the time, the obstacle was, aaa…goods went out smoothly, but not so with the money that should come from them – they (the clients) asked for credit, they kept on asking us to send goods but kept on delaying payment until the saturation of their debts. When we dun them, there were no nice response, in fact, they became angry! So from there we thought about the second business, which is honey. I assumed, one, honey never gets stale. Second, honey prices never goes down, and the third, it’s clear that I want to bring the tenets of Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah down to Earth so that we can approach those who don’t truly believe in Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah with honey and such things as, errr, such as habatus sauda (cumin or black caraway) and that other thing, olive, they would really feel that what is in Al Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah are true. They can feel, they…err, what do you call it, are directly faced with authentic data.” (Entrepreneur 1)

It is this philosophy of bringing the tenets of Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah

down to Earth through herbal business that is unique, that differentiates muslim

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herbal entrepreneurs from entrepreneurs in general. Even though both

entrepreneurs’ businesses are related to medicine, other entrepreneurs are

generally more oriented to economic aspects, such as career choice, business

opportunities, and forms of capability actualization (Krueger et al., 2000). With

this philosophy they want to show that is there in Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah is

true. It means that other than working, doing business, their also want to do

dakwah by spreading knowledge and doing deeds, persuading other people to

believe in the truth of Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah.

“So, that’s when we got passionate for bringing the tenets of Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah down to Earth, so dakwah is not only with lisan (mouth), with bil hal, dakwah with action, with what do you call it, activities, that’s err, part of the field of dakwah.” (Entrepreneur 1)

Other than honey, there are many other plant products that are stated as

medical ingredients, such as olive oil. The olive is a Thibbun Nabawi (blessed

plants), as said by Entrepreneur 3. Some groups of herbal can be seen in Figure 2.

Other than honey and olive oil, herbals that listed in Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah

include black caraway, figs, dates, grapes, lotus, and pomegranate. Other herbals

related to health maintenance include cajuput oil, sambiroto, aloe vera, guava

leaves, turmeric, and ginger. Some herbals for gynaecological purposes include

white limestone, kayu rapat, lime, coconut oil, betel leaves, and majakani.

“Why do we use olive oil, well because \in Al-Qur’an olive is a blessed plant, Ma’am, then also in – what was that, Hadith, we are also given the sunnah to use olive oil whether for consumption or for daily life. Because that oil is good for health, and I’m more towards the Thibbun Nabawi approach also, such as for the ingredients that we present, even though the registration process for imported products, products that are not from native Indonesian plants are expensive, Ma’am….” (Entrepreneur 4)

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Figure 2Several Groups of Herbals

C. Business Purposes

Herbal business is also a form of business activity that integrates faith,

health, and entrepreneurship towards hayatan toyyiban, a good life – a life where

not only economic needs, safety and social needs are met, but also physical and

mental health, material (bodily) and spiritual health. This purpose is also the form

of concern entrepreneur to various human needs in order to achieve falah, success

in both this world and the hereafter. This is shown by herbal entrepreneurs whose

activities are not only economic activity, but also spiritual activity (reciting Al

Qur’an and dakwah). He maintains both the human physical and natural

environments (maintaining the cleanliness of mosques, keeping a green honey

guava nursery) as well as the social environment (empowering the surrounding

community).

“My strong motivation is, what’s that called, I want to be a successful entrepreneur, because that’s related to deen, see, so it’s a big motivation for me to become a successful entrepreneur is that I want to become part of the paradigm shift. The paradigm when I was small or when I was still in Middle School, Islam is identical with marginality, being thrust aside, gloominess, poverty, helplessness. That’s what want we want to achieve, to become people who can change this paradigm. We want to show that muslims can, people who recite the Qur’an, can become rich.

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So being rich is not just for people who wear shorts, who go to entertainment places at night, whose style is what’s that called, “dandy”.We want, what’s that called, to contribute there, that reciting the Qur’an is no obstacle to being rich. Because there was a time, Ma’am, when we...err, what’s that called, we become quite concerned when we heard that err, the father of one of our employees didn’t want him to join us, because Arbain is a company that nota bene obliges its (muslim) employees to recite the Qur’an. “Le ki ngopo ubyang ubyung kayak gitu, opo sukmben bojomu meh mbok pakani watu? (Why do you bother doing silly things like that, are you going to feed stones to your wife?)”We really strongly want such paradigms to change, we, err, are really concerned with success in business. These days the father said that he was touched with how his son have grown so exceptionally, both in terms of his akhlak (morality and piety) and finances…. Even though the son is only a High School graduate…err, when he came to us, now he earns more than 3 million (rupiahs) a month.” (Entrepreneur 1).

“No, Ma’am, I would prefer to empower the people around me, Ma’am, what can I do to improve their standard of living, and should people run to Jakarta, Surabaya to become entrepreneurs…? No…it turns out that even here in the village, we can also be entrepreneurs.” (Entrepreneur 3)

Other than in terms of deen, honey and herbal business is also an

environmentally-friendly business and that does not produce dangerous wastes

(green). The honey and herbal ingredients originate from farming, so they

encourage the preservation of plants and the maintenance of the ecosystem.

Therefore, honey and herbal business also indirectly helps to protect and preserve

environment. This means that among others, it would help to reduce global

warming. As explained earlier, honey and herbal business originates from nature,

it is processed naturally, and it returns to the maintenance of nature (mankind and

its environment).

In running business, economic aspects are greatly considered by these

common entrepreneurs (even though it is not the main purpose). Therefore, the

purpose of seeking profit is also a concern for these herbal entrepreneurs

(entrepreneurship). That was why, when the cloth product business was felt to

be no longer profitable, the entrepreneur decided to close it. With honey and

herbal business that will not spoil and relatively constant price, the profit obtained

is more assured. From this profit, family needs, zakat (obligatory donations after

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wealth reaches a specific amount) obligations, desire to help relatives and other

people, and business development can be satisfied. Furthermore, business

opportunities in honey and herbal is still open wide – it must be captured and

developed.

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Figure 3Green Honey Guava (Jambu Madu Hijau – JAMAHI) Nursery

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D. Greendeen-Preneurship Model of Herbal Business

When in choosing herbal business initially, in process operation, and after

success, the main guidelines used is always Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah (deen), i.e.

the directive that “Best among mankind is those who benefit their kind” –

khoirunnaas anfa’uhum lin naas. When starting the business, for example, honey

products were chosen because it is in line with the directives in Al Qur’an and

recommended by Rasulullah SAW as explained earlier. Furthermore, honey

business can provide benefit to other people: to honey farmers, traders, and

communities in need, other than of course obtaining family livelihood.

“My initial azam was like this: from what we said, what is that called, the business has clear orientation, err, such as there is still the finances and my financial purpose is to become beneficial for the masses. Because the Prophet said in another badith, “khairunnas anfaun linnas”, “best among mankind is those who benefit their kind.” Our hope is that with the err, with the honey and herbal business, err, it’s very clear for us, what’s that called, the order, the many good benefits, the benefits for the farmers are clear, I have contribution, then err, what’s that called, the financials are clear to our family, err, the Prophet said, “Give one bite for your wife and family, then you give sodaqoh (charitable contribution).” That is sodaqoh, that counts as virtue, virtue, virtue. So err, in fact, Allah SWT said, “Go disperse throughout the face of the Earth to seek prominence, the rizki (fortune) that Allah has provided,” then to work is Allah’s command. So from there, what’s that called, honey and herbal business, the benefits are clear, other than for farmers, for family, for mankind, because mankind, Insya Allah (by the grace of Allah) with honey, they would be healthy. Not to mention later, err, what’s that called distributor, not to mention err, the shops that we put our products in, all sorts, so the string of benefits that we hope from our breath would be of use. (Entrepreneur 1).

As told by Entrepreneur 1, initially many rejected his products when he tried

to sell them through shops or drug stores. In the subsequent business processes,

because of the strong basic guidelines in Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah, marketing

difficulties can be mitigated with persistence and diligence, because such is the

command of Allah SWT.

“So at the time, I went shopping, then asked my wife to help me pack, then I market it myself, err, what’s that…after our branding becomes good and known to the public. At first we put them up in shops, and sometimes they don’t even want to carry our products, their reason for rejecting was

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insufficient capital. But we still have this big obsession that this must become a big business, we must still do packaging, then we slowly keep on promoting. Alhamdulillah the people accepted it. In fact, at a certain point, we no longer make offers to drug stores or medicine shops, but it’s them who offered to put our honey in their place.”

Honey business is a business oriented to the ecosystem. It came from plants,

which through natural process with bees would result in honey. The production

process is “natural”, therefore it would be right to say it as going back to nature.

With this back to nature guidelines, the business then developed to include

herbal: not only honey, but all health products whose ingredients originate from

nature (especially plants) and that are processed naturally, not using chemicals.

This guideline is the “green” part of herbal entrepreneur, i.e. the orientation of

maintaining the environment.

“Back to nature means going back to what is natural. Future trend would continue going back to nature. The core, the issue according to me, that’s suitable, honey and herbal with “back to nature” is harmonious. So it’s related to the time when I was in Saudi, it’s very thick right there, very much familiar with back to nature branding, so it’s harmonious, what I pioneered – government regulations, world trend.” (Entrepreneur 1)

Muslim herbal entrepreneurs realize the concept of “going back to nature”

among others by developing health products in line with their respective interests

and abilities. Some choose to specialize in medicines, such as honey, habatus

saudah, bee pollen, and similar. Some choose to specialize in foods or beverages,

such as producing various types of teas and VCO (virgin coconut oil). Some also

choose to focus more on massage oils or therapy oils.

“Herbal here…if for example we talk about competitors, our products have many variants, Ma’am, we are specialists in massage oils, in therapy oils. If perhaps there is industry A, for example, they only have one or two variants, we already have many variants here, how many in all…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, so that’s different already for each type of complaint....” (Entrepreneur 3)

Even though they have their specializations by choice, but in they also

produce other herbals in smaller proportions. Furthermore, some entrepreneurs

have activities that support the “green” orientation. For example, Entrepreneur 2

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has Green Honey Guava (Jambu Madu Hijau – JAMAHI) Garden “Nursery”

(Figure 3) and the Clean My Mosque (Gerakan Masjidku Bersih – GMB)

Program, which is the establishment of cleaning teams for mosques in his village

of business (a network of 24 mosques).

The description of the philosophy of Muslim herbal entrepreneurs ranging

from choosing as entrepreneur to the business management process reflects the

greendeen-preneurship model which is based on the Qur'an and Sunnah (deen).

The conceptual framework as described in Chapter II is manifested in detail as

shown in Figure 4. Based on contained in the Qur'an and the behavior of Prophet

Muhammad SAW listed in the Sunnah, to reach falah through a good life, become

human being that benefit other. “Best among mankind is those who benefit their

kind” (“khoirunnaas anfa’uhum lin naas”). The real form is manifested in

maintaining and care the physical and social environment, as well as the

development of herbal business.

Figure 4

Greendeen-Preneurship Model

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GreenEnvironmentally

friendlyPhysic and Social

EntrepreneurIndependency

Persistence and diligence

Life learning

DeenFalah

Hayyatan ToyyibanKhoirunnaas

Conclusion

Becoming a muslim herbal entrepreneur is an actual step in realizing the

compliance to the commands and recommendation given by The All-Powerful

through Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah, i.e. “independence” in life. All muslims must

attempt to become independent in satisfying their economic needs.

It is this philosophy of bringing the tenets of Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah

down to Earth through herbal business that is unique, that differentiates muslim

herbal entrepreneurs from entrepreneurs in general. Even though both

entrepreneurs’ businesses are related to medicine, other entrepreneurs are

generally more oriented to economic aspects, such as career choice, business

opportunities, and forms of capability actualization (Krueger et al., 2000). The

main guidelines used is always Al Qur’an, i.e. the directive that “Best among

mankind is those who benefit their kind” (“khoirunnaas anfa’uhum lin naas”).

Running a herbal business can provide benefit to other people, to farmers,

traders, and communities in need, other than of course obtaining family livelihood

in order to achieve falah through hayyatan toyyiban. Because when using the

strong basic guidelines provided by Al Qur’an and As-Sunnah, various difficulties

whether in procurement of materials, operations, finances and marketing can be

mitigated with persistence and diligence, because such is the command of Allah

SWT.

Limitation and Recomendation

The qualitative approach used in this study give some limitations. First,

the in-depth interview and collecting supporting data takes a long time so it takes

up the available research time. As a result the number of informants has not

completely, already have to make a report. Second, the long time requirement

causes the determination of the day and the hour of the interview is not easy, must

adjust to the busyness of the entrepreneurs. This limitation gives less than

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maximum result, informant only around Solo Raya. Therefore, further research is

needed to improve it, by adding informants from other regions in Central Java.

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