This was one of the signs that just went up in the men's locker room bathroom at my workplace. Actually, one of my non-Muslim coworkers spotted it first and came by and told me yesterday morning. Rightfully so, he figured I would be concerned.
Getting ready for the five daily prayers in Islam involves washing parts of the body; the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet. Personally, to me it ties a physical, mental, and spiritual cleanliness altogether. But Im getting off track...
There is one other person that I know of that makes wudu (ablution for prayer) in the sink and both of us are very mindful to keep the area dry when we are done. Now obviously someone had to have seen either of us washing our feet in the sink, and someone had to be offended enough by the sight of it that they had to make a complaint.
So you know what this sign says to me? It says that "I dont even care to ask you why you are washing your foot in the sink, I think its disgusting and Im going to complain." On top of that, the person who made the sign must have felt strongly about it too.
I went down to the Human Resources director and told her what was up. I showed her the sign, explained my take on it, and she found it offensive too. We agreed that we would have the facilities department take the rest of the signs down and provide an alternative solution for washing feet. Because it is true, sinks are just not built for washing feet. I just happen to be tall.
She also left me with this, "You are all hired to work here based on your skills and your performances. We all come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, sexual persuasions so we've got to learn how to "live" together. Our job is to accommodate you so you can continue on with the things you got to do to live your life."
Facilities upon request installed a retractable shower head that could reach the floor this morning.
1 comment:
This is awesome! Naveed, i can not tell you how many times i have gotten calls from our community, saying this , that and the other- but always wanting to take up arms and never wanting to approach the issue in a way that is facilitating and also educational.
Its true what you read into the situation is correct- the person who put up the sign or complained had every right to do so, but at the same time it showed a bit of ignorance in ascertaining what was happening. There are many paths a person can take, but it matters more what path "you" took, and i commend you for your level headed approach in trying to make this into a situation of education and accommodation rather then confrontation.
Many Muslim confront, because, rightfully these are times where the community feels vulnerable and marginalized. But most often if people did what you did, talk things through, explain clearly religious practice but also how it makes you feel as an employ, and then try to work on solutions- rather then give blanket demands- thats what we need more of.
Things like this are easily resolvable. I would only say, to draft a letter and have the a Muslim organization recognize the effort of the HR department in accommodating, as law requires, but most importantly taking an "inclusive" rather then exclusive stance on this!
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