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Working with Muslim Employees

Please Note:
Muslim employees are not monolithic. Their behavior and religious observance will vary in degree based on a number of factors such as national origin, ethnic background, culture, assimilation, level of education, upbringing, role of religion in their lives, etc. Also, among observant Muslims, you will find many interpretations not so much about rituals, but about issues such as dress and gender relations, which are impacted mostly by culture. One should not assume certain accommodations are needed based on the perceived background of the employee, but should ask if unsure about something, or wait for the employee about accommodations that she or he may request, if any.

The following describes the practices of a typical, religiously observant Muslim employee:

Prayer - Islam prescribes five daily prayers in the morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and at night. The noon and afternoon prayers usually fall during work hours. Before praying, Muslims are required to wash their hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, and feet. A sink or other facility is needed. During the prayer, Muslims stand, bow, and prostrate. The prayer must be performed in a quiet, clean, dry place. Employees can pray in their offices or any other suitable work space. They may not respond to someone talking or a telephone call.

The time required for washing and prayer is about 10 to 15 minutes. The noon prayer can be fit in during lunch breaks, and other prayers during coffee breaks as needed. Friday is the day for congregational worship, which includes a sermon and prayer during the time of the noon prayer. It takes place at a mosque or hall, and lasts about 45 to 90 minutes. A Muslim employee should be able to complete the Friday prayer during a slightly extended lunch break.

Fasting - During the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims are required to fast, or refrain from food and drink, from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is also a time of increased devotion and moral conduct. Muslim employees continue to work during Ramadan; the only change is that they will not be able to eat during lunch times, but will need to eat after the sun sets. Especially in winter when the days are short, this may mean that an employee may need to shift his/her schedule, perhaps working through the lunch break and leaving slightly early. Travelers, sick people, and the aged, as well as pregnant and nursing women are exempt from fasting in Ramadan. However, some Muslim employees may continue to fast anyway. Ramadan is part of the Islamic lunar calendar, so it moves 11 days earlier each year, and its beginning and end is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Both factors make it more challenging for employees to plan for than regular holidays.

Pilgrimage - Muslim adults are required to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) at least once in their lifetime if it is financially and physically possible. The pilgrimage lasts for only five days, but most people remain in the area for about two weeks. Muslim employees may choose to make the pilgrimage using their vacation days.

Muslim Holidays - Twice a year, first at the end of Ramadan and again during the time of the pilgrimage, Muslims celebrate Eid, meaning "festival' for a period of three to four days. Both celebrations, like Ramadan, follow the lunar calendar, so that they move around the year, and are determined by the sighting of the new moon. The holidays are celebrated with congregational prayers, visiting friends and exchanging gifts. Muslim employees may request to take time off twice a year for these celebrations similar to how employees of other faiths observe their holidays and special days.

Dietary Requirements - Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol and pork. Some Muslims also follow the injunction to eat only meat and poultry that has been slaughtered in a certain manner, known as 'halal', or permissible, which is similar to kosher. In situations where halal meat is not available, vegetarian dishes, dairy and fish products should be provided as an alternative.

Attire - Islam prescribes that both Muslim men and women behave and dress modestly and that they should be valued for their skills and character, not their physical attributes. Some Muslim men grow their beards. Some Muslim women wear loose fitting, non-revealing clothing which covers everything except their faces and hands, much like the dress of nuns. The head scarf is part of their attire and women in head scarves should be treated similar to men who wear skull caps or turbans.

Social Interaction - Again, because of the emphasis on modesty between genders, some Muslims may be reluctant to shake the hand of an unrelated person of the opposite sex. This should not be taken as an insult, but as a sign of personal modesty. Similarly, some Muslims avoid sustained eye contact with someone of the opposite gender, not because of an unwillingness to communicate, but again due to modesty. During social events where there is dancing, free mixing, or alcohol being served, some Muslims prefer not to participate for religious reasons, and should not be penalized for this choice. Because of the prohibition against selling or drinking alcohol, Muslim employees may also want to avoid serving or selling alcoholic beverages.

Conclusion - American Muslims are a growing part of the corporate landscape, contributing to all walks of life, in a variety of professions. A better understanding of our Muslim neighbors and co-workers will both enrich our own lives, and make theirs easier. In our increasingly diverse and multi-cultural society, education, understanding, and tolerance are the keys to a harmonious workplace and society.