— “9 to 5: Muslims in the Western Workplace” provides an insider’s view into what it means to be a Muslim at work. The volume is comprised of several actual and dramatized first-person accounts by Muslims in many different professions. Through the narratives and commentary, the author sets out to dispel myths, break down stereotypes, and generally show that “different” at work isn’t always “wrong”. By sharing their honest stories, the Muslim contributors clearly articulate some of the internal and external struggles they’ve faced in different occupations and how gj they’ve dealt with each situation. These candid tales help vocalize the chronicles of integration and identity retention at work and provide us all with a platform for understanding how Islam and work in the West really can go hand-in-hand. * * * Suzy S. Ismail is currently a Visiting Professor in the Communication Department at DeVry University in North Brunswick and DeVry University Online. *■ »<s1 She received her Bachelors in English, Communication and Middle Eastern Studies, her Master’s in Communication and Information Studies, and was li previously a Ph.D. student in the School of Communication lllll at Rutgers University. She has been an active member on the Noor Ul-Iman School Board of Directors for the past six years. v. III She is the author of “When Muslim Marriage Fails,” “The BFF Illi Sisters” and several other pending middle-grade and young adult aI'1- Vll novels. She currently resides in New Jersey with her amazing husband of thirteen years and her three young children. For more information please visit www.suzyismail.webs.com. ■ amana publications ■ii I ISBN: T7a-lSt100a0bael 10710 Tucker Street. Beltsville, MD 20705 Tel: (301) 595-5777 • Fax: (301) 595-5888 E-mail: [email protected] www.amana-publications.com n^ais^oTaobaT 11111,1111111 J i ■ i i i i J r - I < i ! • I i ■I Nine to Five Muslims in the Western Workplace Suzy Ismail [Selected Commentary by Dr. Shadee El-Masry] amana publications First Edition (1432AH/2011AC) ©Copyright 1431AH/2010 AC amana publications 10710 Tucker Street Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2223 USA Tel: (301) 595-5777 / Fax: (301) 595-5888 E-mail: [email protected] www.amana-publications.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ismail, Suzy. Nine to five : Muslims in the Western workplace I Suzy Ismail; selected commentary by Dr. Shadee El-Masry. p. cm. ISBN 978-1-59008-068-9 1. Work-Religious aspects-Islam. 2. Religion in the workplace. 3. Conformity in the workplace. 4. Islam-Customs and practices. 5. Muslims-Conduct of life. I. El- Masry, Shadee. II. Tide. BP173.77.I86 2011 331.5-dc22 2011013593 Printed in Turkey By Mega Print 1 The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free-time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.” (Hakim) 1 i Contents Introduction ix Chapter 1: “Can’t Touch This” ............................. 1 Respecting Gender Disparity, Personal Space, and Intentions of the Muslim ‘Other’ Chapter 2: “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”.......................... 12 Reserve, Dietary Restrictions, & Lack of Involvement in Company Excursions and Outings Chapter 3: “WHAT’S THAT ON YOUR HEAD?” ................................. 30 Navigating Company Dress Policy and Professional Attire in the Formal Workplace Chapter 4: “Not a Doctor, Engineer, or Lawyer”....... 49 Challenging the Meaning of Traditional Workplace Definitions and Acceptable Roles Chapter 5: “Mom & Dad, Incorporated”....................... 63 Negotiating the Roles of Parent and Employee in a High-Stress Work Atmosphere Chapter 6: “BRING YOUR FATHER-IN-LAW TO WORK” . 77 Individualism vs. Collectivism, Nepotism, and Other Family Related “Isms” At Work Chapter 7: “Who’S IN CHARGE HERE?”....................................... 92 Understanding Power Distance, Positions of Authority, and Uncertainty Avoidance Chapter 8: “What Time is Lunch Again?”............................. 104 Ablution, Prayers, Fasting, and the Trouble with Time Chapter 9: “I Say Tomato and You Say Toe-mah-toe” . 120 Breaking Linguistic Barriers and Speaking the Same High and Low Context Language Chapter 10: “The Rat Race”........................... 130 The End Does NOT Justify the Means Final Thoughts 145 Introduction s the global work force continues to diversify and people establish greater contact with individuals from around the world, the importance of understanding varied cultures and religions must be acknowledged by anyone in a work environment. The scope of our occupational landscape is changing and universal boundaries are crossed on a continuous basis. With these diverse interactions, it would seem that a virtual melting pot of identities could be formed through workplace acculturation. However, it seems that no other minority group in the Western workplace gains as much attention and misunderstanding as that of Muslims in their retention of Islamic identities at work. Whether born and raised in the country of residence, long-time immigrants from other countries, or temporarily transferred employees, Muslims tend to stand out in the workplace for “differences” that are sometimes hard to reconcile with employment atmospheres. This book attempts to explore the questions and dilemmas that Muslims at work in the West are most often faced with. The number of Muslims entering the workforce continues to grow exponentially and the impor­ tance of Muslim contributions is recognized in organizations across the world today. This is why it is critical to gain a better understanding of the motivations, cultural inclinations, and reactions to various work situations along with the misperceptions often attached to Muslim employees’ tendencies. The following accounts, narrated in first-person by Muslims in many different professions aim to instigate greater dialogue and understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim employees around the world. Once a greater understanding is reached of the “why” behind the “what” of Muslim actions, then a stronger level of equality and acceptance can be achieved. This book sets out to dispel myths, break IX