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Why the "Wasabih" name?

“…We have made you [believers] an upright1 community…”

For those who are just discovering, Wasabih is an online community for professionals and organizations in the global Halal Economy.

As a Muslim, I always believe that in life, in any relationship, any business, one should follow the principles of equilibrium, fairness, balance, sustainability, and never go to an extreme.

The Islamic faith, like other beliefs, teaches about the importance of being fair, “just,” and “median.”

I got inspired by a well-known verse in the Qur’an that states the following:

“And so We have made you [believers] an upright¹ community so that you may be witnesses over humanity and that the Messenger may be a witness over you.“

¹ i.e., moderate, balanced, and outstanding.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran (translation)

The word “Wasatan” here is translated as “upright,” as in moderate and balanced. That is where the WASA of Wasabih got its essence. We aim to create a business community where relationships are balanced, where people can do business with respect to the ethical and universal teachings of Islam that are accepted and followed by Muslims and non-Muslims who hold an interest in doing business in the Halal Economy.

One important aspect of the verse above mentions “ummatan” (a community). Yes, Wasabih is a community.

Now, what are the letters “BIH”? It is straightforward: Business, Islam, Halal. The purpose of Wasabih is to enable business with Islamic universal values, focusing on the Halal Economy.

Why does it sound like the Japanese “Wasabi”?

That was the other part of the intended outcome. I wanted the name to sound easy to remember but also exotic, with a subtle connection to the Arabic language, to remind people that Islam is not only for Arabs but goes far beyond. In this case, it reaches all the way to the Far East, Japan.

It is well-known that some of the most prominent Muslim scholars and inventors were not Arabs (e.g., Al-Bukhâri, Umar Khayyâm). Islam is universal and open to anyone who seeks to find a path to his/her Lord. Historically, Muslims have also been true business people, traveling across the world. This is how many people built strong relationships with them, and some even decided to join Islam after interacting with Muslim business travelers (e.g., Indonesia).

Back to Japan—“Wasabi” refers to one of the most well-known condiments served with Japanese cuisine, most commonly with sushi. I learned to appreciate sushi and admire Japan’s ancient culture.

One morning…

Up until then, I was sharing the idea of the name with the pronunciation of “wasabi” (without the “h”) to make it sound Japanese. Some non-Arab speakers might naturally omit the “h” when pronouncing it.

I woke up one morning, still trying to find a good and unique name that would make sense for professionals worldwide who are building the Halal Economy. Then, for a reason I still don’t know, my mind turned to the Arabic word “وَسَبِّحْ”—a word mentioned several times in the Qur’an. Yes! We had our name! Let me explain why.

“Wa sabbih” means “And glorify (Him [Allah])” or “And exalt (Him with praise).” This powerful expression appears in many verses of the Qur’an (the Islamic Holy Book), calling believers to glorify their Lord.

Below are the occurrences of this expression (highlighted) that I have found in the Qur’an.

قَالَ رَبِّ ٱجْعَل لِّىٓ ءَايَةًۭ ۖ قَالَ ءَايَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ ٱلنَّاسَ ثَلَـٰثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلَّا رَمْزًۭا ۗ وَٱذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًۭا وَسَبِّحْ بِٱلْعَشِىِّ وَٱلْإِبْكَـٰرِ

Surah Al-Imran, verse 41

“He said, My Lord, make for me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you will not [be able to] speak to the people for three days except by gesture. And remember your Lord much and exalt [Him with praise] in the evening and the morning.”

Saheeh International (translation)

وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱلْحَىِّ ٱلَّذِى لَا يَمُوتُ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِهِۦ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِهِۦ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِۦ خَبِيرًا

Surah Al-Furqan, verse 58

“And rely upon the Ever-Living who does not die, and exalt [Allah] with His praise. And sufficient is He to be, with the sins of His servants, [fully] Aware”

Saheeh International (translation)

فَٱصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّۭ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنۢبِكَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْعَشِىِّ وَٱلْإِبْكَـٰرِ

Surah Ghafir, verse 55

“So be patient, [O Muḥammad]. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And ask forgiveness for your sin1 and exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord in the evening and the morning.”

Saheeh International (translation)

وَٱصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ فَإِنَّكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا ۖ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ حِينَ تَقُومُ

Surah At-Tur, verse 48

“And be patient, [O Muḥammad], for the decision of your Lord, for indeed, you are in Our eyes [i.e., sight]. And exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord when you arise”

Saheeh International (translation)

But wait, is Wasabih only for Muslims?

No.

Wasabih is a professional community platform for all individuals who have an interest in the Halal Economy, a multi-trillion-dollar industry. I’m still amazed when I see some Muslims surprised when I explain that, at the world’s largest Halal trade show organized in Malaysia, 80% of the exhibiting companies are non-Muslim-owned.

For me, this is just logical and fair. The Halal industry is an industry like any other. Of course, it has its own defining rules and regulations, but as long as those rules are met, it is an open market—and it’s growing.

I also want to make a point here, especially for Muslims, but for everyone reading: Wasabih is not an “Islamic” community. It is for all professionals, regardless of their belief system, as long as we help each other succeed and respect the community rules. This principle is common to any online community.

Join the Professional Community for the Halal Economy!

If you are a leader or player in the industry, have an interest or are just curious about the Halal Economy, we want to explore synergies on how to make this community beneficial for your business.

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