From Traits to Resilience: How Muslim Entrepreneurs Thrive in Times of Crisis

During the COVID-19, Muslim entrepreneurs had to adapt to remain resilient. These Muslim entrepreneurs can rely on entrepreneurial personality and skill traits to survive a crisis. This paper aims to expand the analysis of the several contributing factors to the resiliency of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) managed by Muslim entrepreneurs, as identified in various scholarly publications. Additionally, this study emphasises the significance of entrepreneurial personality and skill traits, investigates the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation on the link between entrepreneurial traits and SME resilience, and explores the moderating effects of Muslim religiosity. Furthermore, it delves into specific Islamic principles such as “ikhtiar” (effort) and “tawakkal” (reliance on God), which contribute to the resilience of Muslim entrepreneurs. This study centres on Muslim business owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in West Sumatra. The final sample obtained was 452 Muslim entrepreneurs. This research was conducted in 2021, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate that entrepreneurial traits influence the resiliency of Muslim entrepreneurs in two distinct ways: directly and indirectly via entrepreneurial orientation. This research advances the entrepreneurial literature in three ways. First, research on entrepreneurial resilience is extended, considering the different dimensions of entrepreneurial personality and traits (negotiation skills, risk-taking, optimism, locus of control, and need for achievement). Second, this study explores the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between entrepreneurial personality and skill traits toward entrepreneurial resilience. Finally, this study specifically discusses Muslim entrepreneurs as research respondents.