Ideas for Ramadan at your workplace

If work is simply the place you earn your bread and punch in your hours, why not redefine it this Ramadan? Make your workplace the scenario for Dawa, especially in the current tension-filled atmosphere of misunderstandings about Islam and Muslims.

Here are some ideas that can help you share Ramadan with your boss and coworkers this year.

1. Begin informing people about it as soon as possible

Start telling bosses, supervisors and coworkers about Ramadan now. Bring it up in the course of conversation casually. In terms of when Ramadan starts and ends, just give the projected date (i.e. for Ramadan this year, eg. it’s November 7).

2. Post it up

On your office or department bulletin board, put up a factsheet on Ramadan, with a short introduction of what this blessed month means. (i.e. spiritual growth, closeness to God, being more generous, etc.).

3. Negotiate your lunch hour with the boss

This is another task that needs to be done as soon as possible. Explain that you will need a short break for prayer. Lunch hour for Zohr Salaah. Time can be negioated for other salaahs, and time missed can be filled in.

4. Create a “Ramadan corner” at your desk

If you have your own desk at work, dedicate a corner of it that is accessible to passers by; called the “Ramadan corner”. Written information on Ramadan and maybe a small frame of eye-catching Islamic calligraphy on it. Post a note inviting co-workers to further information on Ramadhaan and it’s significance.

5. Distribute written material on Ramadan

Get articles on Ramadhan printed and circulate copies amongst Non-Muslim colleagues. This will be good Dawa. If you’ve got a central location in your workplace where people can pick up free newspapers, get permission to stack a factsheet and pamphlets on Ramadan. You can also leave the sheets on the Ramadan corner of your desk. 

6. Get a Ramadan greeting from your boss

Have your boss, commanding officer or head of the department issue a public notification that Ramadan is coming up or is here and they and the company congratulates all Muslim employees on this occasion. This will allow the employer to appreciate and recognize the Auspiciousness of the month of Ramadhaan.

7. Put an article about Ramadan in the office newsletter

If you have a company or department newsletter, write up a personal article about why you are looking forward to Ramadan and what Ramadan is. Then arrange for them to publish it. 

Source: soundvision
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za