21 Business Ideas For Muslims [2024]
Starting a business as a Muslim in 2024 presents unique and rewarding opportunities that align with Islamic principles. Whether you are looking to solve a problem in your community or capitalize on a market niche, there are numerous avenues you could explore. Approaching this with the right mindset and strategy can make a significant difference.
You could consider ventures that focus on halal products, ethical finance, or community building activities. The demand for halal and ethical goods continues to grow, offering a reliable market base. Additionally, there are tech-related opportunities that could cater to specific needs within the Muslim community, from mobile apps to educational platforms.
By leveraging your skills and adhering to your values, you could create a business that is both profitable and fulfilling. This article will explore various business ideas that you could consider to help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Stay tuned as we delve into opportunities that could make a lasting impact.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other muslim businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
Starting an ecommerce store as a Muslim entrepreneur is a feasible and rewarding way to supplement your income or even build an entirely new business. The modern ecommerce ecosystem allows you to cater to a global audience while maintaining low overhead costs, which is particularly advantageous in uncertain economic times. Plus, you can align your products with Halal principles, offering permissible goods to a broad market.
The convenience of ecommerce means you could manage your store from almost anywhere, giving you the flexibility to balance business with religious and personal commitments. By setting up an ecommerce website, you could easily reach Muslims around the world, filling a niche that big retailers often overlook. Learn more about how to start an ecommerce store with these helpful tips.
Why start an ecommerce store?
- Lower costs and greater flexibility. Running an online store means you don’t need a physical storefront, reducing overhead expenses significantly.
- Reach a global audience. An ecommerce platform allows you to connect with Muslim consumers worldwide, offering products that adhere to Islamic guidelines.
- Flexibility to balance life and business. Ecommerce enables you to manage your business at your own pace, allowing for greater work-life balance.
You can explore more about starting a successful ecommerce store at Starter Story.
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
2. Start a social media marketing service ($100K/month)
Starting a social media marketing service is a promising venture, especially for Muslims seeking flexible work hours and scalable income opportunities. By helping businesses enhance their online presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, you could not only provide value to your clients but also uphold ethical business practices aligned with Islamic principles. This business demands a strong understanding of social media trends and marketing strategies, making it a viable option for those who wish to remain updated with the digital age.
Why consider starting a social media marketing service?
- You could enjoy the flexibility of setting your own work hours, allowing you to balance work and personal life.
- As businesses increasingly migrate online, your services could be in high demand, ensuring steady and scalable income.
- Helping businesses grow ethically aligns with Islamic values, creating a positive impact in your community.
For more insights on starting a social media marketing service, check out more success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
3. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)
Starting an online course business could be an excellent way for Muslims to supplement their income or even build a full-time venture. By identifying and filling educational gaps in topics you’re knowledgeable about, you could create digital classes and learning materials that attract students globally. This approach not only allows for flexible income opportunities but also aligns well with the values of sharing knowledge and empowering others through education.
Why create an online course?
- You could turn your expertise into a profitable business. By sharing what you know, you have the potential to generate passive income with relatively low startup costs.
- This venture allows for a global reach. You could educate and assist individuals around the world, breaking down geographic barriers.
- The flexibility is unmatched. You could work on your own schedule, which is particularly beneficial for balancing family and religious commitments.
For more insights, check out more on starting an online course business here.
How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
4. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)
Starting an Etsy seller business as a Muslim can be a fulfilling venture that allows you to supplement your income or create a side business. Etsy is an online marketplace where you could sell handmade goods, vintage items, or even art supplies, giving you the chance to showcase your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. With an Etsy account, a PayPal account, a product idea, and a visually appealing storefront, you could easily start building your brand and attracting new clients. For more insights, you can check out successful Etsy seller stories on Starter Story.
Why starting an Etsy seller business?
- You could express your creativity and culture by offering handmade or vintage items that reflect your unique background.
- It offers flexible working hours, allowing you to balance your business with other commitments like family or religious activities.
- Selling on Etsy provides an opportunity to reach a global audience, helping you share your products and traditions with the world.
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
5. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be a smart choice for Muslims looking to supplement their income or start a side business. With affiliate marketing, you earn a commission for promoting other companies' products and services, allowing you to generate passive income over time. This business model can be started with minimal investment, making it accessible for anyone looking to increase their financial stability while aligning with their values.
To begin, you need to choose the right products and brands to partner with, ensuring they align with ethical and Halal principles. Whether you prefer promoting products from an eCommerce store or partnering directly with manufacturers, there are abundant opportunities to make extra income through affiliate marketing. For more tips on how to get started, you can read this guide.
Why consider an affiliate marketing business?
- It offers a passive income stream. Once set up, affiliate marketing can continue to generate income with minimal ongoing effort.
- Low initial investment is required. Affiliate marketing has low startup costs, making it accessible to a wide range of entrepreneurs.
- It aligns with ethical values. You have the ability to choose and promote products that align with Islamic principles.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
6. Start an online food business ($336K/month)
Starting an online food business can be a rewarding and lucrative venture, particularly for Muslims eager to marry their culinary passions with entrepreneurial pursuits. This business model allows you to cater to diverse dietary needs, including halal, while building a brand that resonates with both faith-based and mainstream audiences. By tapping into the demand for convenient, nutritious, and delicious meals, you have the potential to supplement your income or even turn this side hustle into a full-fledged business.
Why starting an online food business?
- You could offer halal options and cater to a growing, underserved market.
- This venture lets you make a positive impact, providing healthy and convenient meals to busy families and professionals.
- The online nature of the business provides flexibility, allowing you to balance work, family, and religious commitments efficiently.
For more information on starting an online food business, you can check out this guide from Starter Story.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
7. Start a digital marketing business ($119K/month)
Starting a digital marketing business can be an excellent way to supplement your income, especially as a Muslim. It offers you the flexibility to work with various clients from local to international, potentially opening doors around the world. With the ever-evolving nature of the digital landscape, there’s always something new to learn, making it an exciting and viable option for career growth.
For those looking to begin, it’s essential to first educate yourself on how digital marketing agencies operate, and then focus on honing your digital skills through online courses. Discovering a specific digital marketing niche can help you stand out and better serve the audience interested in your services, helping you to build a unique brand. For more details on how to start a digital marketing business, you can visit Starter Story’s guide.
Why consider starting a digital marketing business?
- It provides flexibility and can be managed alongside other commitments, allowing you to balance work and deen (faith).
- You could serve a diverse range of clients, expanding your professional network and potential for income.
- The low initial investment required makes it accessible, allowing you to start small and scale up as you grow your client base.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
8. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)
Starting an online retail store is a practical and flexible business venture for Muslims seeking to supplement their income. With just a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service, you could effortlessly set up shop from the comfort of your own home. The online retail space offers the option to either source products through drop shipping or sell your self-made items, allowing you to tailor your business according to Islamic principles and ethics.
Why start an online retail store? - You could create a business that aligns with Islamic values by carefully selecting halal products. - Operating an online store allows for flexible working hours, making it easier to balance business with family and religious obligations. - By serving the needs of the Muslim community, you could tap into a niche market with significant growth potential.
To learn more about the profitability and success stories of online retail stores, check out Starter Story's link.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
9. Start an ecommerce retailing business ($482K/month)
Starting an ecommerce retailing business can be your gateway to the vast online market. At its core, this business involves selling products directly to consumers through an online store. Combine your passion for products with a user-friendly e-commerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, and you’re well on your way. The beauty of ecommerce is its flexibility—you could choose products that align with your interests or tap into trending consumer demands.
From setting up a professional website to managing inventory and handling marketing strategies, expect to wear many hats. Yet, the rewards are compelling: a global customer base, potential for scaling, and control over your brand. If you’re eager to blend creativity with commerce, ecommerce retailing offers a promising avenue to explore. Dive in to create your own online retail empire. Learn more about ecommerce retailing business ideas.
Why consider starting an ecommerce retailing business?
- You could reach a global audience, allowing you to connect with customers beyond your local community.
- The business model is highly scalable, offering opportunities for growth and expansion over time.
- You could tailor your product offerings to match your values and interests, aligning your business with Halal principles.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.
10. Start a women's clothing line ($79.8K/month)
Starting a women’s clothing line is an exciting avenue for entrepreneurial Muslims. With minimal financial requirements and no need for extensive experience, you could channel your passion for fashion into a profitable venture. Focus on offering stylish yet modest apparel, aligning with Islamic values, and tapping into the growing market for modest fashion.
As trends evolve, the demand for new and innovative designs will always provide opportunities. The key is to stay updated with the trends and continuously offer fresh styles that appeal to a broad audience.
Why start a women’s clothing line?
- You could meet the growing demand for modest fashion, catering to Muslim women seeking trendy yet modest clothing.
- Owning a clothing line allows you to express your creativity within the bounds of your faith, setting a strong example for others.
- As a business owner, you'd have the potential to generate a substantial income while promoting values you believe in.
For more information on starting a women's clothing line, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $500 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
11. Start a fashion design business ($101K/month)
Starting a fashion design business could be a rewarding endeavor for Muslims, as it allows for the expression of creativity while adhering to cultural and religious values. This venture involves creating original clothing and accessories, which provides a platform to incorporate modest fashion trends that align with Islamic principles.
The fashion industry offers significant growth opportunities, with the potential to start small and expand as you gain traction. Additionally, this business could focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices, resonating with the ethical standards of many Muslim entrepreneurs. For more detailed guidance on starting a fashion design business, you could explore various success stories and insights here.
Why starting a fashion design business?
- You could create clothing that adheres to Islamic principles while appealing to a wider market.
- The demand for modest and ethically-produced fashion is growing, offering significant opportunities.
- As a fashion designer, you have the creative freedom to develop unique pieces that reflect your values.
How much you can make: $150 — $525,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Love Lorn Lingerie started as a side hustle and now generates $1.9k per month in revenue through Etsy and local events, with plans to expand into wholesale and increase marketing efforts to eventually replace the founder's day job.
12. Become a fashion designer ($71.5K/month)
As a Muslim, becoming a fashion designer offers an exciting opportunity to merge creativity with cultural values. By designing attire that aligns with Islamic principles, such as modesty in clothing, you could cater to a niche market that is growing globally. Also, with the rise of e-commerce, you have a broader reach to share your unique designs with a wide audience.
Check out successful stories of Muslim fashion designers to see how others have navigated this journey.
Why consider becoming a fashion designer?
- You could create fashion that aligns with Islamic values, addressing a growing demand for modest clothing.
- Designing clothes allows you to express your creativity and cultural heritage.
- The fashion industry offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial growth through e-commerce and social media.
How much you can make: $100 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,850 (?)
How long does it take to build: 82 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
13. Start a skin care product line ($121K/month)
Starting a skincare product line could be a compelling business opportunity for Muslims looking to supplement their income or establish a side business. The skincare industry, valued at 130 billion USD in 2021, is growing rapidly and offers ample room for new entrants who are willing to innovate and ensure the safety and effectiveness of their products. This business idea allows you to align your entrepreneurial aspirations with your faith by focusing on halal and ethically sourced ingredients that resonate with Muslim consumers.
Why consider starting a skincare product line?
- The skincare industry is booming with a projected annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030, providing a lucrative opportunity.
- You could cater specifically to the Muslim market by offering halal-certified skincare products, filling a niche need.
- This business allows you to exercise creativity and innovation in developing products that are both ethical and effective.
For more insights, you can explore additional resources on how to start your skin care line.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
14. Start a beauty business ($154K/month)
Starting a beauty business could be an excellent venture for a Muslim entrepreneur, given the industry's robust growth and wide range of opportunities. With the beauty industry valued at $511 billion in 2021 and projected to exceed $716 billion by 2025, diving into sectors like makeup, skincare, or hair products could offer substantial financial returns. Establishing a halal beauty brand can cater to a niche market, fulfilling the community's demand for Sharia-compliant products while fostering an ethical business model.
Why consider a beauty business?
- The industry is growing rapidly, offering numerous avenues for profit and sustained growth.
- You have the chance to create halal beauty products, fulfilling a unique market need within the Muslim community.
- Combining business with ethical practices can attract loyal customers who value Sharia-compliant products.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $658,333/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.
15. Start a natural beauty product business ($66.8K/month)
Starting a natural beauty product business aligns well with Islamic values, as it allows you to promote halal and wholesome products that are free from harmful chemicals. It is an industry witnessing substantial growth—the global natural skin care products market was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021—which indicates a rising consumer preference for natural and ethical choices. By using natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, and cocoa butter, you could provide effective and safe beauty solutions that cater to the needs of conscious consumers.
Why start a natural beauty product business?
- It aligns with Islamic principles, offering halal and ethical products that respect health and well-being.
- The demand for natural beauty products is growing, presenting strong market potential for profitability.
- You could contribute positively to the community by providing toxin-free and eco-friendly beauty options.
For more insights and tips on starting your own natural beauty product business, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $300 — $658,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
16. Become a massage therapist ($87.2K/month)
Starting a massage therapy business could be a fulfilling and lucrative opportunity for Muslims looking to supplement their income or even start a new career. As massage therapy is a growing industry, you could easily start your own independent operation from home or rent a studio on an hourly basis. This profession allows you to offer essential and much-needed services to your community while creating a flexible work schedule that aligns with your personal and religious commitments.
By leveraging core business skills, you could turn your massage therapy practice into a thriving business. For further insights on becoming a massage therapist, consider visiting Starter Story's massage therapist success stories.
Why becoming a massage therapist?
- You could provide a valuable service that promotes health and well-being in your community.
- This profession offers flexibility, allowing you to manage your time and religious obligations effectively.
- Starting a massage therapy business requires relatively low startup costs compared to other ventures.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
17. Start an online t-shirt business ($86.2K/month)
Starting an online t-shirt business could be a unique and rewarding venture for entrepreneurial Muslims looking to supplement their income or establish a side business. With the ability to create and market customized Islamically inspired quotes, designs, and messages, this business offers a great opportunity to share your creativity while reaching a global audience. Launching an online t-shirt store may seem challenging, but plenty of resources and success stories, such as those on Starter Story, could provide valuable guidance and inspiration.
Why start an online t-shirt business?
- You could promote positive and meaningful messages reflective of Islamic values through your t-shirt designs.
- An online business model allows you to reach a broader audience without significant overhead costs.
- The flexibility of running an online store means you can balance your business with other personal and religious commitments.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $275,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
Texas-born apparel brand Tumbleweed TexStyles has grown to serve over 150 retailers throughout the southern United States, selling an estimated 90,000+ products yearly and making an annual $1.2m in sales, thanks to the founders' unique designs, focus on giving back to the education community and successful “guerilla marketing” tactics.
18. Start a fruits and vegetables wholesaling business
Starting a fruits and vegetables wholesaling business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time venture as a Muslim entrepreneur. This business ensures that fresh, healthy produce reaches communities and can align well with the values of providing good sustenance, supporting local farmers, and promoting ethical trade practices. With a growing focus on health and sustainability, a wholesaling business not only meets market demand but also supports a halal lifestyle by emphasizing wholesome and nutritious food options.
Why consider a fruits and vegetables wholesaling business?
- Potential to support local farmers, strengthening community bonds and promoting ethical practices.
- Provides a steady income stream by meeting the high demand for fresh, perishable produce.
- Offers a way to contribute to the health and well-being of your community by distributing quality, nutritious foods.
19. Start an online community ($22.7K/month)
Starting an online community could be an excellent way for Muslims to supplement their income and create a viable side business. This venture aligns well with the Islamic value of fostering community and sharing beneficial knowledge, and it can serve as a platform for connecting with others who share similar values and interests. By carefully curating content and engaging members, you could monetize your online community through different strategies such as selling products, promoting affiliate links, running ads, or charging for sponsored content.
For more detailed insights into building a profitable online community, consider checking out some success stories.
Why start an online community?
- Online communities harness the power of shared values, creating a strong sense of belonging and loyalty among members.
- You could monetize your platform through various channels, ranging from affiliate marketing to sponsored content.
- Building and nurturing a community aligns with the Islamic principle of fostering unity and sharing beneficial knowledge.
How much you can make: $100 — $162,620/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week
VC-turned-entrepreneur Phil Strazzulla, who previously built a successful b2b SaaS business, shares how he bootstrapped an online review site for HR software into a viable business with over $1k monthly revenues in just 3 months through organic search traffic growth and selling high intent leads.
20. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Launching a print-on-demand business can be a savvy and practical way for Muslims to supplement their income or start a side hustle that could eventually evolve into a full-time venture. This business model, which leverages dropshipping production and fulfillment services, allows you to create custom products without bearing the burden of upfront inventory costs. Entrpreneurial Muslims can design unique and trendy products that not only resonate with a global audience but also align with Islamic values, all while managing operations conveniently from home.
In leveraging online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, print-on-demand sellers gain access to a vast customer base with minimal startup costs. The flexibility to scale at your own pace and the potential to monetize your creativity make this an appealing opportunity. For more information on reaching profitability in print-on-demand, explore this Starter Story page.
Is print on demand right for you?
- You could focus on creating Islamic-themed designs, such as quotes from the Quran or inspirational messages, enabling you to share your faith.
- Low barriers to entry and minimal financial risk make it feasible even if you're just starting out.
- Running from home allows you to maintain a flexible schedule that fits around other commitments.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
21. Start a snow removal service
Starting a snow removal service could align well with your entrepreneurial goals as a Muslim. This business is scalable, has low overhead costs, and can generate significant income during the winter months. By offering snow plowing services to both residential and commercial customers, you could maintain a steady income while providing a valuable community service.
Why start a snow removal service?
- It offers high margins and low overhead costs, providing a good return on investment.
- As a seasonal business, it can supplement your income during winter months, allowing for flexibility the rest of the year.
- You could serve your community by ensuring safe passage during snowstorms, which aligns with Islamic values of helping others.
For more insights, check out these pages here and here.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
