upon invitation from the University of Washington-Bothell Beta Alpha Psi, and Accounting Honors Society, CAIR WA Executive Director Arsalan Bukhari and Community Outreach Coordinator Abigail Stahl organized and facilitated a multi-faceted presentation on Islamic law and Muslims in the workplace on February 2, 2011. 

Click here to view photos from the event 

Nearly forty Beta Alpha Psi members and others attended event, first listening to Salah Dandan, a locally based international business attorney, and expert on Islamic law ("Sharia") as it applies to international business.  He gave a thorough presentation on what comprises Sharia and its philosophical roots. He also spoke to his extensive experience working in the Middle East and took audience questions about his perspective on the Egyptian uprisings, and various business practices in majority Muslim countries. 

Following Salah's educational presentation, Arsalan gave a brief overview of Islam and Islamic practices in the workplace including practices during the month of Ramadan, prayers, interpersonal relationships, etc.  He also covered typical areas of civil rights complaints from Muslim employees such as women who wear the hijab, or employers who will not accommodate for daily prayer. 

Finally, several local panelists spoke on a panel about their own experiences being Muslim in the workplace. The first panelist was Dr. Kim "Maryam" Kieu, who shared a story of a previous boss she had worked with who went out of his way to understand Islam, what was required during Ramadan, and how that might affect Dr. Kieu in the workplace.  Another panelist, Anita Sulaiman spoke about her Indonesian background, the need for cultural awareness and competency when doing international business, and the general need for a deeper understanding of the diversity of Islam. Finally, Abdul Hakim Moore spoke eloquently about the broader need for reflection and openness to others. He recited several verses from the Qur'an, translating and expounding on them in English for the audience. 

The feedback from the event was quite positive. Following the panel one student commented, "I want to learn more [about Islam] so I can be more accommodating to others". Another shared that they found: "...the stories shared by the panelists were very intriguing and the information from the speakers was very insightful".  

CAIR-WA seeks to engage with local universities and provide quality speakers for events such as these and to further dialogue with our neighbors about American Muslims and Islam in America.   CAIR-WA currently organizes an average of five panel discussions and speaking engagements each month to connect the wider community with local Muslims to provide an opportunity for dialogue and greater understanding.