Ramadan in the Workplace By Catherine England, M.Ed. & Lee Mozena, M.A. Excerpts from a ½ Day Seminar.

Ramadan in the Workplace

By Catherine England, M.Ed. & Lee Mozena, M.A.

www.zenaconsulting.com

Exce

rpts

from

a ½

Day

Sem

inar

About This Seminar

Catherine England

is a practicing Muslim and college educator.

Lee Mozena

© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com

is not Muslim, she owns Zena Consulting.

http://www.zenaconsutling.com/

AgendaI. Overview of Islam Worldwide and U.S.II. Ramadan and Eid BasicsIII. Workplace Challenges around RamadanIII. Solutions for Managers and Co-workers



Goals

• Improve knowledge of Islam and Ramadan

• Increase skills to manage more effectively

• Learn more about U.S. Muslim diversity



PART I.

Overview of Islam Worldwide and U.S.



Global View of Islam



Founded by Muhammed* in 710

• The Prophet*- considered messenger of God• Koran/Qur’an- scriptures revealed to him• Islam similar to Judeo-Christian traditions

*(PBUH)



Islam is Monotheistic

• The Arabic word for God is “Allah”• World’s fastest growing religion- 7+

billion• Conversion is simple: follow the 5

Pillars



The 5 Pillars of Islam

1. Shahada- Profession of faith in one God

2. Salat- Pray 5 times daily, facing Mecca

3. Sawm- Fast during the Month of Ramadan

4. Zakat- Annual tax to help the poor

5. Hajj- Pilgrimage once during life, if able



• Fastest growing religion in U.S.- 7+ million

• 20% of U.S. Muslims are African-American

• 65% are New Americans from 68 countries

American Muslim Statistics

Pew Research© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com


PART II.

Ramadan and Eid Basics



The Holy Month of Ramadan

• Fasting time is from sunrise to sunset

• Ramadan lasts for one month every year

• There are exceptions to fasting rules

© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenithcommunication.com

http://www.zenithcommunication.com/

Why Ramadan is Important

• Observing it is a basic principal of Islam

• Most Muslims observe Ramadan• Ramadan also includes other

obligations



When is Ramadan?

• The Holy Month moves around each year

• A lunar calendar dictates start and end

• Eid is also determined by the moon



Ramadan Ends with Eid

• Eid is somewhat like a spiritual New Year’s Eve celebration without alcohol



PART III.

Workplace Challenges around Ramadan



Managerial Considerations

• People bring all of themselves to work• Role model high communication skills• Understand legal issues and

ramifications



Fasting is Universal

• Other religious traditions include fasting

• Many non-Muslims fast for health reasons

• Have you ever fasted?


PART IV.

Questions and Solutions


Workplace Solutions

• Be aware of Muslims’ needs at sunset

• Flexible hours during Ramadan• Floating holidays for Ramadan and

Eid


If You Have More Questions…

• Do some learning on your own• Ask from a place of curiosity and

respect• Draw parallels to your own

experience


Local and National Resources

• About Islam: Islam.about.com•Council on Islamic Education, (CIE):cie.org• Zena Consulting: zenaconsulting.com


Thank You!

www.zenaconsulting.com

Ramadan in the Workplace By Catherine England, M.Ed. & Lee Mozena, M.A. Excerpts from a ½ Day Seminar.

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