DiscriminationBeing a Muslim woman in this

society.

Where does discrimination takes place?

• Work

• School/University

• Public Streets

• Public Transport

What are some of the challenges you have faced?

My own experience at work

When working at Odeon back in 2009, I started off wearing trousers because in my mind I thought that was the only way to pass the interview and get the job. After feeling uncomfortable in my trousers through the probation period, I changed back into a skirt. I was often asked by other team members, why I wore a skirt or abaya, how come I prayed or wore a scarf while other Muslims didn’t. My abaya was even once referred to as a costume. However I was more than happy to inform those of Islam and my reasons for my acts of worship. Although it was difficult during Ramadan and praying on time had its challenges. The real problem working there only started when they started selling alcoholic drinks in the retail area, I told them that I will not be selling and would prefer to just usher. This put what I felt as a strain on those that prepare the shift timetable. After this I felt that the working environment became unfriendly, if I went to pray I was monitored even though I got someone to cover my area. The final straw was after I had a argument with a supervisor due to his lack professionalism at work. Although I regret being so foul mouthed, I did not expect to be asked if his homosexuality was the reason for our argument. They tried to blame my religious views on the argument, which was clearly not the case. In the end I quit before I got fired as I knew it was coming.

Since then I have worked at nice retail environments such as River Island and Primark, both catering to my religious needs very well.

Difference between discrimination & safety

procedures • There are certain safety precautions put in place

by companies for your safety and for the safety of others. This shouldn’t be taken as discrimination.

E.g. A Muslimah working in a lab or fast paced hospital may be asked to not wear overly loose hijabs/jilbab etc.

• Discrimination is the unjust treatment of different categories of people based on their age, gender, race or religion.

E.g. A woman not passing first stage of interviews for wearing a jilbab or hijab.

Effects of discrimination• It is harder to pass interview stages & get a hired

• As a result of unemployment, youth feel discouraged and therefore are not motivated to achieve their full potential. As humans fundamentally need money to sustain themselves, we often see many youth take wrong turns and get catch up in bad situations.

• For graduates all their hard work seems useless, if they can’t get a job in a retail store let alone the field in which they studied to get into. While those that took other routes besides university, feel like there isn’t much options to pursue their passion.

• Youth unemployment is a major issue, with an estimated 498,000 without jobs. [Guardian]. Muslim youth are competing with other young professionals, who’s religious views/dress codes are more accepted by certain companies.

• Getting fired or let go after probation period, makes the youth feel like they were used and then tossed aside

Current examples in the media

Abercrombie & Finch – They refused to hire a Muslim woman because her hijab did not go with their dress code, which called for ‘classic east coast style’.

United Airlines – A Muslim woman was denied a unopened can of coke by a flight attendant. When she asked why the attendant responded with “you might use it as a weapon’’.

High school Invention - A 14 year old Muslim boy was arrested after his teacher thought his clock invention was a bomb. You may have see the massive online support with the #Istandwithahmed .

Summary

We will always be confronted with difficult situations, we maybe be discriminated against but it is how we react to such things that has a big impact. The prophet (saw) faced many difficulties and he responded with patience and such grace. We should always remind ourselves of the struggle the prophet (saw) and the people around him suffered and they ways they carried themselves in such harsh circumstances.

Allah (swt) said in Surah Yunus, ayah 65 “And let not their speech grieve you, indeed honor (due to power) belongs to Allah entirely. He is the hearing, the knowing.”

And in Surah Ash-Sharh, ayah 5

“Surely after hardship, comes ease.”