Interview with Banker
1. Introduce yourself!
Sadiq Merchant, age 33
2. What is your current occupation and what does it involve?
I work as a securities trader with a major American investment bank. I help clients buy and sell their stocks and in the process generate revenues for my employer.
3. How does the Month of Ramadhan affect your current line of work?
It is always a challenge to fulfil the duties of Ramadhan whilst working in this hectic, fast-paced environment, but Alhamdolillah, having the right niyyat goes a long way towards focusing the mind. It enables me to deliver in terms of the quality of my work whilst also managing to develop spiritually during this time.
4. How do you adapt with having to fast while working under intense conditions? Any advise for those who are trying to do just that?
Be clear in your mind as to why your are fasting and what you are hoping to achieve out of this experience. Also to challenge yourself to be as normal as possible and to not let the quality of your work suffer just because you are fasting - God will help you in your endeavours Inshallah.
5. If Islamic Economics were implemented, would we have never been in this recession in the first place?
No comment
6. What are your plans for the future?
Looking to travel to Latin America after Ramadhan. Been working too hard – need a vacation!
And finally…what three things can you never live without?
Good food, the Sunday papers and long walks by the river
