Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| bhaloo |
| 12/07/00 at 11:27:43 |
| slm Me and this brother from the board were talking about our work environments. A lot of interesting things came up, and I'll be happy to share with you all about my situation in a few posts. Who wants to tell us about their work (school is fine for people like Se7en :) ) environment and how they are able to practice Islam there? 1). Where do you pray? 2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers? 3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties) 4). Are there any difficulties you are going through that you need help in, perhaps talking about them here might remind others that were in a similiar situation and how they handled those situations. 5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company? |
| NS |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| tq |
| 12/07/00 at 12:11:13 |
| Assalamo elikuim Alhamdullah I have been blessed with good co-worker (except for this manager who is not so keen about flexible time I work -but that is another story.) Here are the answers to your questions 1). Where do you pray? I used to have a room yes the whole room in my last job (there were only 6-7 people ) so that was not a problem. But here I look for any empty conference room and I have print out which says "Please wait 5 minutes - praying Thanks" and I stick it at the door of any conference room when I am praying. 2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers? Yes , but usually they have questioned about hijab: why ? who has imposed it? why here in USA?. Also their most favorite one seems to be arrange marriage etc. Also one time at a lunch I was talking to one of my female co-worker and I told her about the man's responsibility for providing for the family etc and wife/daughters earning are her own. SO in a way I have discussed Islam but not the concept of Allah and His prophet. Also we were to have a team lunch in December but my co-workers schedule it a week before the ramadhan started ! 3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties) I don't go to the holidays party -I simply tell them that I wont be able to come ( they havent asked why ). However if somebody brings donuts/chocolate during the holiday season I do eat them ;) O yeah one thing, we have one message board where all the activities are posted by HR. On this board for December there were Christmas, Khwanza (sp?). So I went to the personnel responsible for it and asked her politely that why she hasn't posted our holidays and she said that O I know about your holidays Ramadhan but whatever we post here comes from the central office and we cannot post anything else. She said that she would ask this in the next meeting. (But I wont be here to see the change if it happens :( 4). Are there any difficulties you are going through that you need help in, perhaps talking about them here might remind others that were in a similiar situation and how they handled those situations. No, Alhamdullah . 5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company? Not on a regular basis but if there is a job opening and I know somebody who is looking I just tell them or give their resume to the concern person. Wasalam tq |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| AbuSobiya |
| 12/07/00 at 12:25:06 |
| Assalamulaykum, My two cents for some of the questions. I am trying the quotes for the first time I am not sure how they will turn out. Alhamdulillah I did not have to deal with any adverse situations or difficulties so far and I have been living in the US for the last ten years. [quote]1). Where do you pray?[/quote] IT professionals must be familiar with the "CUBE" environment. I work in a hall with about 30 cubes, so I go to a corner of the hall and pray there. Once I used a retail managers office for praying and or the break room. [quote]2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers? [/quote] When my co-workers invite me for lunch I tell them about Ramadan and Fasting. Most of them understand what Ramadan means. [quote]5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company? [/quote] Let me take this opportunity to invite all brothers and sisters to visit the IBM's website and if they are interested in any opening let me know. Please note down the req. number which usually starts with a K or J and email me their resumes. Also if some one needs help with H1B processing also please let me know. Jazakallah Khair Abu Sobiya |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| Malika |
| 12/07/00 at 13:12:26 |
| wlm [quote] 1). Where do you pray?[/quote] I usually pray in an empty office or one of our large storage rooms, someitmes the conference rooms, on many occasions people have volunteered their office [quote]2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers?[/quote] Many ask questions and say "I don't know" beforehand like I would be offended if they ask but I get many questions about Ramadan, why use dates to break your fast. are all the prayers the same etc... [quote]3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties)[/quote] last year the holiday party was bowling and I went. However when the themes are strictly Christmes I won't attend. I even suggested that they just give us bonuses instead of those parties if they feel the need to spend money that time of year. [quote]5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company?[/quote] not much networking that I see but I'm sure it exist somewhere out there. I likewise will recommend someone for a position that I know is available |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| Al-Basha |
| 12/07/00 at 13:55:59 |
| Salamu Aliakom, interesting thread ... [quote] 1). Where do you pray? [/quote] Well when I was working, I'd usually pray in my cube. I'm praying that the next position I get insha Allah, has an office of some sort, since it's nicer to have a closed door to filter out the noise. [quote] 2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers? [/quote] Yes alhamdulilah, most everyone at work that I worked with knew that I was Muslim. I think a good way to get this across is at lunch, and when you are taking time out to go pray. [quote] 3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties) [/quote] Well, one of my co-workers asked me if I had a girlfriend. I was kinda embarassed so I explained no and why. Surprisingly they didn't think it was "weird" and I actually think it made them respect me more. Holiday parties, and any sort of company parties what so ever I do not attend. I know when you are not in the management group you can get away with it easily, but I've been told if you are a manager or director the company expects you to be there. [quote] 5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company? [/quote] No, not that I know of. Bhaloo you sent me the maillist for that networking thing in our area but I still haven't signed up for it :) I think it's a good idea to do that sort of thing, but usually what I do is if a bro needs help getting a job, I hook them up with a good recruiter. |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| princess |
| 12/07/00 at 15:08:54 |
| WALIKUMAS'SALAAM WARAHMATULLAHI WABARAKATUHU :) i work @ a real estate office..my boss (who is muslim) purchased the mobile home i work in..coincidentally, this mobile home i work in, is the old trailers that used to be @ north zone masjid, in houston, tejas :) [quote]1). Where do you pray? [/quote] in the mushAllah next to my office :) where else? :) [quote]2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers?[/quote] when i did have co-workers, i did..they always wanted to know bout hijab, and dating :) haha..don't ask :) [quote]3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties) [/quote] n/a :) alhamdulillah :) [quote] 4). Are there any difficulties you are going through that you need help in, perhaps talking about them here might remind others that were in a similiar situation and how they handled those situations.[/quote] i don't like it when the desi tenants we have, will call me (99% of the time it's the "man of the house" that calls) and they will REFUSE to tell me anything..and will call bout 2000 times a day, askin for my boss..and when they talk to my boss..he tells them they need to learn to leave messages with me..and the reason he doesn't return their calls is cuz of that too..haha..losers :) opps..*ahem* [quote] 5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company?[/quote] no fob comes to houston, without goin through my boss 1st..he seems to know EVERYONE :) we've helped many ppl get jobs..like they work here for a bit, then find something cooler, and alhamdulillah, they on their way..kinda like get ppl started :) anyways..this was a nice thread :) thanks mister arshad for thinkin it up :) ma'salaam :) |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| Enayath |
| 12/07/00 at 16:05:52 |
| Assalamulaykum, Br. Arshad, It is an interesting topic, could'nt pass up before saying a few things 1). Where do you pray? In any Confrence Room available (we have several), usually one is available. 2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers? Yes, They all know I am a Muslim and had many questions, mostly the men wanted to know about the 4 wifes and the women wanted to know about the Hijab and arranged marriage. They also want to know about Dating. 3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties). All the time, They want to know why I won't come to any Happy Hours (Usually after friday EOD), Why no parties, Why no smoking, Why no (moderate) Drinking, Why I cannot come to any meetings between Fridays 1-3 PM. (Usually there is once a month, even though I have asked to reschedule it. The women (some) know I don't like to or be touched by them so try to make a joke of it and pass me and tap me on the shoulder (I once told one girl that next time she touches me I am going to the HR and complain about unwanted sexual advances - she stopped immediately, but others try, its a game to them). Who cares. 5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company? I try to help as many muslims as I can. Within a few weeks another brother and myself are going to start our own recruiting company. Insha Allah we hope to help as many muslims as we can, if any of you needs any help please email me and I will help them as much as I can.(Sorry for the spam). AbuTanweer |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| bhaloo |
| 12/07/00 at 16:29:18 |
| slm I didn't know how this quote thing works ??? I was going to copy someone's post and just use my answers but it didn't work. I am a computer programmer, hard to believe? heheheheh :) [quote] 1). Where do you pray? [/quote] I pray in one of the 4 emptyy conference rooms or sometimes in this recreation room, alhumdullilah. For the Friday prayers I take a little longer lunch and go to the bowling alley for the prayers. [quote] 2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers? [/quote] Unfortunately I haven't really talked about Islam that much with people here, most people don't know that I pray. Quite a few are aware that I fast and I've told them about that. [quote] 3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties) [/quote] Yes a few odd situations have come up. I wrote about this a few months back, but I'll mention it now. Some company was happy with our company's performance and decided to give everyone in the company a champagne bottle. I voiced my objection to the vice president, senior director of HR, and HR representative. I received some apology letter but apparently they would continue this in the future. They have a "Christmas party" here and me and this other muslimah at the company have voiced our objections to HR that we don't celebrate Christmas, so then they changed the name to Holliday party. At this holliday party they serve alcohol, so therefore I'm not going to it and Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi outlined the proof for it here why it is not permissible to go to these functions: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must not sit at a table at which khamr is consumed" narrated by Ahmad It is reported that the rightly-guided Caliph Umar ibn Abdul)Aziz used to flog not only those who drank but those who sat with them as well, even if they werw not themselves drinking. When once he was told people were at a drinking party he ordered that they all be flogged. He was told that a person among them was fasting was among them. "Begin with him" he said, "Have you not heard Allah's saying... quran 4:140" Al Halal wal Haram fil Islam p.70 (English translation) Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi [quote] 4). Are there any difficulties you are going through that you need help in, perhaps talking about them here might remind others that were in a similiar situation and how they handled those situations. [/quote] I've sort of wondered about business trips if I had to go to some foreign place for educational purposes or for meetings out of town. Has anyone been through that? [quote] 5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company? [/quote] No not yet, but this one brother started one out here that I'm planning to join. I think its a great idea, Muslims helping each other, insha'Allah. :) I really enjoyed all of your responses so far thanks TQ, AbuSobiya, Malika, Al-Basha, Princess, Enayath, alhumdullilah very nice. :) |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| Mona |
| 12/08/00 at 00:09:43 |
| Assalamu alaikum, This is a very relevant topic. Jazak Allah khairan ya Arshad for bringing it up :) [quote] 1). Where do you pray? [/quote] Most of the time I just pray beside my desk in the lab. I just go to a low traffic corner and pray. The other lab I go to is located within a teaching hospital, so I sometimes go to the chapel and pray there. People walk in and some ask and I explain. They are usually amazed that we should pray 5 times aday. [quote] 2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers? [/quote] Only in response to questions/comments. But this year, when Ramadan started, I did not mention it. To my surprise they all knew that I must be fasting and were kinda interested to know more about it. I thought that was neat :) [quote]3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties)[/quote] These parties are such a nuisance. We also have monthly wine and cheese parties. I don't have to go to these things and usually don't. Another awkward thing I've experienced is that people give me christmas cards/gifts. I don't know what to say ???. I think it would be rude to decline their gifts. Of course I explain that christmas means nothing to me; it should be obvious that I am Muslim (I wear hijab). But what do you know, they insist on including me in their seasonal generosity! I guess it could be seen as a gesture of goodwill, well sort of. It is just this christmas phobia that makes me feel uneasy about it. Anyways, for my part I make a point of bringing sweets and chocolates to the lab on the Eids. This way they know that we *do* have our own feasts. wassalam, Mona |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| Asim |
| 12/08/00 at 00:19:33 |
| Assalaamu alaikum, 1). Where do you pray? I have a room to myself so I can pray there. However, 80% of the time I go back home to pray. I live a 5 minute walk from the office :) 2). Have you talked about Islam with your co-workers? I don't really have co-workers. It is a speciality computer lab of my adviser and some of his tudents drop by once in a while. My adviser is of Iranian origin, he knows about Islam but is Americanized and is a non-Muslim. 3). Any odd/awkward situations come up? (how about holliday parties) Well, last year there were these two female students visiting from Austria and my adviser gave them the keys to the lab. They rarely came into the lab. One day while I was praying dhuhr, the keys turn in the door and barging in comes one one of the Austrians. Picture this, a small room (crowded with computer desks and bookshelfs), almost face-to-face...well you get the idea :) Very uncomfortable! We don't have any holiday parties, alhamdullilah. My adviser takes his students out once in a while but they are usually okay. 5). In your communities are you involved in some type of networking situation, i.e. are Muslims circulatings lists of jobs in their area to other Muslims so insha'Allah there can be more Muslims at a company? I don't know of any, and I doubt if one exists. Wasalaam. |
| you guys please make dua for me |
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| jannah |
| 12/11/00 at 19:57:44 |
| i'm really really sick.. i have this really high fever that won't go away and the ppl at work already hate me because i dissed them by not going to their "holiday" (yeah right, xmas) party and am taking 3 weeks vacation to go to umrah... |
| Re: Islam and the workplace, do you have problems? |
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| bhaloo |
| 12/12/00 at 00:22:20 |
| slm Hope you feel better insha'Allah. Get plenty of rest (even if that means staying away from the internet for a day) and drink lost of fluids. You got that big Umrah trip coming up. |
| Re: you guys please make dua for me |
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| Malika |
| 12/12/00 at 11:30:04 |
| slm [quote]i'm really really sick.. i have this really high fever that won't go away and the ppl at work already hate me because i dissed them by not going to their "holiday" (yeah right, xmas) party and am taking 3 weeks vacation to go to umrah... [/quote] If you rub your body in rubbing alcohol it will break the fever. You might have to repeat this process a couple of times but it works. (this is one of the old folks remedies) |
| Re: you guys please make dua for me |
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| bhaloo |
| 12/12/00 at 12:50:06 |
| slm [quote](this is one of the old folks remedies)[/quote] Old folks remedies? ??? Jannah is not an old folk, so that remedy shouldn't work, she needs one of those new folks remedies. :) |
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