I read an email from a new friend who had read somewhere that this was a good way to repel negativity. She gave some examples of how she had used it recently in her personal life. The one I thought was very interesting was how she used angels' help to protect her sense of personal space. She doesn't like feeling crowded by strangers and asked that angels keep everyone back to a comfortable distance. Apparently it worked. That's an area I hadn't thought to use it in. I am reminded of walking in dark parking lots to get to my car, or when taking small children to fair and not wanting to get separated. I will try asking for angels' help with these little comfort and safety areas.

I've also used letters to angels technique in my work too. One such letter became an article because they told me it was a universal prayer and needed to be typed up formally for everyone's benefit. Click here to read The Entrepreneur's Prayer if you haven't already. In past, I've used prayer letters to help me find start up capital for my business and to help me find right office space to lease. I keep an open-ended request for guidance in all of my spiritual work. I ask them when to write, what to write, when to pitch my work, when to rework website, and when to have a toes-in-the-sand-at-the-beach-day so as to become re-inspired again. As long as I'm listening, I pretty much always get great advice and am in flow of some sort of cosmic divine timing. When I can't 'hear' them and need direction, then I will write letters again. Soon afterwards, I am able to 'feel' their presence and can spot signs again that they're still here helping me.

I don't use them too much for personal gain, because I have this funny little voice that says I'm not supposed to bug them for money and material possessions. I am working to get past that belief system because when I have asked them to help with creating a new car or to find new home we're meant to live in, they've always taken excellent care of us and found perfect car or perfect home for us at that time.

Find your form of prayer. I don't think it matters how you create prayer, but I do know that it works. Call on them and they will help you, in their way, in their time.

Copyright 2004, Skye Thomas, Tomorrow's Edge

Muslim women are required to cover their hair (hijab) and to dress modestly. Many do neither but it is best to be aware of needs of those who do. If your company has a uniform or a certain dress code be sure it permits wearing of hijabs. Many companies have now taken step to provide hijabs which match company uniform.

Holidays

Generally Muslims in UK take holidays as and when they need to. There are however a few dates of significance that should be noted.

Eid al-Fitr – this holiday celebrates end of month of Ramadan and fasting. It is traditionally a time when extended families congregate and presents given to children. Although this holiday extends over a three day period, many Muslims typically take a single day holiday.

Eid al-Adha – celebrates end of Hajj (pilgrimage) and commemorates willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. In Muslim countries sheep, goats and camels and usually sacrificed and meat distributed family, neighbourhood and poor. In UK such meat is ordered through a butcher due to our laws. As with Eid al-Fitr, Muslims typically take a single day holiday during this period.

Socialising

One of major discomforts for Muslims in British workplace may involve socialising culture of office. Typical business culture involves after work socializing in pubs or restaurants. As Muslims do not drink any alcohol and places such as pubs, bars and discos are not considered suitable venues for relaxation, then Muslim staff may politely decline such offers.

This should not be interpreted as bad manners of unfriendliness, but rather a difference in cultures that should be respected. When planning team building trips or exercises or team outings always bear in mind a Muslim member of staff may feel uncomfortable if venue is a pub, bar or even a restaurant serving alcohol. It is always best to check with that staff member first.

Try to think of alternative venues where all staff will be comfortable.

Food

There are certain restrictions as to what a Muslim can/can’t eat.

Meat must always be halal. Such meat has been slaughtered according to Islamic practice. If halal meat cannot be sourced then Muslims are allowed to eat Kosher meat too. Pork is not eaten at all by Muslims.

Always check ingredients of foods you plan to share out or use in staff lunches. Foods not suitable for vegetarians may contain non-halal meat or meat derivatives (e.g. gelatine) and cannot be eaten. Similarly, foods with alcohol content should also be avoided.

An easy way to overcome any catering difficulties is to provide a vegetarian option.

Touch/Personal Space

There is an opinion among some Muslims that touching between men and women should be avoided. Although not common in UK, as compared with Gulf, you may occasionally come across Muslim men and women who do not like to shake hands with members of opposite sex. If you are unsure then it is advisable to wait and see if they extend their hands first.

Muslim men and women may also find close personal contact between sexes very uncomfortable. Unless you know otherwise be sure to leave a good deal of personal space.

As mentioned in introduction, these are broad guidelines only and degree of support from a business / HR perspective will be entirely dependant on individual involved. Care should be taken therefore not to assume needs of a member of staff, but to simply be aware of possible issues and resulting interventions if these become necessary.

If you feel you or your staff could benefit from a more detailed briefing on above information, then please see http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cross-cultural/islam-breaking-stereotypes.html