Historically, investors have been primarily driven by profit, seeking opportunities that maximize returns. However, as the world faces the consequences of excessive consumerism, unethical practices, and environmental degradation—issues often fueled by capital—there is a growing awareness of the broader impact of investment decisions. Today, the concept of ethical investing has gained unprecedented importance. Investors are increasingly recognizing that their financial choices are not solely about personal wealth but also about shaping a more sustainable and responsible future.
Large institutions, such as the United Nations, have responded to these concerns by introducing frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guide global efforts to combat climate change, reduce inequality, and promote environmental conservation. In tandem, the rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria has provided a structured approach to measuring the ethical behavior of companies. ESG ratings now play a crucial role in helping investors make decisions based on a company’s commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical governance.
However, while these frameworks set a baseline for responsible investing, many investors go beyond these institutional standards, assessing companies based on personal or faith-based principles. For example, some focus on businesses that align with their religious beliefs, such as Shariah-compliant investments in the Muslim world, or support movements like Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), which protest companies benefiting from the occupation of Palestine.
The definition of “ethical” can therefore vary significantly from one investor to another. For some, it means supporting companies that prioritize renewable energy and environmental conservation. Others may focus on businesses that promote social justice, strong corporate governance, or spiritual values. Many also link ethical investing to their faith, aligning their investments with religious principles. Despite these differences, the common thread is a shared desire to combine financial success with positive societal outcomes. Ethical investors believe that profits and principles can coexist, creating opportunities for both financial growth and meaningful impact.
But what has driven this rapid rise in ethical investing? Why are more people now considering the broader consequences of their investments, and why are major institutions like the United Nations placing increased emphasis on ethical investments? This shift is not just a passing trend—it reflects a deeper understanding of how capital shapes the world we live in. In this article, we explore the reasons behind the growing momentum of ethical investing and why it has become an essential consideration for investors who seek both financial returns and positive societal change.
The Environmental Crisis: A Call for Sustainable Investing
Environmental degradation has become a pressing issue on a global scale. Decades of reliance on fossil fuels, industrial waste, and deforestation have led to rising global temperatures, extreme weather patterns, and the destruction of ecosystems. In this context, ethical investing has emerged as a way to address the environmental crisis through capital allocation.
Today, more investors are channeling their funds into companies that focus on sustainability. This includes businesses involved in renewable energy, eco-friendly technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices. Investors are realizing that supporting these companies can help reduce the carbon footprint and foster a shift toward greener economies. This is especially important as more countries and industries are committing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on fighting climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Ethical investors are also increasingly aware that investing in industries like oil and gas, or companies that engage in environmentally harmful practices, may yield short-term profits but contribute to long-term harm. By focusing on environmentally responsible investments, these investors are actively participating in building a more sustainable world.
Corporate Influence on Society: A Need for Ethical Accountability
Beyond environmental concerns, ethical investing increasingly addresses the significant influence corporations have on society. Many now recognize how businesses—particularly in entertainment, technology, and consumer goods—shape behaviors, especially among younger generations.
Today’s youth are bombarded with content from various media platforms, often encountering messages that prioritize profit over well-being. This exposure can lead to harmful effects, such as the normalization of violence in video games and the glamorization of unhealthy lifestyles. Such content contributes to deteriorating values and mental health issues among young people.
In response, ethical investors are supporting companies that promote positive social change. They favor businesses that prioritize mental well-being, responsible advertising, and products that benefit society. By backing these companies, investors send a strong message that they reject practices undermining societal values for the sake of profit. This shift encourages corporations to adopt more responsible practices and fosters a marketplace where ethical standards are increasingly recognized and valued.
The Power of Social Justice: Investing for a Better Society
The growing emphasis on social justice is another key driver behind the ethical investing movement. Issues such as income inequality, racial discrimination, and gender inequality have prompted many investors to rethink how their capital is used. Ethical investing allows individuals to support companies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as those that provide fair labor practices and contribute to communities in need.
For example, companies that actively promote gender equality in the workplace or that work to bridge the wealth gap are becoming more attractive to socially conscious investors. By choosing to invest in such businesses, investors can contribute to creating a more just and equitable world.
Furthermore, corporate governance—how companies are run, the transparency they provide, and their accountability to stakeholders—has become a critical factor for ethical investors. More people are demanding that businesses not only follow legal regulations but also operate with integrity, transparency, and a sense of social responsibility.
Muslims Supporting Their Own: Strengthening the Community Through Ethical Investments
In the Muslim world, ethical investing has taken on additional layers of significance. As awareness grows, many Muslims are realizing the importance of supporting businesses and startups within their own community that focus on addressing the challenges faced by Muslim communities worldwide.
Historically, some companies have profited from the exploitation of some particular communities or from producing products that go against Islamic values. The realization that financial support for these companies ultimately fuels their harmful practices has led many Muslims to rethink their investment strategies.
One prominent example is the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which calls for the boycott of companies that support or benefit from some particular state’s occupation of Muslim Lands. Many Muslim investors have increasingly supported this movement, divesting from businesses that profit from the oppression of Muslims and instead backing companies that align with Islamic principles. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of the collective power of Muslim capital and the need to invest in initiatives that support the global Ummah. In fact, some big companies that were supporting the oppressing state have incurred significant losses signifying the power of this movement.
Muslim investors like the community of HASAN.VC are now more focused on creating an ecosystem of companies that provide ethical alternatives to products produced by companies supporting oppressing state’s agendas or those that contribute to the cultural and economic oppression of Muslim communities. This includes investing in businesses that offer halal products, Islamic financial services, and solutions that directly address the needs of Muslim populations.
This inward focus is not just about avoiding harmful companies; it’s about building up Muslim entrepreneurs and innovators who can offer alternative products and services. By fostering these businesses, Muslim investors are contributing to the development of a more self-sufficient and resilient Muslim economy, capable of addressing its own issues and upholding Islamic ethical standards.
Conclusion: The Future of Ethical Investing
The moment to embrace ethical investing has never been more critical. As global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and corporate misconduct intensify, investors increasingly recognize that their financial choices can drive meaningful change. Ethical investing allows individuals to align their portfolios with their values, ensuring that their capital supports businesses that promote sustainability, social justice, and ethical practices.
One key reason for this urgency is the environmental crisis. With the planet facing unprecedented threats from pollution and resource depletion, investors are stepping up to support companies committed to renewable energy and sustainable practices. This shift not only addresses the immediate challenges of climate change but also fosters a more resilient economy for future generations.
Moreover, the corporate influence on society has come under scrutiny. With youth exposed to harmful content from various media, ethical investors are prioritizing companies that champion mental well-being and responsible advertising. By backing these businesses, investors contribute to a cultural shift that values positive societal impact over mere profit.
The growing emphasis on social justice further underscores the importance of ethical investing. Investors are increasingly drawn to companies that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that financial support can drive systemic change. By choosing to invest in businesses that uphold these values, individuals actively participate in creating a more just society.
For the Muslim community, ethical investing holds additional significance. By focusing on businesses that align with Islamic values, investors can empower Muslim entrepreneurs and support halal startups that address community needs. Initiatives like the BDS movement reflect a broader commitment to divesting from companies that perpetuate harm and instead investing in those that uplift the Ummah.
Joining the HASAN.VC community is an excellent way to be part of this transformative movement. As angel investors within HASAN.VC, you will support ethical alternatives and empower Muslim entrepreneurs who are poised to drive the future of Muslim communities. Together, we can harness the power of our investments to create a lasting positive impact on society. Now is the time to align your financial success with a purpose that truly matters— Join us in building a better tomorrow.
