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Hijab in the WorkPlace
SafiaYazmin
01/09/01 at 18:09:41
Asalamualaikum wa ramatuallah. I would like some advice. I want to start wearing hijab at work. I've been wearing it everywhere but work and I don't like doing that. I have meeting scheduled at the end of the week to meet with my boss and his boss and I thought it would be a good time to present them with a letter of my intension and discuss this decision. I keep trying to compose a letter, but keep running into a mental block. And I don't want to start off by telling them they are legally obligated to let me do this, like a threat. Has anyone gone through this or have any advise? I would appreciate any help you could provide.

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Al-Basha
01/10/01 at 02:43:48
Asalamu Aliakom ukhti, Well sis, I think you should just wear the hijab without even having to discuss it with your boss. You shouldn't worry about what they think, or what they will say. And if they fire you, then report it to CAIR. I know here in San Diego, a good friend of mine told me that some sisters were working at a JC Penny's and that management didn't want them to wear hijab, so they brought CAIR in a cleared the whole matter up. Allahu A3laam, but i think discussing this with your boss is totally unneccessary. You're not threatening them by telling them they are legally obliged to allow you to wear your hijab. Like i said, if they make a fuss, get CAIR involved with this. They have dealt with many situations like this alhamdulilah. Good luck to you insha Allah. I will make duah that Allah gives you the wisdom and guidance to make the right decision insha Allah. Wa Allahu A3laam

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Mona
01/10/01 at 10:22:25
Assalamu alaikum, I am very happy that you decided to start wearing hijab at work as well. It is a very big step that some of my muslim-born friends cannot take yet. My 2 cents is that you do both. You come wearing hijab on the intended day you plan, and on the same day you send a letter/memo to your supervisor advising him/her that you have adorned hijab (and explain what that is) in compliance with your Islamic beliefs. You don't have to send the letter, the others are right, but I think it would just alienate people around you if you just ignore telling them. Look at it as a good dawa opportunity. In my opinion to inform them [bold][italic] after [/bold][/italic] the fact of you wearing the hijab is better for you professionally, as you don't want to sound like you are taking permission or testing the waters, since this is a personal decision after all. wassalam

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Laboogie
01/10/01 at 12:25:01
As-salamu alakium   Sister Safia,before I converted to Islam, when I was studying Islam; I told one of my supervisiors that I would be wearing hijab.He had no problem with it; he knew that I was thinking about converting to Islam. I told him that if he tried to play me in any way (which I knew he wouldn't) or the store managers since they were capable of saying things like that;(since that was the type of people that they were); I said that I was going to sue them,and that I didn't have any problems doing that. They didn't have any problems with it. I also told them that I would be taking 10min breaks to make salat, they didn't have a problem with that either. I was thankful to Allah because they didn't make it difficult for me.   I even told some friends, relatives,etc. about me starting to wearing hijab. The reason I did all of this is that I wanted them to be prepare,I also wanted them to understand what I was doing. And like Mona said it is a great opportunity for dawah.   I guess it is up to you to decidie which method works for you, but what ever you do know that it is pleasing to Allah and that is what matters in the end. I prayer that Allah makes it easy for you, and if any thing happens just call CAIR, as Yusuf mentioned.  Well I hope that I was of helpful to you, and let us know what happened. Salams Laboogie

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Zahra
01/10/01 at 15:12:45
slm I think you should talk to your boss about it beforehand if that would be easier for you.  I know it can be hard to be around non-Muslims and suddenly, begin to wear hijab around them.  While we of course, should not care about what they think (Fear Allah, and not people) it can be awkward. I'm sure that you can and would spontaneously wear hijab to work (w/out telling them beforehand) but if it makes it easier for you, I suggest you talk to your boss.  Be sure to explain the significance of hijab and the importance of it, especially to you. Allah Maahkee!

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Kathy
01/15/01 at 16:32:07
slm Food for thought... Many Christians say they never would have turned down a pregnant Mary if they owned the hotel (of course- this is their version) Yet they have the nerve to say that a woman who is dressed like her will intimidate their customers....

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
SafiaYazmin
01/17/01 at 10:46:45
Salamu alaikum wa ramatullah, Well, I wimped out last week with the letter and discussing it with my managers. But something came over me this morning while I was curling my hair. I just thought how silly I was being. After all it's just a piece of cloth and if they can't except that, they are the ones that should be ashamed. So, here I am sitting at work "hijabed"! Alhamdulilah!! I feel really good that I've done this and that it wasn't all planned out like I had wanted. It just came naturally. I thank all of you for your words of inspiration and suggestions. I did feel that I should address the issue, since I am in professional enviorment, so when I got to work I emailed a small note. I thought I'd share my email to my managers and my immediate supervisors response. I wrote: "I'm covering my hair from today onward, for obligatory religious reasons.  This will not cause an performance problems on my part. And I will maintain a professional appearance. Thanks in advance for your understanding." He replied: "Thank you...I know where you are coming from...But it is your right and I appreciate you sharing it with me." What a blessing this is. I hope anyone that isn't wearing hijab now and is using their job as an excuse, will see how understanding you manager may be in this situation if they just try. Jazakulah

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
bhaloo
01/17/01 at 11:14:35
slm Alhumdullilah how wonderful, that is really good to hear.

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
BrKhalid
01/17/01 at 11:45:06
Asalaamu Alaikum  :) That really is wonderful. Only Allah (swt) knows what is difficult for his slave and it is for him only to grant reward

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Malika
01/17/01 at 13:43:34
slm that is great news Safia. :-) soon you will get the "I don't remember what color your hair is or what it looks like." I get that alot also "Do you have to wear that in your house?"  so after the strange look I reply "of course not!"

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
se7en
01/17/01 at 14:07:42
as salaamu alaykum wa rahmatAllah, Safiya that's awesome, I'm so happy for you.  That takes courage and strength, may Allah make you brave always :) wasalaam.

Saleema

01/17/01 at 16:54:55

Assalam ualykum, May Allah make things easy for you always. :) wassalam

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Kathy
01/18/01 at 08:35:54
slm "May you wear it out and Allah swt replace it (with another)" "Wear anew, live commendably, and die a shaheed."
NS

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Mona
01/18/01 at 12:15:39
Assalamu alaikum Safiya, Masha'Allah, that is wonderful news.  :) :) Wassalam

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
SafiaYazmin
01/24/01 at 13:27:26
Asalamualaikum, After all of your words of encouragement and wonderful replies, I thought I should give you an update. Well, it's been a week and I feel very good that I've done this. Basically, only 3 people asked me about my hijab, when we were alone. Most people don't seem to notice it...even though I know they do. Only a few people seem to talk to the top of my head :-) I figure that's pretty good for a firm of 200 people. I interact with 50 people daily. I've only had one offensive remark from some I considered a friend. Yesterday was the second day he said it. I've been keeping an "all business" attitude with him since he is someone I do work somewhat closely with. The remarks were too ignorant to repeat. But yesterday, when he said it, in passing (in front of my boss and co-workers) like a joke... I had to hold back the tears. I know the remarks were just due to his immaturity  and ignorance. Even though he is much older than I. I don't know how to approach him in a way that conveys the seriousness of this without jepordizing our business relationship, as I do require his co-operation to do my job successfuly. I have delt with prejudice and ignorance before, but usually, I ignore it, very few times do I confront the individual. But I feel that I should this time. But besides that silliness...everything is wonderful! Alhamdulilah! Thanks for listening!

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Malika
01/24/01 at 16:22:56
wlm It's good to hear.  Although we knew it would feel good. As for the offensive remark. Before it happens a third time you can tell him that what he has said you found offensive and you let it go the first time.  The second time it almost caused you to say something you might have later regretted.  If what you have to say doesn't result in a positive attitude then please keep the comment to yourself.  It shows a lack of maturity and you are older than I.  If you cannot hold your tongue then think about this before you comment:  My wearing hijab has resulted in my taking a step closer to my creator which has made me extremely happy and your comments are taking you a step further away. Please don't destroy a pleasant business relationship

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
humble_muslim
01/29/01 at 13:06:39
AA, I woild immediately go to you HR and report that he is harrassing you.  There are laws in this country to protect you from this.  I don't know which part of the US you live in, but anything like that would not be tolerated here in Massacusetts.
NS

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
hayaa
01/31/01 at 16:15:02
salaam, speaking of hijab in the workplace.  I was wondering if any sisters on this board wear an abya/jilbab to work.  If so, how do you go about that?  Do u tell or ask your employer about it.  Because I know that many places have dress codes and that this may be a problem.
NS

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Kathy
01/31/01 at 16:42:17
As salaamu alaykum. It has been nine years since I worked. I wore my scarf to the interview- so they knew what they were getting when they hired me! I worked in a hospital, in a management position.

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
Malika
01/31/01 at 17:06:56
[quote] speaking of hijab in the workplace.  I was wondering if any sisters on this board wear an abya/jilbab to work.  If so, how do you go about that?  [/quote] I wear these to work occasionally and what I get is "you look just like a nun"  my reply is "no, I look just like a Muslim.  They look different." As long as they are not soiled, wrinkled or frayed etc... (not that it would be) it doesn't really put the dress code in jepordy.  After all it is like a dress and it is neat. I won't even mention the comfort! :-)

Re: Hijab in the WorkPlace
SafiaYazmin
02/02/01 at 17:44:48
I wear jilbabs occasionally as well. But I like them to look a certain way. And yes, I too have been said to look "nun-like". As far as speaking to my co-worker about his comments...I haven't yet. I'm not the confrontational type. I'm real quite. This is a big deal for me. The only reason I know I need to is because he has made comments that I've become could now that I'm Muslim. (or now that he can visually see me as muslim...as I've been Muslim for quite some time now). But, the reason for the cold shoulder is because of his behaviour mostly. And I also try not to be as informal around men now. So, InshAllah, I will have the courage to confront him soon.
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