In the heart of the corporate world, Muslim professionals are weaving their faith into their daily routines, creating a unique blend of spirituality and ambition. But significant challenges remain.
In a world of deadlines and deliverables, how do Muslim employees stay true to their faith?
Take Aisha. A marketing executive in London who has several meetings clashing with prayer times.
Or Abdul. A finance manager in Leeds who feels pressured to attend alcohol-centric work socials, out of fear of missing out.
Or me. A trainee solicitor in Manchester who, like thousands of others in the UK, face a daily challenge in balancing faith with our career aspirations.
Cultural insights & workplace impact
Balancing faith and career is real.
Understanding and accommodating the cultural and religious needs of Muslim employees is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment. Here are a few:
|
Issue |
Explanation |
Accommodation |
|
Daily prayers |
Muslims have five daily prayer obligations – Fajr (Early Morning), Zuhr (Midday), Asr (Afternoon), Maghrib (Evening) and Isha (Night). |
Providing a spare room for prayers can make a significant difference in helping Muslim colleagues fulfill their religious duties. All of Shoosmiths’ offices have a multi-purpose room that can be used for prayer at any time. |
|
Ramadan |
This is most known as the month of fasting. Muslims do not eat or drink from early dawn to sunset. It is not all just about food and drink though; Ramadan is also a time for increased devotion, prayers and charitable activities. |
By being flexible with breaks and working from home, Muslims can more easily balance their work commitments during this sacred month. |
|
Eid |
Literally translated to ‘festival’, Eid marks a day of gifts and celebration in the Islamic calendar. There are two days of Eid each year; one marks the end of Ramadan and the other commemorates Abraham’s devotion to God. |
It is important to be flexible of Annual Leave requests around the days of Eid – the dates are not known in advance, as the Islamic calendar is based on the sightings of the moon. |
|
Socials |
Muslims must navigate work events whilst adhering to their religious beliefs. Work socials commonly centre around alcohol, which can create uncomfortable experiences and challenges. |
Organising more innovative socials after work creates a more positive and inclusive environment that is fun for everyone. Examples include adventure golf, escape rooms and pizza-making classes. |
Muslims can bring a strong sense of community to the workplace. Their emphasis on ethical conduct and integrity, rooted in their faith, can enhance trust and reliability within teams. Additionally, their diverse cultural perspectives can drive innovation and creativity, enriching the workplace with new ideas and approaches.
Call to action
Let’s be clear — this isn’t about seeking special treatment. It’s about levelling the playing field so Muslim professionals can stand alongside their colleagues with equal footing.
We’ve seen tremendous strides in diversity and inclusion, with workplaces recognising that success does not have to come at the cost of our identity. No longer do we have to choose between career growth and honouring our race or mental health — we can and should have both.
Religion, for many, is more than just a facet of identity; it’s the core of who we are. For some, it’s what guides every action, every decision. The modern workplace must evolve into a space where faith isn’t a barrier to success, but a respected part of the whole. It’s time to move beyond accommodation —towards true inclusion that uplifts rather than limits.
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Disclaimer
This information is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. Please contact us for specific advice on your circumstances. © Shoosmiths LLP 2025.