OMAR MUSTAFA ANSARI
WHAT WAS YOUR EARLIEST AMBITION?
To be a professional footballer… Although I never pursued my ambition… And let me clarify… It was not for money as I did not know at that time that it had a hell of money involved. Actually, I loved playing it… Maybe if I knew, I would have followed it…
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
Reading. And reading freely, lying on the bed or a sofa. And with some snacks, or at times with a meal…
WHY ARE YOU INTO ISLAMIC FINANCE?
When I started my career as a Chartered Accountant, I realized that this field had lot of impermissible activities including interest, bribes, tax evasions and fraudulent financial reporting. To avoid it all, I decided to stick to one of the best professional firms (EY) and to start research and study on interest-free financing. This eventually led me to Islamic finance consulting and then resulted in my move to AAOIFI.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Reading, sports (table tennis, football and squash) and computer games.
WHICH MOVIE IS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE? (IF YOU WATCH MOVIES)
I can’t pick one.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR?
My two bosses and teachers at EY Pakistan, Mr. Ebrahim Sidat and Mr. M. Basheer Juma. Both of them are great professionals and great humans. Mr. Sidat is the finest professional I have met in my life with whom you learn at every step, while Mr. Juma is not only a good professional but also a great mentor (and author) on self, life and time management.
WHERE ARE YOU THE HAPPIEST?
Playing football, and playing with my children. Can’t decide for one.
“I decided to stick to one of the best professional firms (EY) and to start research and study on the interest-free financing.”
IF YOUR 15-YEAR-OLD SELF SEES YOU TODAY, WHAT WOULD HE SAY?
He could never imagine it to be himself. I am so much blessed by Allah SWT in all aspects, that I don’t have words. But to be honest, nothing was close to my imagination of myself at that young age. So, he will say “I can’t believe it’s me!!!”.
IN A FEW SENTENCES DESCRIBE YOURSELF AT THE AGE OF 65.
If I am blessed with this much life, maybe I will be spending a lot of time in reading, writing and a little bit in social and religious activities. But with the speed I am aging, I have doubts as to whether I will be able to do anything at that time, if still alive…
ANY DISAPPOINTMENTS IN LIFE?
Humans around us are rigid. They do not learn the benefit of flexibility in thoughts and easy-going approach for matters disturbing you This does not let you enjoy the blessings of Allah…
