My Ramadan Ethics as a Businesswoman

As we enter Ramadan with steady hearts and submission, I thought it is the right time to share with you how I have always gone about my faith and business. In fact, it is more than just this; I have made intentional choices that reflect how the business is done on the foundation of my ethics.

At thowby, every decision I make is guided by the same principles that guide my life: ethics, faith, quality, and care. These are not seasonal values for me—they are constants. And during Ramadan, they become even more intentional.

Starting My Business Journey at 53

I began this entrepreneurial journey at 53, an age when many people are planning retirement, slowing down, or stepping away from ambition. After a fulfilling and successful career, I chose instead to begin again. Not because I had to, but because I believed there was still more in me to build.

Starting from scratch in my fifties as a Muslim businesswoman was not the conventional route. There were no shortcuts, no ready-made systems, no overnight success stories.

I immersed myself in every process—from understanding fabrics and craftsmanship to operations, logistics, marketing, customer conversations, and quality control. I learned everything hands-on. I wanted to know my business inside out because I believed that if I was going to build something, it had to be built on understanding, not assumption.

I had zero knowledge about social media but I started at 53 from scratch and I have come a long way. This is again a reflection of my ethics: to be myself fully, authentic. I did not borrow patterns from how people generally do business; I built my own pattern.

Building a Global Modest Fashion Brand on Ethics and Quality

Today, thowby stands proudly present in 28 countries. But growth has never been my only metric of success. Quality, integrity, and honesty were the backbone of it all.

Our clients return not because of marketing trends or passing hype, but because they trust us. They know we will never compromise on standards. They know that what we promise is what we deliver. And they know that behind the brand, there is a founder who listens.

The Human Touch in Leadership

I personally speak to clients. I take primary conversations. I resolve queries. I believe leadership is not about distancing yourself from the ground level, it is about staying connected to it.

In a world where founders are often encouraged to step away once the business grows, I choose the opposite. The human touch is not something I am willing to delegate.

Balancing Work and Life as a Woman Entrepreneur

There is a common belief that building a successful business requires sacrificing everything else—family dinners, personal health, sleep, self-care. That entrepreneurship demands exhaustion as proof of commitment. I have never agreed with that philosophy.

Yes, I give my work my full dedication. But I refuse to neglect the other parts of my life that matter:

• I carry nuts and dry fruits with me to avoid unhealthy snacking
• I stay hydrated and avoid excess sugar and junk
• I prioritize proper sleep
• I make time for walking and family dinners
• I show up for important moments
• I rest when I need to

Balance is not weakness. It is sustainability.

How I Approach Ramadan as a Businesswoman

Now, when Ramadan arrives, these principles become even more sacred.

Ramadan is a time of reflection, discipline, gratitude, and devotion. As a businesswoman, I do not allow work to overshadow my faith. Instead, I plan ahead.

Preparing for Ramadan in Business

Before the month begins, I work additional hours to complete as much as possible. I organize systems. I delegate wisely. I automate where necessary. Preparation allows me to observe the month with intention rather than stress.

During Ramadan, I continue working but with adjusted hours and mindful pacing. I ensure the workload is not overwhelming. I take care of my health, especially now in my 60s, so that I can observe my fast properly and dedicate time to worship and family.

The UAE's Support for Faith-Based Business Practices

What I deeply appreciate is the environment in the United Arab Emirates. The mandatory reduced working hours during Ramadan reflect an understanding of faith and well-being. There is a collective awareness that business may slow down—and that is acceptable. This cultural respect allows me to uphold my values seamlessly. It supports balance instead of burnout.

My Ramadan Business Ethics

For me, Ramadan ethics in business are simple:

• Plan with discipline
• Work with integrity
• Lead with compassion
• Protect your health
• Honor your faith
• Never compromise on quality

Lessons for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

Starting at 53 taught me that it is never too late to build something meaningful. Building thowby taught me that growth without ethics is empty. And Ramadan reminds me every year that success is not measured only in numbers, but in alignment between who you are, what you believe, and how you lead.

If my journey stands for anything, I hope it shows aspiring women entrepreneurs that ambition does not require abandoning yourself. You can build globally. You can lead boldly. You can start later than everyone else. You can scale across continents.

And you can still make time for your family dinner, your evening walk, and your prayer mat.

That, to me, is true success.

Yours Truly
Houda Abdul Rahman
Founder, thowby

Explore our collection of elegant abayas and modest fashion designed with the same care and ethics that guide everything we do.