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What happens when faith meets fintech? When a simple act of giving becomes nearly impossible—because the banks won’t help—what do you do?
We sit with Harimann Hayak, Founder of Giving Fridays, a visionary who didn’t wait for permission. After years in the corporate world, he took on a mission that no bank, no tech giant, and no government had solved: building a digital donation system for mosques—from the ground up.
From battling regulations and failed consultants… to getting life-changing advice from a retired Attorney General… to creating a platform that’s now used across communities—his journey is anything but typical.
And now? He’s not stopping at Singapore. Regional expansion is on the horizon.
We dive into:
🔹 Why banks can’t handle Friday donations the way the Muslim community needs
🔹 The emotional and spiritual weight of managing sacred trust (amanah) in a digital world
🔹 How he used corporate experience to solve a community crisis
🔹 His bold vision: an entire ecosystem for mosques—powered by tech, guided by faith
🔹 And a sneak peek at how AI Ustaz could change religious guidance forever
He’s not just building an app. He’s redefining how faith communities sustain themselves in the digital age.
What We Discuss:
- 02:23 Introduction
- 04:59 What is Giving Friday?
- 16:12 The Business Model of Giving Friday
- 21:01 Deciding to Expand the Business
- 32:07 Balancing Business and Spirituality
- 36:08 The Importance of Learning and Adapting
- 40:56 Advice for Mature Entrepreneurs
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