If work is simply the place you earn your bread and punch in your hours, why not redefine it this Ramadaan? 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 Ramadaan with your boss and coworkers this year.
1. Begin informing people about it as soon as possible
Start telling bosses, supervisors and coworkers about Ramadaan now. Bring it up in the course of conversation casually. In terms of when Ramadaan starts and ends, just give the projected date (i.e. for Ramadaan this year, eg. it’s November 7).
2. Post it up
On your office or department bulletin board, put up a factsheet on Ramadaan, 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 “Ramadaan 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 “Ramadaan corner”. Written information on Ramadaan 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 Ramadaan
Get articles on Ramadaan 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 Ramadaan. You can also leave the sheets on the Ramadaan corner of your desk.
6. Get a Ramadaan greeting from your boss
Have your boss, commanding officer or head of the department issue a public notification that Ramadaan 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 Ramadaan in the office newsletter
If you have a company or department newsletter, write up a personal article about why you are looking forward to Ramadaan and what Ramadaan is. Then arrange for them to publish it.
