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A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Nasar Haq the Prophet Muhammad’S (Peace Be Upon Him) Masjid in Madinah

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Nasar Haq the Prophet Muhammad’S (Peace Be Upon Him) Masjid in Madinah

A Practical Guide to in the Work Place Nasar Haq The Prophet ’s (peace be upon him) masjid in Madinah

2 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Contents

Introduction 4 Eid 25

Using this Booklet 5 Other 26

What is Islam? 7 How can you help? 27

Prayers, In a Nutshell 8 Terms and Phrases Explained 30 during COVID-19 9 10 Prayer and types 10 Friday Prayers (Jumu’ah) 10 Prayers 10 10 Preparing for Prayer 11 Place of Prayer 12 Performing Prayers 13

Ramadan & Fasting, In a Nutshell 15 during COVID-19 16 Ramadan 17 The Start of Ramadan 17 Fasting Explained 19 Breaking the Fast 20 The Effects of Fasting 20 The Benefits of Fasting 21 Fasting and Health 21 Other notable activities during Ramadan 23 Preparing food in Makkah for - the of breaking the fast during Ramadan

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 3 Introduction In the Name of , the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Islam is the largest religion in the world today, with This booklet is not intended to be an in-depth debate around almost 25% of the world population being Muslim. It is also one Islamic and other religious issues, nor intended to cause offence of the fastest growing major religions in the world today. So it is to anyone. Rather it is to encourage understanding of the faith likely that at some point during the course of your work, you will and its followers. If there are any issues around the content of come across colleagues, customers, clients, patients and service this guide, please contact: [email protected]. users who are Muslim. This is the tenth edition of a growing publication. Islam provides essential guidance for in all aspects of editions, ‘In Sha Allah’ ( Willing), will include topics such as A their life. It affects how they pray, how they dress, how they Muslim’s Diet, Charity and and . interact, how they eat, how they conduct daily affairs, how they view life in general, how they conduct business, education, and Any mistakes and errors in this publication are purely down to so on. Because of this, Muslims feel that religion is too limited a the shortcomings of the author and should not be taken to be a word to describe Islam – essentially, Islam is a way of life. representation of Islam or Muslims. Apologies for this in advance. If you have any suggestions to improve this document, please For example, Muslims begin whatever they do with the words email me at: [email protected]. Bismillah-hir-Rahman-nir-Raheem, which means “In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful”. They will do this Nasar Haq before they eat, before they drink, before beginning prayer, and before starting a project like this one.

In the following pages, I will attempt to outline some of the issues around Muslims and how this affects them in the workplace. Hopefully, this will create a better understanding about Islam and Muslims and help to create a vibrant, cohesive, diverse and inclusive working environment.

4 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Using this booklet Each section is split into three parts.

The first part is ayellow page which carries a summary of the section. This is basically a quick and easy section, for those who have only a limited time to read.

The essential points are listed, along with some suggestions on how you can help.

The second part, on orange sections, gives some additional guidance due to COVID-19 Lockdown during 2020.

The third part, on pages, is a more in-depth explanation of the issues, with some background information. Some of the issues may be easier to understand by reading these sections and help the reader to appreciate what’s involved and why things happen they way they do.

At the back of the book is a brief explanation of some Islamic terms and phrases. This can be used as a useful reference without having to look for what things mean by scouring the pages.

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 5 6 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place The Qur’an was revealed over 1400 ago and is the last of What is Islam? a succession of Holy Books revealed by God (the Qur’an comes Islam teaches that there is only one God (Allah) and that the around 650 years after the Bible). The Qur’an and Islam is a Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last in a long continuation of the revelations by God, and the final revelation line of Messengers and Prophets. by God. The other Holy Books include:

This begins with Prophet and includes the following, • the Scriptures of amongst many others: • of (Zaboor in ) • the • Nuh () • Yunus () • the Bible (known as “Injeel” in Arabic) • Ibrahim (Abraham) • Musa () • Ismail () • Harun () The guidance given in the Qur’an and by the Prophet • Ishaq () • Dawud (David) Muhammad (peace be upon him) give Muslims the principles of Islam, • Ya’qub () • Sulaiman () which can then be applied to all circumstances and in modern • Lut () • Zakariyya (Zechariah) issues. • • Yahya (John) • Yusuf () • ‘Isa () There are five pillars in Islam: • Ayyub () • Muhammad (peace be upon him) • Shahadah (testimony of faith/belief in One God and the As a mark of respect, whenever the Prophet’s name is Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)) mentioned, Muslims say “peace be upon him”, in either Arabic or • (Prayer) their mother tongue. • Saum (Fasting) • Zakah (Charity), and The guidance of Islam is preserved within the Holy Qur’an • Hajj (Pilgrimage). (pronounced with a strong ‘r’ and a long ‘a’’: ‘Kurr-aan’), and the (the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). Muslims recite from the Qur’an, in Arabic, in their daily prayers.

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 7 Prayers, In a Nutshell

What Muslims do for Prayer: How You can Help: • When Muslims reach at least the of 10, they must • Find out about local prayer times and allow time for pray an obligatory 5 times a day. Muslims to perform their prayers, either at the or in a private room. • Prayer times are actually time periods in which a prayer can be performed. It is sinful for a Muslim to deliberately • Try not to plan meetings/activities during mosque miss a prayer or prayer time. So it is very important that congregational prayer times. prayers are performed during the correct times. • Prayer times do not always coincide with lunch times. • Each prayer can take a minimum of a few . • Be aware of when go forward or back for British • A Muslim must have washed (completed ablution) before Summer Time, as this affects prayer times also. performing prayer. • Speak to your Muslim colleagues to agree an • The place of prayer should be clean, quiet and free from arrangement for prayers. disturbance. It is recommended that Muslim males pray at the mosque. • Try and provide adequate facilities in the workplace to allow for prayers at work. This may include a room to • Muslims face Makkah when praying. perform prayers and some washing facilities.

• Muslims, unless on a journey, pray with their shoes off. • Please make allowance for when a Muslim needs to be at funeral prayers and allow extra time for Friday prayers. • Prayers are conducted in a series of actions. • Do not interrupt a Muslim while they are praying. • Muslims can pray either on their own or together in a group. It is more rewarding to pray in a group of Muslims • Prayers are quite personal, so do remember that privacy (preferably in the mosque) and this is encouraged and helps. the preferred way to do prayers. Some prayers can only be performed in congregation (eg. Friday prayers). • Remember that, for a Muslim, performing prayers is an extremely important part of religious duties.

• Learn more about prayers by visiting your local mosque. 8 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Prayers during COVID-19

During COVID-19 and to comply with Social Distancing, Please be aware that Muslims will need to pray at around have closed down. However, Muslims will continue to pray; if 1pm to 6pm for their mid-day prayer (from April to anything they may turn more prayer because of the pandemic August), and allow time for them to do that. and this may become increasingly important. • Friday prayers can still continue, albeit in the home rather Please read this page in conjunction with the advice on the than at the mosque (if there are enough people in the yellow page opposite. household to form a congregation). • Funeral prayers will still continue, so please allow time for During COVID-19 the following issues may arise: Muslims to attend these.

• Before praying, Muslims must wash themselves to enter a • Eid will still continue although it is unclear at the time of state of (ablution). Some Muslims (who would publishing how this will happen under COVID-19. have done this in the mosque) may now need to have facilities in the workplace to wash themselves.

• Muslims won’t have access to mosques and so may need to have a private room in which to pray.

• Muslims will most likely need to pray individually rather than in groups (unless they are with members of their household).

• Muslims will still need to pray within the allotted time period. Mosques would provide set congregational times for prayer and this would provide a good structure for a daily routine. As mosques are now closed, it can be harder to find a daily routine and time to do this.

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 9 As well as the five obligatory prayers, there are a number of Prayers recommended prayers that a Muslim can perform to either The Arabic word for prayers is ‘Salah’. Performing prayers is one supplement the obligatory prayers or that can be performed at of the most important duties for a Muslim and one of the five other times of the day and . Pillars of Islam. All Muslim males and females must pray the five obligatory prayers each day, once they have reached the age of Friday Prayers (Jumu’ah) 10. The only exceptions are for women, who do not need to pray when they are on their monthly cycle. Friday is a holy day for Muslims and so attending the Friday prayer (Jumu’ah) is extremely important. The Jumu’ah prayer The following is a practical guide to what Islam prescribes for the replaces the Dhuhr prayer on a Friday. Muslim to do when preparing for and performing prayers and how it affects the Muslim (and colleagues) in the workplace. Extra time should be allowed for Muslims to attend Jumu’ah prayer (at least an ). This is not because the prayer itself is longer but because this prayer is preceded by a which Prayer times and types must be attended. In addition, because many Muslims attend The are five obligatory prayers. These are: Jumu’ah, it can take longer to enter and leave the mosque.

• Fajr – prayer before Funeral prayers • Dhuhr – prayer after Other prayers which could be conducted during working • ‘Asr – prayer during the include Funeral Prayers. A funeral prayer is usually performed • Maghrib – prayer at immediately after one of the obligatory prayers and so takes a • ‘Isha – evening prayer little extra time. It is recommended that Muslims stay to attend a funeral prayer, even if they do not personally know the deceased. Prayer times will differ from day-to-day, -to-month. This is because the length of daylight/night-time hours change, from Eid Prayers day to day, from city to city, from country to country. Each prayer On the day of Eid, congregational prayers are offered in the must be conducted in its allotted time and prayer timetables morning. This is obligatory for Muslim males and optional for can be obtained from local mosques. Prayer times do not always females. coincide with lunch times and so a Muslim may want to take their lunch break at a time that works with performing a prayer.

10 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Ablution is carried out by Muslims before prayer. This involves Preparing for Prayer washing the hands, face, nose, mouth, forearms, (wiping the) Washing hair, ears and feet. is done following certain conditions and ’ is done following a visit to the bathroom. Muslims must be clean before performing prayer and this involves washing as follows: Providing adequate washing facilities in the workplace will make things easier for a Muslim when preparing for prayer. Sometimes • Taking a shower (Ghusl) it is just a matter of a Muslim using the WC washing facilities • Washing private parts (Istinja’) – do not be embarrassed if walking in and finding a Muslim • Performing ablution (Wudhu) performing ablution. Ablution only take a couple of minutes.

A Muslim performs Wudhu to clean himself before prayers

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 11 The Central Mosque in Place of Prayer Jakarta, The preferable place for prayer, for Muslim males, is in the mosque. So if possible, please allow time for a Muslim to attend mosque at prayer times. Muslim females may attend the mosque if they wish, or can pray in a suitable room at their workplace.

Muslims will tend to go to the mosque at times when there is a group prayer.

There will be times when it will be difficult for a Muslim to get to the mosque to perform prayer with a congregation and so it is handy to have some prayer facilities within the workplace. All that is needed is a clean and private room, preferably without pictures on the walls. The room needs to be large enough for a Muslim to pray comfortably and perhaps include a prayer mat and prayer compass. The prayer compass is to allow a Muslim to know which way Makkah is, as prayers are always done facing in the direction of Makkah.

If you do provide a room that is to be used for prayers only, please put up a notice that tells visitors to remove their shoes. Muslims remove their shoes before praying in mosques or dedicated rooms or on prayer mats. Any prayer rooms and mats should be kept clean. It is also handy to indicate the direction of Makkah in the prayer room.

Talk with your Muslim colleagues to make any suitable arrangements for prayer.

12 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Performing Prayers Praying in congregation Congregational prayer is offered for the five obligatory prayers. The way in which a Muslim prays is quite specific and unique to Islam. Prayers can be performed on your own or in a group – When praying in congregation, there will be one Muslim who group/congregational prayers are more virtuous. leads the prayers (the ) and all other Muslims will arrange themselves in rows behind the Imam. After washing and entering the place for prayer, a Muslim will start by doing the call for prayer. Once the congregational prayer is complete, a Muslim can offer some optional prayers, on their own. The call to prayer is in two types:

• Adhaan (the main call to prayer – to announce to people to come to pray) • Iqamah (the second call to prayer - just before the prayer begins)

Following this, Muslim will stand on the prayer mat, facing Makkah. If there is more than one Muslim praying together, they will pray in rows.

There follows a series of recitations (including Verses from the Qur’an), which are said either silently or aloud, depending upon which prayer is being performed. The actions for prayer are in a series of standing, , prostrating on the floor and sitting. Prayers can take from a couple of minutes to much longer.

When a Muslim is praying it is important not to disturb them. Do not be surprised if a praying Muslim does not respond to anyone calling or talking to them.

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 13 14 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Ramadan & Fasting, In a Nutshell

What Muslims do in Ramadan: How You can Help: • For 29 or 30 days, Muslims will be fasting during the • Be mindful of what Muslims cannot do during fasting and be month of Ramadan – a physical and spiritual exercise. considerate about this and any pressures they may face. • Allow time for Muslims to break their fast. • When fasting, Muslims cannot eat anything, drink • Allow time for Muslims to perform their daily prayers on time. anything, smoke or even engage in marital relations • Bear in mind that although Muslims will not be eating during (including kissing). All food consumption stops during daylight hours, this doesn’t mean that they do not need a lunch fasting hours (including medicines). break. This break period can be used for prayers, if at the right time. • Understand that some Muslims will feel the effects of fasting more • Fasting lasts from around 2 hours before dawn to sunset, than others, including: feeling cold, being more tired than normal, each day. being less focused, being irritated. • Avoid planning meetings/activities during prayer times, during the • Muslims eat an early morning meal in the hours before time to break fast and during the evenings. dawn to help them get through the day. • Be considerate towards Muslims who may need time off to be able to practise some religious duties. • At sunset, Muslims break their fast by having a meal. • The day after Ramadan is Eid and all Muslims will want to have that day off. • Many Muslims spend a large part of their evenings • Discuss things with your Muslim staff and customers so that you engaged in prayer, which then impacts on how they can cater for individual needs. perform in the day. • Bear in mind that many Muslims are experienced in fasting and do • Some Muslims will want to engage in Itikaaf (secluded know how to look after themselves. ) during the last 10 days of Ramadan. • If providing medications, try to enable the consumption times to be outside fasting times (if practical). • Some Muslims will want to spend entire in the • Try to avoid prescribing capsule medications to Muslims, as these mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan. contains animal-based ingredients, which Muslims are not allowed to consume. Please do make any Muslim patients aware of any • After Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid. medications that you may prescribe that have animal ingredients. • Be mindful of your own unconscious bias. Although fasting for 29-30 days may sound to you like a big undertaking, many Muslims have been fasting annually for many years and are very experienced at this and aware of how they manage their days. A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 15 Ramadan during COVID-19

Regardless of COVID-19, Muslims will still be fasting and the rules • If Eid falls on a working day, Muslims will still need to of fasting will still apply. Please read this page in conjunction take that day off to celebrate (although the nature of with the advice on the yellow page overleaf. the celebrations may be adapted to comply with Social Distancing guidance). • Under Lockdown conditions, it may become more constrained for Muslims to carry out their food shopping • Ramadan and Eid are very special times for Muslims and they may need to have some time to do this. – they have a sense of unity with others and benefit a lot from social gatherings and collective worship. As • Please follow the additional advice on praying during this won’t be possible in the normal way, due to Social COVID (see page 9). Distancing, some Muslims may be upset by the fact that aren’t able to be as close to their loved ones (similar to • Please be mindful of ensuring Muslims do take their being separated at times like Easter or Christmas). Please breaks (including lunch-breaks, even though they will not be mindful and sympathetic, if you find that one of your be eating or drinking). colleagues is in this position.

During COVID-19, working patterns have been disrupted • The rules of fasting will still apply, regardless of COVID-19, in some cases and people working from home are where medications and health are concerned. not finding it easy to have regular breaks. If you are managing Muslim staff, please check that they are taking If a Muslim’s health and wellbeing would deteriorate breaks (as they will be more tired due to fasting). to dangerous levels (due to fasting) then that person is exempt from fasting. • Please be mindful that during COVID-19, many staff who are still working find themselves having much • If a Muslim member of staff needs to wear increased busier days and working longer hours. On top of this, a levels of PPE, this may cause higher levels of exertion, Muslim member of staff will also have to contend with heat and discomfort (effects of which may linger), and a busier home-life after work, with extra worship being an increased risk of dehydration. Managers should be conducted and broken sleep during the night. Be mindful mindful any additional risks or impacts on their Muslim that these factors can lead to a Muslim being more tired colleagues’ wellbeing. from day-to-day.

16 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Ramadan The Start of Ramadan The holy month of Ramadan (pronounced ‘Ram-a-daan’ - long ‘A’ Ramadan this is earlier than last year – how come? When at the end) is one of the most important in the Islamic does it start? as it allows Muslims to fulfil one of the five pillars of The modern-day calendar (eg. January, February... 365 days a Islam – Fasting. The five pillars are: Shahadah (testimony of year... etc) is called the and is based on how faith), Salah (Prayer), Saum (Fasting), Zakah (Charity) and Hajj long it takes for the earth to go around the sun. (Pilgrimage). However, Islamic months follow a which means Don’t Panic! the start of each Islamic month is marked by the beginning of a Many people who come into contact with Muslims who are new . It takes around 29.5 days to go from one fasting can become very self-conscious of how to act. Here are to the next. This then means that each year, Ramadan starts some tips: around 10 days earlier than the previous year. (The Chinese and Japanese also follow a lunar calendar as does the Jewish faith.) • Most Muslims are experienced in fasting and will have started to fast whilst young - so, on the whole, they do There are twelve months in the : , know what they are doing. , Rabi-ul-Awwal, Rabi-at-Thani, Jumaada-al-Awwal, • For a fasting Muslim, the first of fasting is normally Jumaada-at-Thani. , Shabaan, Ramadan, Shawwaal, Dhul- a period of adjustment, as the body gets used to the new Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah. The Islamic year starts with Muharram and regime of food/drink intake. ends with Dhul-Qadah. • It is not always a problem to eat in front of a Muslim who is fasting, or to talk about food etc – but do ask to make Because of the cycle of the moon, each Islamic month will have sure. either 29 or 30 days and this will vary from year to year (eg. one year Ramadan may have 29 days and the next year it may have • Fasting for 30 days does sound like an enormous 30 days). undertaking, especially for people who haven’t fasted in this manner before. Ask your Muslim colleagues about So why do people start Ramadan on different days? how they manage with fasting – learn about this, as This is all about the sighting of the thin crescent of the new they will have a lot of knowledge and experience. Don’t moon. When a new moon is born, it cannot be seen immediately, assume that what you may find hard, would be equally so you need to wait for the thin crescent to appear. This first hard for a seasoned Muslim who has been fasting for many years. A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 17 appearance is only visible for a very short time (roughly 15 minutes). Thin crescent of new moon

The sighting is made a little more complicated by other factors such as: whether the sky is clear or full of clouds, the use of astronomical calculations to determine when the new moon is and other issues. We won’t discuss these issues here but suffice to say that there can be slightly different approaches as to when Ramadan starts and this then results in some people starting to fast one day and others fasting the next day; with some Muslims celebrating Eid on one day and others celebrating Eid on the next day.

new moon Phases of the Moon

18 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Fasting then starts just before the start of the morning prayer. Fasting Explained Muslims can start eating and drinking etc. again at sunset. At What is Fasting? sunset, Muslims must break their fast on time and this meal is called Iftar – delaying the Iftar is not seen as a good thing. Fasting for the Muslim is quite different to fasting of other faiths. The start and finishing times for each fast will vary each day, During daylight hours, a Muslim cannot: as and sunset varies each day. In the UK, during 2020, the start time for fasting will vary from 4.06am to 2.57am and • eat/consume anything (not even apply toothpaste or use the end time for fasting will vary from 8.29pm to 9.18pm – the mouthwash) – this will include medications fasting day gets longer as Ramadan progresses. • drink anything (not even a sip of ) • smoke In 2020, Muslims in the UK will be fasting up to 18.5 hours a day. • engage in marital relations

During Ramadan, many Muslims will be keen to do good deeds and become a better Muslim (eg. perform the five daily prayers, give in charity etc). They will also try to be more vigilant in refraining from anything that is considered bad (eg. a Muslim will try to avoid arguing or may even try to give up smoking). This is also a good way for Muslims to become more God-Conscious and become closer to our Creator.

So fasting is as much a spiritual exercise and discipline as well as a physical one.

What are the times for Fasting? When fasting, Muslims will wake up in the early hours of the morning to have a meal – this is called the Suhoor meal and will help them to have the energy to get through the day. They can have this meal anytime up until the time for the morning prayer (which tends to be almost two hours before sunrise).

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 19 Breaking the fast The Effects of Fasting Providing food for the fasting person, at Iftar, is considered a There are a number of effects that a fasting person may virtuous act. However, if you are wanting to provide food, please experience. A Muslim may: discuss this with your Muslim colleagues, as they will have various dietary requirements that you will need to take note of. • get cold quicker than normal For example, Muslims cannot eat anything that contains alcohol • be more tired and lethargic than usual or animal products such as Animal Fat or Gelatine – this includes • be less focused medicinal products. The diet of a Muslim will be explained in • be a little irritated greater detail in a future edition of this publication).

The time for breaking fast is also the time for the sunset prayer Each person reacts differently to fasting and may experience all, (called ) and so a Muslim will also need time to any or none of the above. Talk to your Muslim colleagues to find perform this prayer, as well as to eat. In addition, a Muslim may out how fasting impacts upon them. want to perform daily prayers on time and so employers and managers may need to make arrangements to allow Muslim staff to do this (either at the mosque or within the office – please discuss any requirements with Muslim staff).

Breaking the fast normally starts by either having a or drinking some water.

Not everyone seems to be Fasting. Who should be Fasting? Fasting during the month of Ramadan is compulsory on every Muslim who has reached puberty. However there are exceptions: those who are ill, on medication (this is dependent upon the nature of the medication), those whose health would suffer if they were to fast, those who are travelling on a journey, pregnant women, menstruating women, women who have just given birth (up until when postnatal bleeding ends), women who are breast- feeding; children who have not yet reached puberty.

20 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place The Benefits of Fasting Fasting and Health Fasting is both a physical and spiritual exercise. By fasting, a Although fasting is obligatory on every Muslim who has reached person is trained to control their desires and discipline their the age of puberty, fasting is not allowed if it will endanger the behaviour. It also helps a person to strengthen their willpower health and life of a person. Pregnant women and the ill and and develop their steadfastness and endurance. elderly are not expected to fast.

Fasting is a good way to build up self-regulation. You might The vast majority of Muslims are aware of their limits and are expect that after a day of fasting, Muslims would rush to eat mindful of their condition during fasting. Taking the Suhoor large amounts of food. However, that isn’t the case. meal before the start of a fast helps to ensure a Muslim has the energy to continue during the day and helps prevent against Eating large amounts of food in one go means that the body dehydration. may not have digested enough food when it comes to the time to have the Suhoor meal. To avoid this, Muslims eat moderately As smoking is not permitted during fasting, some Muslims use at Iftar (the meal taken to break the fast) and at Suhoor (the meal Ramadan as a way of quitting smoking. taken before starting to fast). Prolonged over a period of 30 days, this builds up a good discipline in Muslims to not ‘over-eat’ or The following has been taken from the NHS Choices website: over-indulge in their diet. What happens to your body when you fast On a spiritual level, fasting helps a person to experience (in a small way) what things are like for many suffering and starving The changes that happen in the body during a fast people in the world. A Muslim learns sympathy and empathy and depend on the length of the continuous fast. becomes prepared to help and support those less fortunate than his or herself. The body enters into a fasting state eight hours or so after the last meal, when the gut finishes absorbing This is why Ramadan is also called the ‘Month of Endurance and nutrients from the food. In the normal state, body Sympathy’. glucose, which is stored in the liver and muscles, is the body’s main source of energy.

During a fast, this store of glucose is used up first to provide energy. Later in the fast, once the glucose runs

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 21 out, fat becomes the next source of energy for the A balanced food and fluid intake is important between body. fasts. The kidneys are very efficient at maintaining the body’s water and salts, but these can be lost through With a prolonged fast of many days or , the sweating. body starts using protein and breaking down protein for energy. This is the technical description of what’s To prevent muscle breakdown, meals must contain commonly known as “starvation”. enough energy food, such as carbohydrates and some fat. “You are unlikely to reach the starvation during Ramadan, because the fast is broken daily,” says Dr Medication Razeen Mahroof, a consultant from Oxford. If a Muslim is taking medication, it may be necessary to take medications only during the times allowed for eating. Taking Gentle transition from glucose to fat medications during fasting hours actually breaks the fast. If this may cause an issue in their health, please discuss this with your As the Ramadan fast only lasts from dawn till , the Muslim colleague/service user. body’s energy can be replaced in the pre-dawn and dusk meals. Some medications contain animal fats (eg. capsules) – please avoid prescribing these to Muslims as this will conflict with This provides a gentle transition from using glucose as Islamic requirements to eat halaal foods. the main source of energy to using fat, and prevents the breakdown of muscle for protein. Ramadan and Mental Health Although there is a period of adjustment for the body initially, The use of fat for energy helps weight loss. It preserves many Muslims find Ramadan a peaceful and enjoyable time of the muscles and eventually reduces your cholesterol the year. Muslims engage in more spiritual activity, try to become level. In addition, weight loss results in better control better people and improve their character. This can result in a of diabetes and reduces blood pressure. reduction in anxiety and stress levels.

After a few days of the fast, higher levels of endorphins appear in the blood, making you more alert and giving an overall feeling of general mental wellbeing.

22 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Other notable activities during Ramadan Itikaaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan The last 10 days in Ramadan are particularly important as they Night Prayers (Taraweeh prayers) are more virtuous in reward. Those Muslims, who are able to, Muslims will try to engage in more acts of worship during can spend the last 10 days in seclusion and engaging in acts of Ramadan and there are additional prayers that a Muslim can worship. For a Muslim , this tends to be a room within the pray, on top of the five daily prayers. These prayers are called home and for a Muslim man tends to be within the mosque. This Taraweeh or Night prayers and can be prayed at home or in the is called Itikaaf. mosque. It is useful to note that Taraweeh prayers performed in congregation in the mosque start straight after the evening During Itikaaf, the Muslim cuts his or herself off from the outside prayer and can last for up to an additional hour of prayer each world and engages in things like prayer, reciting the Qur’an, night. reading and gaining knowledge about Islam, reflecting upon things, and striving to become closer to God and more pious in This then means that a lot of a Muslim’s free time in the evening their thinking and behaviours etc. He or she must stay in their is spent at the mosque – this is important to bear in mind when designated area of Itikaaf (eg. the home or the mosque) and planning any work activities that extend to the evening.

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 23 cannot leave for any reason (unless an emergency) until the last 10 days are over and Ramadan has ended.

Any Muslim staff wanting to do Itikaaf may need to arrange leave and/or authorised absence from work.

Laylat-ul-Qadr (Night of Power) The Night of Power is an extremely virtuous night for the Muslim. Any good deeds performed during this night is multiplied (in terms of reward) many, many times over – as though you had been practising the good deed continuously for one thousand months!

It is not surprising then that many Muslims will engage in additional acts of worship (like prayer or spending the entire night in the mosque) in an effort to benefit from this night. However there is uncertainty as to when the Night of Power is. It may be on either the 21st night of Ramadan, the 23rd night, the 25th, the 27th or the 29th. Many Islamic scholars think it may be the 27th night of Ramadan but no one knows for sure.

You will then find that those Muslims who engage in staying awake all night during these dates will be extremely tired the following morning – some staff may ask for leave to enable them to rest and recover.

24 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Eid What is Eid and when is it? Eid is the celebration at the end of Ramadan. Whenever the last As explained earlier, the start and end of each Islamic month day of fast is, the next day will be Eid. Muslim staff will therefore is dependent upon the moon. Eid is essentially the first day of want to take leave from work to celebrate. Eid is just as important Shawwaal, which is the next month after Ramadan. However you to Muslims as Christmas is to . may find that due to the differences between people on when they started fasting, there may be some Muslims celebrating Eid There is no particular way to celebrate Eid except that Muslims one day, and others celebrating Eid the next. must visit the mosque in the morning to perform a special Eid prayer in congregation. After the prayer, people may decide to Muslim staff may need several days off around Eid to cope go out for meals, visit family and friends, give out presents, go for with these discrepancies (eg. a Muslim may be celebrating Eid a day out etc. may find that his family from a different town or city may be celebrating Eid the next day).

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 25 Other Fasting Does fasting finish after Ramadan? No. is obligatory on every Muslim (as described earlier). However, once Ramadan has ended, a Muslim may wish to perform voluntary fasts from time to time. If so, it is helpful for Muslim staff to tell their colleagues when they are fasting, so that everyone can be supportive.

Notable Voluntary Fasts Fasting at times other than Ramadan is considered a virtuous and pious act for a Muslim. Other notable times that Muslims will want to perform voluntary fasts are:

• Odd days in the run-up to Ramadan – this helps to get a Muslim physically and mentally prepared for Ramadan. Muslims who wish to do this, usually fast in the month before Ramadan.

• Six days during Shawwaal. Muslims may want to perform an additional six days of fasting in the month after Ramadan. They can either do this as six consecutive days, or any six days during the month of Shawwaal.

• Mondays and Thursdays

• Either the 9th and 10th day or the 10th and 11th day of the month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.

• Fasting to make up for days missed during Ramadan – this can be any other day during the year.

26 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place How can you help? • Read this guide so that you can understand what • Allow leave time, if possible, for Muslim staff who may be happens during Ramadan and what pressures Muslims spending all night in the mosque during the last 10 days may face. of Ramadan.

• Be aware of what a Muslim cannot do during fasting • Allow time off for all Muslims for Eid. hours. • Above all, discuss things with your Muslim colleagues • Allow time for a Muslim to be able to break his fast, and customers – each person has individual needs perform prayer and eat a meal. and what may be okay for one fasting person may not be right for another. • Allow for a Muslim to be able to perform daily prayers on time. • Remember, fasting goes on for 29 or 30 days, so please be understanding throughout this period, not • Be patient with Muslims who are fasting and may be just for a couple of days. feeling the effects of abstaining from food and drink.

• Be mindful of putting any Muslim staff in a position that may require some physical activity, as this may drain any energy they have and/or leave them feeling thirsty.

• Be mindful of putting on Air Conditioning within offices – Muslims who are fasting will not be able to drink tea or coffee etc to warm themselves up and may feel colder anyway.

• Be aware that during Ramadan, evenings are quite busy for a Muslim and this can also contribute to how staff perform during the day.

• Allow leave time, if possible, for Muslim staff wanting to perform Itikaaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 27 28 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Hajj, In a Nutshell

What Muslims do in Ramadan: How You can Help: • For 29 or 30 days, Muslims will be fasting during the • Be mindful of what Muslims cannot do during fasting and month of Ramadan – a physical and spiritual exercise. be considerate about this.

• When fasting, Muslims cannot eat anything, drink • Allow time for Muslims to break their fast. anything, smoke or even engage in marital relations (including kissing). All food consumption stops during • Allow time for Muslims to perform their daily prayers. fasting hours (including medicines). • Bear in mind that although Muslims will not be eating • Fasting lasts from around 2 hours before dawn to sunset, during daylight hours, this doesn’t mean that they do each day. not need a lunch break. This break period can be used for prayers, if at the right time. • Muslims eat an early morning meal in the hours before dawn to help them get through the day. • Understand that some Muslims will feel the effects of fasting more than others, including: feeling cold, being • At sunset, Muslims break their fast by having a meal. more tired than normal, being less focused, being irritated. • Many Muslims spend a large part of their evenings engaged in prayer, which then impacts on how they • Avoid planning meetings/activities during prayer times, perform in the day. during the time to break fast and during the evenings.

• Some Muslims will want to engage in Itikaaf (secluded • Be considerate towards Muslims who may need time off worship) during the last 10 days of Ramadan. to be able to practise some religious duties.

• Some Muslims will want to spend entire nights in the • The day after Ramadan is Eid and all Muslims will want to mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan. have that day off.

• After Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid. • Discuss things with your Muslim staff and customers so that you can cater for individual needs.

• Bear in mind that many Muslims are experienced in fasting and do know how to look after themselves. A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 29 Terms & Phrases explained A I Adhaan The Call to Prayer – announcing to Muslims Iftar The meal taken to break a fast to come to pray Imam A religious leader, who will lead prayers at a Allah Muslims worship Allah, the One and Only mosque God. In Sha Allah ‘God Willing’. Muslims recognise that only ‘Asr The prayer during the afternoon God knows the future and so add ‘Insha’ Allah’ D in conversation to reflect this. Dhuhr The prayer from mid-day to afternoon Iqamah The call to prayer – just before prayer is about Dhul-Qadah The 11th month in the Islamic Calendar to begin Dhul-Hijjah The 12th month in the Islamic Calendar ‘Isha The evening prayer E Islam This is a ‘way of life’ for Muslims. Commonly known as a religion. Eid-ul-Fitr The day of celebration once Ramadan has been completed. Eid-ul-Fitr is also the 1st day Istinja’ Washing of the private parts, normally done of (the 10th month in the Islamic after a visit to the bathroom calendar) Itikaaf Spiritual seclusion, usually during the last 10 Eid-ul-Adha The day of celebration during the time of Hajj days of Ramadan F J Fajr The prayer before dawn/sunrise Jumaada-al-Awwal The 5th month in the Islamic Calendar G Jumaada-at-Thani The 6th month in the Islamic Calendar Ghusl A shower taken to cleanse oneself following Jumu’ah The Friday prayer certain situations K H This is the Holiest site of Islam - Muslims face Hajj This is the Fifth Pillar of Islam. Muslims the Kaaba when praying. are expected, if possible, to perform this L Pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their Laylat-ul-Qadr Night of Power – a holy night during the last lifetime 10 days of Ramadan. Many Muslims will stay Halaal Something which is permissible in Islam. awake during this entire night, performing a Often used to refer to food that a Muslim can range of acts of worship. eat

30 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place M Shahadah The First Pillar of Islam. This is the testimony Maghrib The prayer at sunset of Faith. Makkah This is one of the Holiest places for Muslims Shawwaal The 10th month in the Islamic Calendar and contains the Kaaba, which Muslims face Suhoor The meal taken in the early hours of the when praying. morning, before fasting begins Masjid The Arabic word for mosque Sunnah The teachings and example of the Prophet Muharram The 1st month in the Islamic Calendar Muhammad (peace be upon him) Q T Qur’an This is the Holy Book of Islam, Taraweeh Night prayers performed during Ramadan Revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad W (peace be upon him) Wudhu Ablution (washing) performed before praying Z R The Arabic word for giving in charity. This Rabi-ul-Awwal The 3rd month in the Islamic Calendar is the Fourth Pillar of Islam and Muslims Rabi-at-Thani The 4th month in the Islamic Calendar are expected to give in charity, if they are Rajab The 7th month in the Islamic Calendar capable. Ramadan The 9th month in the Islamic Calendar. It is the month of fasting. S Safar The 2nd month in the Islamic Calendar Salah The Arabic word for prayer. This is the Second Pillar of Islam and all Muslims must pray once they reach the age of puberty. Saum The Arabic word for fasting. This is the Third Pillar of Islam. All Muslims who are capable, once reaching the age of puberty, must fast during Ramadan. Shabaan The 8th month in the Islamic Calendar

A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 31 Hajj: Pilgrimage of a lifetime. Hajj (Pilgrimage) is one of the . It is obligatory on every Muslim to go on Hajj at least once in their lifetime.

32 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place 33 A Practical Guide to Islam in the Work Place Nasar Haq

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