Transcript Logos and title - Zena Consulting

Ramadan in the Workplace
By Catherine England, M.Ed. & Lee Mozena, M.A.
www.zenaconsulting.com
About This Seminar
Catherine England
is a practicing Muslim
and college educator.
Lee Mozena
is not Muslim, she
owns Zena Consulting.
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Agenda
I.
II.
III.
III.
Overview of Islam Worldwide and U.S.
Ramadan and Eid Basics
Workplace Challenges around Ramadan
Solutions for Managers and Co-workers
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Goals
• Improve knowledge of Islam and Ramadan
• Increase skills to manage more effectively
• Learn more about U.S. Muslim diversity
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
PART I.
Overview of Islam Worldwide and U.S.
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Global View of Islam
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
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)
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Islam is Monotheistic
• The Arabic word for God is “Allah”
• World’s fastest growing religion- 7+ billion
• Conversion is simple: follow the 5 Pillars
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
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
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
American Muslim Statistics
• Fastest growing religion in U.S.- 7+ million
• 20% of U.S. Muslims are African-American
• 65% are New Americans from 68 countries
Pew Research
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
PART II.
Ramadan and Eid Basics
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
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
Why Ramadan is Important
• Observing it is a basic principal of Islam
• Most Muslims observe Ramadan
• Ramadan also includes other obligations
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenithcommunication.com
When is Ramadan?
• The Holy Month moves around each year
• A lunar calendar dictates start and end
• Eid is also determined by the moon
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenithcommunication.com
Ramadan Ends with Eid
• Eid is somewhat like a spiritual New Year’s
Eve celebration without alcohol
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenithcommunication.com
PART III.
Workplace Challenges around Ramadan
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Managerial Considerations
• People bring all of themselves to work
• Role model high communication skills
• Understand legal issues and ramifications
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Fasting is Universal
• Other religious traditions include fasting
• Many non-Muslims fast for health reasons
• Have you ever fasted?
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
PART IV.
Questions and Solutions
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Workplace Solutions
• Be aware of Muslims’ needs at sunset
• Flexible hours during Ramadan
• Floating holidays for Ramadan and Eid
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
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
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Local and National Resources
• About Islam: Islam.about.com
• Council on Islamic Education, (CIE):
cie.org
• Zena Consulting: zenaconsulting.com
© 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, www.zenaconsutling.com
Thank You!
www.zenaconsulting.com