Ramadan in the Workplace By Catherine England, M.Ed. & Lee Mozena, M.A. Excerpts from a ½ Day Seminar

About This Seminar Catherine England is a practicing Muslim and college educator. Lee Mozena © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA, is not Muslim, she owns Zena Consulting.

Agenda I. Overview of Islam Worldwide and U.S. II. Ramadan and Eid Basics III. Workplace Challenges around Ramadan III. Solutions for Managers and Co-workers © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

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,

PART I. Overview of Islam Worldwide and U.S. © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

Global View of Islam © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

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,

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,

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,

Fastest growing religion in U.S.- 7+ million 20% of U.S. Muslims are African-American 65% are New Americans from 68 countries American Muslim Statistics Pew Research © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

PART II. Ramadan and Eid Basics © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

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,

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,

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,

Ramadan Ends with Eid Eid is somewhat like a spiritual New Year’s Eve celebration without alcohol © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

PART III. Workplace Challenges around Ramadan © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

Managerial Considerations People bring all of themselves to work Role model high communication skills Understand legal issues and ramifications © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

Fasting is Universal Other religious traditions include fasting Many non-Muslims fast for health reasons Have you ever fasted? © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

PART IV. Questions and Solutions © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

Workplace Solutions Be aware of Muslims’ needs at sunset Flexible hours during Ramadan Floating holidays for Ramadan and Eid © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

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,

Local and National Resources About Islam: Islam.about.comIslam.about.com Council on Islamic Education, (CIE): cie.org Zena Consulting: zenaconsulting.comzenaconsulting.com © 2013 by Lee Mozena, MA,

Thank You!