Despite the fact that I have been blogging and writing about the Muslim American experience for many years, I am quite private about my religious beliefs in the workplace. (That is, until my boss Googles my somewhat unique name and sees what I've been up to!) I suspect many Muslim Americans keep their faith close to their chest as well. While it is easy to downplay religion during most of the year, there is no way the fasting Muslim can hide it during Ramadan. So how do fasting and the office mix?
In my experience at least, they mix fairly well. Of course, it depends on what kind of job you have, but for the average white-collar employee, I've found that most people are understanding and accomodating. You might have to miss (or tolerate) a few company luncheons and birthday parties, and engage in water cooler talk without the water, but otherwise it's not too bad. The biggest inconvenience has been rescheduling or cancelling corporate lunches. (Though in the case of a few Muslim clients, I've been able to change them to corporate iftar dinners instead.)
But if you're not careful, fasting can make it difficult to maintain the quality of work, and you might find yourself running on fumes towards the end of the day--especially if you're used to powering your day with a healthy dose of caffeine. Here are some tips I've used in the past to maintain my productivity:
For those of you who work with fasting Muslim colleages: There's no need to go out of your way to accomodate your fasting Muslim colleagues. Just do something nice, like treating them to lunch either before or after Ramadan. Or discreetly wake them up if you find them slumped over in their chair. (Because most of us have been up from 4:30 or 5 a.m. and have been going full-steam until 10 or 11 p.m. at night.)
And don't bother with that "Lunch is on me today!" line during Ramadan. Trust me--your Muslim colleagues have heard it many times before!
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AS SALAAMU ALAIKUM,
I am a masseuse. Taking care of women during their post natal confinement is really challenging during the Ramadhan. To keep me awake during the massage session, I would engage into a conversation with my client about the current local and global news for one and half hours! Cos if i don't talk, I'm afraid I might fall asleep on her!
Nevertheless thank you for the tips. Shukran, barakallahu fik.
Nur
Malaysia
IM SO GLADE YOU ARE PROVIDING THIS SERVICE TO MOSLEM PEOPLE
YOUR DOING GOOD FOR AMERICA AND YOURSELFS THANKS TOO YOU
PEOPLE HAVE A PLACE TO TURN FOR UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION
IN THE U.S. GOOD LUCK IN AMERICA
This article is a perfect example of how I make it through my day. Because Islam is not as widespread as other religions in America, it's hard to let others know you're fasting and why. Because if they are blind (by faith) then it's wasted energy that I don't have during Ramadan. The first 3 days were the most challenging. I read the Qu'ran during my lunch hour as well as get about 15 minutes of ZZZs. When I get home, I began preparing dinner for Iftar and then rest and pray before eating. This has been a great 1st time experience for me. I've learned and proved that boss and food are not the lord of my world; Allah is.
Salam,
Excellant article, it reflected a typical day of a Muslim fasting. Currently in Scotland fasting and working at the same time, it has been difficult as I am the only Mulsim fasting in the work place however I am so proud of my identity and hope my ALLAH will be happy. When my colleagues ask me questions and say hope you dont mind us asking my response is always please do ask as much as you want as this will increase your knowledge on a Muslims way of life.
May ALLAH bless us all in this holy month - Ameen.
ALLAH HAFIZ
Great job!
You are right - constant motion is a good way to make the day go by. I often find myself procrastinating far less in Ramadan because of this.
My biggest problem is not keeping the fast but opening it on time. I am a surgeon and many times the suhoor has occurred while I am in the middle of a case!
You might find it interesting to poll different occupations and see how they alter their day or their work to accommodate Ramadan.
Jazakullah khair