Browsing All Posts filed under »Spirituality at Work«

Muslim Americans more likely to reject violence and intolerance than other Americans

December 15, 2015

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David Bier and Matthew La Corte from Huffington Blog Donald Trump has proposed profiling Muslim Americans and shutting down mosques. He claims that Muslim “hatred is beyond comprehension.” But the truth is that Muslim Americans are not only integrating into U.S. society, but are actuallymore opposed to violence and more tolerant in many ways than […]

Brave French Muslim Policeman Executed While Trying to Stop Terrorists in Paris

January 10, 2015

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Anne Penketh, The Guardian Newspaper It was a Muslim policeman from a local police station who was “slaughtered like a dog” after heroically trying to stop two heavily armed killers from fleeing the Charlie Hebdo offices following the massacre. Tributes to Ahmed Merabet poured in on Thursday after images of his murder at point blank […]

NPR STORY: “New PBS Documentary on Female Muslim Hero Against Nazi Germany”

September 8, 2014

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NPR.org Noor Inayat Khan, one of the heroines of World War II, had a short, astonishing life, one that took her from a pacifist childhood to a daring career in covert operations. She was a Muslim woman who worked as a British spy — a radio operator — in Nazi-occupied Paris. A new docudrama about […]

Muslim Football Players at the 2014 World Cup

June 16, 2014

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“I am to my servant as he expects of Me, I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly better than his…” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Wage Equity in Islam vs Wage Inequity at the New York Times–The Case of Jill Abramson

May 16, 2014

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Shame on the New York Times for gender bias. The number one (and biased) US news paper with a global reach shows its true colors by discriminating in pay against its first female executive editor, Jill Abramson, and then firing her. She found out that for equal work, she was making less money (in pay […]

Muslims are required to be Eco-Friendly: Here’s the Qur’anic evidence

April 6, 2014

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This is an excerpt from the article: “10 Quran Verses On The Environment And Do-able Action Plans” from the ecomuslim.com blog. For Muslims the Qur’an is the ultimate green-guide. Believed to be a sublime revelation with remarkable ideas, this divine scripture is scrupulously read by Muslims for spirituality. But it is not limited to only […]

A Muslim Hero for All Times: The Lady of the Two Girdles

April 5, 2014

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AMAT AL-KAREEM ‘The Lady of the Two Girdles’, Asma’ bint Abu (ra) with her was an excellent example of dignity and heroism. She bravely and steadfastly faced two tyrants. One of them was Abu Jahl, ‘Amr ibn Hisham, the ‘Pharaoh of this Ummah’, according to the title the Prophet of Allah (s) had given him. […]

A Muslim Woman Defies the Nazis In WW II Paris

February 16, 2014

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Enemy of the Reich Throughout the 1930′s, an unimaginable evil tore through Europe, as Hitler’s Third Reich terrorized its way to domination. During these tumultuous times, a young Muslim woman living in Paris found her calling. Noor Inayat Khan grew up in a home that fostered faith and hope. Leading with her heart, she overcame […]

The Prophet (s) was slow to anger and quick to forgive.

January 27, 2014

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As our khateeb indicated in this past week’s khutbah, “The Prophet (s) was slow to anger, and quick to forgive.” Let us reflect on the above statement some more. A hadith reinforces the need for a Muslim to control his or her anger: In Al Tabarani, itt is narrated that our Prophet (s) said : […]

Unlike France and Quebec, the US cherishes and supports diversity as Pentagon OKs religious beards and attire

January 23, 2014

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The U.S. military approved a new policy that loosens regulations on religious symbols worn by service members, the Pentagon announced Wednesday — a victory for some Sikhs, who have pushed for the move after being barred from serving for insisting on wearing turbans and beards in accordance with their faith. Pentagon spokesman Nathan Christensen said the new […]

The Teen Who Saved 2000 Schoolmates by Stopping a Taliban Suicide Bomber

January 11, 2014

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BBC News Tributes have been pouring in for a Pakistani teenager who was killed on Monday when he tackled a suicide bomber targeting his school in the Hangu area. Aitzaz Hasan, 15, was with friends outside school when they spotted a man wearing a suicide vest. Despite the pleas of his fellow students, he decided […]

Religion in America: Islam on the increase

December 18, 2013

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Niraj Chokshi, Washington Post It goes without saying that religion is big in America. It played a starring role in the founding of the nation and continues to be the source of policy fights. Just this week, a group of Satanists launched a donation drive to erect a monument on Oklahoma’s Capitol grounds, in what […]

Yemeni Nobel laureate Tawakkul Karman gives away $500,000 prize money

November 5, 2013

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(CNN) — Nobel Peace laureate Tawakkul Karman has decided that the best use of her half million dollars in prize money is to give it all away. Karman, the Yemeni activist who in 2011 became the first Arab woman to be awarded the peace prize, says she has donated the $500,000 prize money to a […]

Job Discrimination Because of One’s Religion: Judaism, Islam and Sikhism

November 2, 2013

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Why America is light years ahead of many countries, including Muslim countries. Regular people come to the help of a Jewish man, a Muslim woman and a Sikh man who are being “discriminated” against during a job interview. These people did not know that these situations were staged. It is heartwarming to see how day […]

Workers’ Safety, Health and Welfare in Islam: “Those who work for you are your brothers.”

May 1, 2013

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“Those who work for you are your brothers.  Allah has made them your assistants.” ——— Bukhari and Tirmidhi. The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “There is reward for kindness to every living thing.” ——— Bukhari and Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. Whenever it is […]

From our readers: Choosing Salaat over a Job Promotion

April 24, 2013

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Note from Rafik  Beekun: In response to a recent story about salaat on this blog (Whether to pray or not?), one of our readers from South Africa sent us this very inspiring post about a critical job related decision he had to make.  May Allah strenthen all of us to choose our deen over dunya […]

A true story about Salaat: To pray on time or not?

February 11, 2013

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A moving and true story about salaat from a young sister and that can inspire all of us: While on my way to Starbucks (my current location), I realized I hadn’t prayed dhuhr yet…it was about a quarter passed 3 and ‘asr would surely find me here 45 mins later. Through the cab ride, I […]

Human Rights Organizations’ Concerns on Employment of Muslims in Europe

September 27, 2012

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  Amnesty International, 2012 “Muslims are subject to a variety of forms of racism and intolerance, as described in several sections of this report. In particular, some factions of public opinion make no distinction between terrorists, religious extremists and the Muslim population as a whole. In some cases, it is claimed that these prejudices lead […]

The First Mosque Designed by A Turkish Muslim Woman–A Magnificent Masjid

September 8, 2012

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CNN.com There is a shiny addition among the Ottoman mosques and palaces that make up Istanbul’s stunning skyline: the metallic, mirrored dome of the new Sakirin Mosque, a Muslim place of worship built with a woman’s touch. For what may be the first time in history, women have been at the forefront of the construction […]

Mohamed “Mo” Farah, Olympics Gold Medalist 2012 and British Muslim Runner

August 8, 2012

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Source: Islamophobia Today It was a golden night in the Olympic stadium as both Jess Ennis and Greg Rutherford picked up gold medals in the heptathlon and long jump before Mo Farah took to the track.   Please click here to watch Mohamed Farah win the 10,000 m Olympic race. And Farah admits that he had […]

Salat (Prayer) at Work or While Traveling after Wiping Over Your Socks

August 1, 2012

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Many Muslims will make ablution at home and put on their socks before going out to work or on a trip.  Later, when they make wudhu, they wipe their moist hands over their socks instead of washing their feet. This is permissible for a period of 24 hours if one is not traveling. If you […]

Are you forgetful during prayer because of work-related issues or stress?

July 28, 2012

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Updated July 29, 2012 Often work related issues and stress (e.g. closing the budget year, cutbacks, hiring or firing decisions, etc.) intrude in our concentration during prayer and we may experience forgetfulness. How do you make amends if you missed something in your prayer? Can you make amends? Does your prayer still count. For these […]

This cardiovascular surgeon’s story will shake your iman, Insha Allah

July 26, 2012

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Recounted by one of friends: The Husband Who Was Too Shy To Look At His Wife (a moving story) This story was recounted by Prof. Khalid Al-Jubeir, consulting cardiovascular surgeon, in one of his lectures: Once I operated on a two and a half year old child. It was Tuesday, and on Wednesday the child […]

Muslim Olympians wrestle with Ramadan dilemma

July 22, 2012

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  Note from Rafik Beekun: I don’t see why it is a dilemma for these Olympians. Islam allows people who are working in very harsh conditions to postpone their fasts. As some of the Muslim athletes below indicate, they have received the Islamic opinion from some scholars that they can postpone their fast during the […]

Finding God at Work

July 14, 2012

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Many of us who are working throughout Ramadan are likely to be worried about how to keep spirituality at the top of our priority list while coping with a demanding work environment. Getting through the working hours can become a drag. We end up waiting to get home or to a mosque to really ‘find […]

What Employers and Employees Need to Know About Working Muslims During Ramadan–in English, French & Spanish

July 12, 2012

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With the number of Muslims increasing in the workplace it is important for employees to know how to approach the month of Ramadan when working for an employer. The aim of this guide is to provide some helpful tips on how to deal with some of the things that come up during the month of Ramadan for employees. A Working Muslim […]

Don’t lie on your résumé or CV–it is against Islam

May 7, 2012

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In general. lying is forbidden in Islam, is a major sin and is considered of the attributes of a hypocrite. Abu Hurayrah (r) narrated that the Prophet (s) said: “The signs of a hypocrite are three; he lies when talking, he breaks his promises and he deceives when entrusted […] anyone who possesses all such […]

Islam and Extra-Marital Affairs in the Workplace

April 17, 2012

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Dr. Rafik Beekun, theislamicworkplace.com Last updated May 21, 2013 Recent studies reveal that 45-55% of married women and 50-60% of married men engage in extramarital sex at some time or another during their relationship (Atwood & Schwartz, 2002 – Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy). According to US statistics, 46% of unfaithful wives and 62% […]

Muslims on Wall Street: Bridging Two Traditions

April 16, 2012

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Kevin Roose, New York TImes NAIEL IQBAL’S co-workers couldn’t figure him out. He’d just started at a Midtown Manhattan hedge fund — the kind of elite enclave where overachievers in button-downs go to make a few hundred grand before heading off to Harvard Business School. But Mr. Iqbal, 27, a graduate of the Wharton School, […]

25 Ways of Dealing with Anxiety and Stress

February 15, 2012

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Abdul Malik Mujahid Ask Him. He Listens: Dua Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants […]

Being at peace with yourself: Psychological Approach towards Acceptance and Serenity

January 20, 2012

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Posted by Haleh Banani on Muslimmatters.org Imagine what your reaction would be if you saw your Muslim brother or sister verbally and physically abusing another Muslim that was feeling very depressed for making a mistake? What if you heard them yelling, “ YOU STUPID IDIOT…..can’t you do anything right? Then punching him and saying, “YOU’RE […]

Work Ethics for Muslims Fasting During Ramadan

August 3, 2011

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Note from Rafik Beekun During the blessed month of Ramadan, many Muslims (especially in Muslim countries) slack off, showing up late at work (or not showing up at all), sleeping on the job, procrastinating, doing the least possible, and asking employers for shorter working days at the same wage rate. This type of behavior is […]

CAIR: An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices

June 23, 2011

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http://www.cair.com Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because of their religion in hiring, firing and other terms of employment. The act also requires employers to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of the employee, unless doing so would create an “undue hardship” for the employer. CAIR offers […]

Core Principles of Islamic Leadership: Empathy and Compassion Towards All

June 5, 2011

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Rafik Beekun, Louay Safi and Iqbal Unus, www.theIslamicworkplace.com Now has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves: it grieves him that you should experience hardship: ardently anxious is he over you: to the Believers is he most kind and merciful. (Tawbah 9:128) We sent you merely  as a Mercy for all humanity. (Anbiya 21:107) […]

Why Islamic Leadership must be competent

May 21, 2011

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Rafik Beekun, theislamicworkplace.com Many Islamic community organizations, masajids and businesses are often characterized by leadership lacking  any vision and the requisite skills for the job.  As a result, masajids have been reduced to mere prayer halls,  community organizations lack a sense of direction and do nothing really well, and businesses are characterized by nepotism, favoritism […]

How to build confidence in yourself as a Muslim

May 16, 2011

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Rafik Beekun, the Islamicworkplace.com, updated May 22, 2011 Self-confidence plays a critical role in self identity and how we carry ourselves.  It can affect our job performance, our involvement in the community, and even our success/failure in finding a spouse, Insha Allah. The cardinal principle of self-confidence in Islam is the concept of Tawakkul, one’s […]

The Islamic Perspective on Excellent Leadership and Good Governance.

April 30, 2011

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Professor Muhammad Abdallah Al Buraey, King Fadh University, presentation in Sydney, Australia (and commented upon  by Professor Rafik Beekun), theIslamicworkplace.com In choosing excellent leaders and making appointment of public officials, only merit matters, nothing else. [Note from Rafik Beekun: clearly as indicated by the Qur’anic quotations and ahadiths cited by Professor Buraey below, “merit” is […]

EEOC claims on rise as Americans view Islam more and more negatively

April 29, 2011

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Eve Tahmincioglu, MSNBC […] A poll released l[in September 2010] by the Pew Research Center that shows that the public’s view of Islam has deteriorated, with only 30 percent of Americans expressing a favorable opinion of Islam, compared with 41 percent in 2005. “One can easily conclude that since the general situation is so unfavorable […]

Farooq Kathwari–CEO of Ethan Allen and Great Business Leader

April 19, 2011

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By Jayne O’Donnell, USA TODAY NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — “Pashmina! Pashmina!” The CEO of one of the largest U.S. furniture chains, determined to introduce a visitor to his beloved cat, is calling in vain out the doors of his stone-and-stucco mansion on the water here. He quizzes his driver and the landscaper on whether they’ve […]

Online Islamic Management Course now being offered at Islamicity.com

January 13, 2011

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Bismillah hir Rahman nir Rahim – In the name  of God the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful Announcing Good News Jan 7, 2011 – Anaheim: Islamic Shura Council of Southern California is pleased to launch an online leadership and management course tailored for the current and future leadership of Masajid and non-profit organizations. “Masajid ought […]

Record Numbers of Britons Convert to Islam

January 3, 2011

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Jerome Taylor and Sarah Morrison, http://www.independent.co.uk Tuesday, 4 January 2011 The number of Britons choosing to become Muslims has nearly doubled in the past decade, according to one of the most comprehensive attempts to estimate how many people have embraced Islam. Following the global spread of violent Islamism, British Muslims have faced more scrutiny, criticism […]

How Christians, Muslims can find peace

January 2, 2011

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Paul Moses, CNN. com Editor’s note: Paul Moses, professor of journalism at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, is the author of “The Saint and the Sultan: The Crusades, Islam and Francis of Assisi’s Mission of Peace” (Doubleday, 2009). New York (CNN) — Speaking hours after a terrorist attack killed 21 people […]

2010 in review: The year for Muslims in the U.S.

January 1, 2011

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NPR Please click here to listen to an interview of Moustafa Bayoumi, author of “How does feel to be a problem?” on NPR. He reviews 2010 with respect to American Muslims. Note from Rafik Beekun: My blog was hacked, and the above link to the interview was changed to refer to a link promoting a […]

Muslims and Jews Come together to Deplore Vandalism at Synagogue

December 6, 2010

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(Herald Times) By Dann Denny 331-4350 | ddenny@heraldt.com It was a tiny gathering – 11 people huddled around a table in a small room at the Beth Shalom synagogue – eating cookies, sipping hot tea and talking. But the five Muslims who had come to express their support and solidarity Thursday afternoon to a Jewish community that’s been […]

Why ARE so many modern British career women converting to Islam?

October 28, 2010

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Daily Mail Reporter,  October 28, 2010 Eve Ahmed Much of my childhood was spent trying to escape ­Islam. Born in London to an English mother and a ­Pakistani Muslim father, I was brought up to follow my father’s faith without question. But, privately, I hated it. The minute I left home for university at the […]

Good Samaritans drop flowers at Mosque in Reno

September 14, 2010

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KRNV.com Reno-area Christian church presents gift of flowers to Muslim center By Jeff DeLong • jdelong@rgj.com • September 10, 2010 It was a gesture of kindness and understanding during turbulent times. On Friday, members of the Summit Christian Church in Spanish Springs presented a gift of flowers to members of the Northern Nevada Muslim Cultural […]

NY Muslim Firefighter Responded When Country Was Under Attack On 9/11

September 1, 2010

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Thank you, New York Times, For Your Editorial: A Monument to Tolerance

August 14, 2010

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Note from Rafik Beekun: Thank you New York TImes.  You got it right in this editorial about the Muslim Community Center in Lower Manhattan. It has been disturbing to hear and read the vitriol and outright bigotry surrounding the building of a mosque two blocks from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. […]

Correcting the Distorted Lens of Islamophobia

August 14, 2010

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Sally Steenland, Huffington Post Protesters have recently been rallying against a proposed Islamic educational center containing a mosque near Ground Zero, claiming that the proximity of anything Muslim to Ground Zero would contaminate a hallowed place. Protesters claim they aren’t anti-Muslim; they merely want the center and mosque to be built someplace else. But it […]

Egypt tries to “unify” the Adhan by abolishing individual muezzins’ call in Cairo

August 12, 2010

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Al Jazeera