In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

 

"May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"

 

Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

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Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah

As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

 

 Tips for a Muslim in an Open Office Environment
 

In today’s day and age, it is difficult for a Muslim to find a halal job, one that is ethical, clean, but most importantly that offers a halal environment.
Most of us, especially those who live in the west, are caught up in open office environments, which are mostly mixed environments with no clear code of interaction between the two sexes. These environments are seldom safe from social dramas, love stories, tensions, and what is now known as “office politics”.

The question is, as a Muslim, one who wants to be productive and representative of their religion, how should you face such a situation? The classical answer is to get out of there! And find a halal job with a halal environment, but one can imagine, the repercussions of such an answer on the wider spectrum of the Muslim community.
1. Make sure the job you are working at is at least halal
from an ethical and religious point of view), its bad enough you having to face work with a non-halal environment, at least make sure the income you earn is halal.
2. Set your religious parameters as soon as you start work
Prayer times, Friday Prayer breaks, not shaking hands with those of the opposite sex, whatever it is, make sure it becomes clear as soon as you join.
The way to do it, is not to announce these actions, but simply go about and do them, as if expecting the other person to understand. If they raise any questions, then you explain briefly about your religious customs and duties, otherwise you may go into more detail if they show more interest.
If you’ve had a bad start to the job, and now suddenly you want prayer breaks/Friday break.. etc, expect some resistance, and people saying “well, he didnt used to pray before!?”
Best thing here is to speak to your manager about your new demands and explain its importance.

 .3) Smile, talk, and be polite to everyone.

Dont form mini-groups within the office, you dont want to be associated with them lots or those over there, be neutral, and you will avoid 99% of office politics. This is especially true if they are a group of Muslims/Non-Muslims in your office, be pleasant to both sides.
4. Never ever gossip/backbite.
It is forbidden in our religion, and will only lead you to trouble. I remind you here of the dangerous repercussions of backbiting, simple read Chapter 18, Verse 12, where Allah says: “O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it… But fear Allah. For Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.”
Moreover, regarding gossip, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said in a simple hadith that a person who leaves what’s none of his/her business is a sign of their good Islam. If other people start gossiping, attempt to change the subject, or simply ignore it, never ever add fuel to the fire!
5. If a person starts regaling you with their sexual exploits, night out stories or chat up thoughts about another member of staff, a half smile is needed and either a polite withdrawal or excuse to leave, just mentally thank Allah he made you who you are and a wish he brings the other person to guidance.
Do not stand listening unless you can’t get away, in which case, if you have to stand or sit there, just mentally make a list of the things you need to do so you look disinterested but not rude, you don’t have to join in the laughter at dirty jokes, just the half smile and leave, when possible. If you can change the subject then do so if not withdraw. If someone asks don’t you find it funny?, just say its not really my humor or a big smile and not really. Don’t forget to smile, that way you are not insulting.
6. If anyone starts teasing you or making jokes about your behavior, such as reading the Quran, then a chuckle and "well its the best book I have ever read" will work wonders. I find a half laugh, half smile, shrug and "well thats how I am" works wonders. Offer a religious explanation if someone asks straight out and not during teasing.
7. If the office is mixed (which will most probably be the case) and any woman or man starts hitting on you just refuse to be drawn and make certain your behavior is exemplary. Never allow a woman or man to stand too close to you or walk you into a corner. Invites trouble. If they do, reverse quietly. If you find anyone starts getting too personal, buys you gifts, food or hangs about by your desk, then be polite but slightly preoccupied.
8. If you find yourself getting attracted to a member of staff in the office (it happens, we are only human! & Shaitaan is working hard) ask Allah for guidance & strength, and start doing voluntary fasts, it will push these thoughts away and set your mind straight.
9. Most important people in the building are the support staff, e.g. post room, reception, cleaners. Always give them a polite greeting and a smile and if they empty your bin whilst you are there thank them, but keep the smile muted if they are from the opposite sex.
10. Finally, every morning make sure you pray the 2 rakah of Salah Ishraaq   (minimum 2, you can pray up to 4 rakah if you want) before you go to work, it will help put barakah/blessing in whatever you do. Constant remembrance of Allah at all times, and dua dua dua! You will be fully equipped inshaAllah to face any situation that comes up at in any office.

http://productivemuslim.com/top-10-tips-for-a-muslim-in-an-open-office-environment/#ixzz2EzQCY6o1

 

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