I’m Ikhlas, a Tunisian woman who…
…left home in 2007 with a suitcase full of hope, excitement and a deep belief in the power of knowledge. But I also had deep in my heart many anxious thoughts about my future. My journey took me through France, where I earned an engineering degree in telecommunication systems and later completed a PhD in navigation systems. Going through divorce later added to my anxious thoughts about the future, but also strengthened my self confidence. Finally, a new chapter came when I was led to Switzerland in 2022 working for a Swiss company. This journey taught it me that knowledge is both a lifelong responsibility and the foundation of financial independence.
I finally felt at peace when I understood that financial stability and growth is not just about numbers, but about balance of preparing for tomorrow while fully living today. As a Muslim woman navigating dunya with purpose, I believe that aligning faith, finances, and personal growth is the most powerful form of wealth.
If you had to choose one word to describe your money journey with the HIF community, what would it be & why?
Blessing.
When I first met Selvie, I had been in Switzerland for a year and a half and was struggling to understand the Swiss financial and pension system. At work, many colleagues (mostly men) talked confidently about their investments and portfolio strategies. I knew I needed to start investing for financial security, but I had no idea where to begin and I couldn’t simply copy their strategies because they weren’t halal.
I followed Malak Kudaimi’s teachings on Instagram, but she wasn’t familiar with the Swiss system and didn’t offer solutions for Muslims in Switzerland. After asking around with no success, I felt desperate. Then I met Selvie at an iftar organized by HIF and Islamic Relief, an event I wasn’t even supposed to attend! I truly believe Allah brought me there to find the answers I needed. Alhamdulillah so I feel blessed and grateful for my journey with HIF.
What’s one cultural or family belief about money you had to unlearn?
Increasing wealth is only done by saving.
Let’s talk about your first halal and ethical investment – when was it and how did it feel?
In 2023, I started my Pillar 3a investment using Malak Kudaimi’s coaching to build a finpension portfolio while minimizing non-halal or doubtful elements.
You’ve appeared on our Amal Invest Live and you’re an active part of the HIF ethical delegation, masha Allah. What does “ethical investing” look like in your day-to-day decisions?
I personally believe that as Muslims we should use all our resources to fight injustice and stand by the oppressed. These principles are, for me, the heart of Islamic teachings. And so these principles should rule our daily life and apply to how we use our money on all occasions including long or short-term investments. I’m grateful to HIF for allowing me to contribute to promoting ethical investing within our community.
After completing the Literacy & Investing programs, what’s one practical tool or concept from HIF that changed the way you manage your money?
Automating my monthly bills. It saves time and helps me clearly see my spending and investment potential.
Investing is important, but what’s one thing you’ll happily spend on guilt-free?
Honestly, many things 😀. Balance is essential: planning for our future, but so is fully living in the moment. If I had to choose one guilt-free category, it’s acquiring knowledge through training, books or travel. Knowledge is, in my opinion, a lifelong priority for Muslims in dunia.
Is there a Quranic verse or hadith about money/wealth that inspires you?
Surat Al-Baqarah, which reminds us of the importance of keeping our money and investments halal.
“O believers! Fear Allah, and give up outstanding interest if you are ‘true’ believers. If you do not, then beware of a war with Allah and His Messenger! But if you repent, you may retain your principal – neither inflicting nor suffering harm” (2:278-279)
If you could give one piece of advice to a sister thinking about getting started with investing or joining a HIF program, what would it be? Would you recommend the course to her?
Take the first step: start learning how to better manage your finances. Everything becomes clearer once you apply what you learn. Joining HIF gives you both the knowledge and the supportive community of like-minded sisters that makes the wealth-building journey blessed and joyful.
What’s your next big money or impact goal?
I recently opened an account with Alternative Swiss Bank, which seems to be the most ethical bank in Switzerland. My next step is to transfer my personal bank account (my least ethical financial decision back when I knew very little) to my new one.
Where can sisters connect with you online?
Ready to Start?
We created the Her Investing Program so you never have to walk this journey alone. With sisterhood, halal guidance, and real-world tools, you’ll feel confident investing your money with purpose and barakah.
Her Islamic Finance is your Swiss-based Finance Educator taking Muslimah’s all over the world through Financial Literacy – Investing – Leaving Their Legacy. Read the 5-star Reviews of our Thriving Community here.