for those who sincerely practice Islam?

Question

How do you deal with non muslim co-workers during their holiday season?
for example they have christmas events at work.
my my co-workers are having secret santa present thing..and they asked me this morning If I was going to participate,,you buy a gift to for someone sectretly etc and get a gift in return.
They know I'm muslim but still some muslims do this. This is what I told them.....
'hey you guys know that I do not celebrate christmas,,and I wont participate in the secret santa thing however,,,,,,,my holiday is coming up on the 20th too so we could have a holiday pot luck. they liked the idea and we are doing it.
I do participate in potluck events bring my own dish and of course make sure I dont eat anything that has pork in it.
and we only have to men in my unit....one being a palestinian.
So that helps alot.
so how do you guys try to work and in the meantime be a muslim.
Do you ever face weird situations?

norcalis.....you are a mean boss=)

fasn321: I feel ya:),,you are right on target. we sould be full time muslims, even when things get hard....this is what I whisper myself ..allahuma ja'alnee sabr lima yathur...
O Allaah give me patience that doesn't cause harm.ameen.

Answer 1

Yes, I too am dealing with this situation as we speak.
I live in a society where it's predominantly christian. And christmas is a big part of their world. But it has no part of mine. So when things come around like christmas parties and secret santa's I always get an invitation or asked about the santa thing, it's sweet but is it. If it's the thought that counts did you really think of me and think that I did celebrate christmas. I don't. And they know I don't. I have been working there for 8 years now.

But it's ok. I just say things like, " Now you know I don't celebrate christmas." and they laugh it off. It kinda gets on my nerves but I certainly don't show it. It's their holiday. I want respect on my holidays also.

and I don't really know how to word this but being muslim is a way of life. It doesn't turn off and then turn on when the majority is not muslim and pressure arises pertaining to things around the holiday. I express the islam inside me 24 hours 7 days a week 365 days a year inshallah.

and unfortunately I am the only muslim that works here so no potlucks for me here but I do have some muslims on yahoo answers that I like to come and see and answer their questions.That among other things is kinda my outlet at work away from all the santa crap. heheheh

Answer 2

Alahamdulillah, a Muslim owns the company I work for. As far as my co-workers go, well, I am the V.P. of the company, so if they give me a hard time, I tell them since I'm Muslim, I have no problem NOT giving them Christmas bonus! lol
Seriously, I work with primarily African-American men. In some way, they have pretty much all been exposed to Islam or Muslims before within their own families or social groups, so they are pretty understanding about it, especially for being Christians.
In all reality, they know that I would LOVE to replace them all with Muslims, so they don't give me any causes to fire them! lol

Answer 3

If this can help in anyway that's all I hope to do....I myself stand back look at Christmas as part of the culture I live in....and take it as culture...I take part in activities as culture...Instead of saying 'Merry Christmas' I say Happy Holidays, many also say to me Happy Holidays, and yes I still go to my family at Christmas and take part in the culture. Hope I could help. Salam.

Answer 4

i dont work but at school i was eating lunch and my friend was saying she wants to get me a christmas present, and its a cabbage patch doll lol i was like ummm..she knows im muslim.. she told me to keep it and dont open it till new years so it would be a new years present lol... but at the same time arnt dolls not allowed to have in islam..

Answer 5

yah!!
when i was in 4th grade, the conslor came and informed us about world religions and holidays, and she was talking about xmas and hunika (i have no clue how to spell that lol) they tottally miss Ramadan/Eid so i have to explain to the whole class, talk about awkward, lol


@Mr. V.P: dont hurt me!!

Answer 6

Just join in. Islam is a religion of peace, so they claimed. By being and sharing wont take your faith away. Instead others will see it as a good religion.

Answer 7

I don't go with the Santa thing but I often buy little meaningful gifts for my co-workers and they do the same for me. I think sharing gifts at Christmas is a meaningful gesture of affection.
Yesterday, one of my co-workers gave me a big Teddy Bear named Fatima. I love it!