Quran Verses for a New Business, Shop or Office

Opening a shop, signing the lease on an office, launching a clinic or a company: these are moments when Muslims ask for blessing, and often mark the day with a verse on the wall. A verse in a workplace is not a charm for profit. It is a statement of who the owner relies on, and a daily reminder of how the business should be run.

Honest trade comes first

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The truthful, trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful and the martyrs” (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1209). Any verse on the wall of a business is best understood in that light.

1. Masha'Allah, la quwwata illa billah

“And why did you, when you entered your garden, not say, 'What Allah willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allah '? Although you see me less than you in wealth and children,” (Al-Kahf 18:39)

In the story of the two gardens, this is what the owner should have said on entering his property: what Allah has willed; there is no power except with Allah. It is the natural phrase for an entrance, acknowledging that whatever has been built is a gift. See the Masha'Allah emerald and gold canvas, the crimson version and the verse page.

2. Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah

“He said, "O my people, have you considered: if I am upon clear evidence from my Lord and He has provided me with a good provision from Him...? And I do not intend to differ from you in that which I have forbidden you; I only intend reform as much as I am able. And my success is not but through Allah. Upon him I have relied, and to Him I return.” (Hud 11:88)

The prophet Shu'ayb, peace be upon him, says this while urging his people to give full measure and deal fairly. “My success is only through Allah” is therefore a merchant's verse in its very setting. It suits the wall behind a desk or counter. Read the verse.

3. Wa man yatawakkal alallahi fahuwa hasbuh

“And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (At-Talaq 65:3)

A verse about provision from where one does not expect it, and about trusting Allah with the outcome. It is a comfort in the uncertain first years of any venture. Read the verse, and see five verses about trusting Allah.

4. Nasrun minallahi wa fathun qarib

“And [you will obtain] another [favor] that you love - victory from Allah and an imminent conquest; and give good tidings to the believers.” (As-Saff 61:13)

“Help from Allah and a near opening.” The verse was addressed to the believers about the success of their cause, and it has long been written over doorways and gates across the Muslim world. Displayed in a business, it is a prayer for help. Read the verse.

5. Inna fatahna laka fathan mubina

“Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear conquest” (Al-Fath 48:1)

The opening of Surah Al-Fath was revealed to the Prophet ﷺ after the treaty of Hudaybiyyah. It is widely displayed at openings and inaugurations because of the word fath, opening. It is good to know its original context when choosing it. Read the verse.

Other good choices

• Bismillah, with which every task begins.
• Rabbi zidni ilma, for schools, clinics, studios and any place of learning.
• Surah Al-Asr, about the value of time.

Displaying a verse at work

• Choose a dignified wall. Reception, the wall behind the main desk, or a meeting room. Keep it above eye level and away from clutter, price lists and advertising.
• Think about what happens in the room. A verse should not hang where music plays, where people smoke, or near washrooms. If a space is unsuitable, a phrase such as Masha'Allah at the entrance may be the better choice. The guide to hanging Quran verses with respect sets out what scholars have said.
• Keep it professional. Clear script, a restrained palette and a good frame suit a workplace. See the guide to Islamic wall art for the office.
• Size it for distance. Offices and shops are larger than living rooms. Choose bold lettering that reads from the door.

As a gift for someone else's opening

A framed verse is one of the most appreciated gifts for a new business, far more lasting than flowers. Ask about the wall and the colours of the interior first. Browse calligraphy for the office, or commission a piece with the business's opening date through the custom artwork process.

Sources

• Quran translation: Saheeh International, as shown in the InkByHand Verse Library.
• Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1209, graded hasan by at-Tirmidhi; some later scholars consider its chain weak.