Something To Think About - 04

Richest Muslim Entrepreneurs of the World.

In his article on How a Muslim Billionaire Thrives in Hindu India, Yaroslav Tromifov (Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2007; Page A1) provides the following table which gives a list of the world's richest Muslim entrepreneurs.

















It makes for some very interesting reading.


According to Wikipedia, the countries with the largest Muslim populations are:
Indonesia - 207 million, Pakistan - 160 million, India - 151 million, Bangla Desh - 135 million, Egypt - 75 million, Turkey - 70 million, Nigeria - 67 million, Iran - 64 million.


Isn't it interesting and significant that out of these 8 countries only India finds a place in the WSJ table of Muslim multi-billionaires given above? In fact India not only finds a place but tops the list. Not a single Muslim country with 50-million-plus Muslim population has a place in this table. Strangely, Russia with about 20 million Muslims fills the second and sixth places out of eight. Only Saudi Arabia (27 million), UAE (3 million) and Kuwait (2 million) fill the remaining 5 places. How about France (4.4 million), Germany (3.2 million), USA (3 million), UK (1.6 million), Netherlands, Spain and Italy (with just short of 1 million Muslims each)? Advanced countries? Developed countries? Secular nations? Equal-opportunity countries? Why not a single one of them with a Muslim multi-billionaire in the table above?


Way back in Februay 13, 1994, The Times of India published an article Secular Success of Muslim Business. (http://www.swaminomics.org/articles/19940213_muslimbusiness.htm). The very first paragraph reads as follows: "Many readers heard of Cipla, the pharmaceutical company, when its share price recently hit Rs 35, 000, making it the priciest stock in India. But relatively few readers know that Cipla is owned by a Muslim, Mr. Yusuf Hamied. It is good that Cipla is viewed in secular rather than communal terms. But it is also important to scotch notions that discrimination against Muslims in India makes it impossible for them to succeed in business. An increasing number of Muslim entrepreneurs are rising towards the top of the business ladder."


Then it goes on to list a few of those Muslim entrepreneurs -- of course Wipro of Azim Premjee followed by East-West Airlines, the biggest air taxi operator, run by the Wahid family; Wockhardt, a fast-growing drug company about to make a Euro issue, run by the Khorakiwalas, better known for owning the Akbarally store in Bombay; The Al-Kabeer group run by the Allana family. There are controversies and communal tension every time it sets up a slaughterhouse. But it is by no means confined to meat. It is one of the five top export houses (exports exceed Rs 300 crore), and has in some years been the second biggest coffee exporter; Himalaya Drug, run by the Malans, is the biggest producer and exporter of ayurvedic drugs; Patel Roadways is one of the-top transport companies; Lokhandwala, who has lent his name to a gigantic Bombay" colony, is one of India's biggest builders.


The article ends with the words: "I think it important to publicise the outstanding success of the Premjis, Khorakiwalas and Hamieds. Above all I think we need to publicise the success of Himalaya Drug in becoming the top ayurvedic producer and exporter, a classic example of secular commerce crossing religious lines. For Muslims, this is a symbol of hope. For secular Hindus it is a matter of pride."


To repeat a statement from the above report, just as a reiteration, "it is also important to scotch notions that discrimination against Muslims in India makes it impossible for them to succeed in business". Azim Premji also has made this point in his interview. While India's Muslim groups complain about facing daily discrimination, Mr. Premji says the only time he has been singled out because of his Muslim heritage wasn't in India but at a U.S. airport shortly after 9/11. In doing business in India, he maintains, "I don't think being a Muslim or being a non-Muslim has been an advantage or disadvantage. It's just been based on the merits of the opportunities."


Isn't it a fact that India has provided an environment for anybody to thrive, irrespective of caste, creed, race, religion, or whatever? It is something to think about.


Let us see some other aspects in subsequent post(s).