5 Golden Keys to Successful Business with a Muslim

It's probably not going to come to you as a shock if I tell you that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. And it simply makes obvious sense that at least some of your co-workers in your multi-national company are practising Islam as a way of life. A way of life.

 Approaching people for business purposes, be it to gain new customers, to find employees or to find employers, then you must broaden your network, which in turn it leads you to interact with the Muslims and being a bigot will not help you in any way. "The" because considering the current major social movements in the world, the articulation is necessary.

 There might be times when you find yourself sitting there and just wondering if that strange lady who wears that scarf on her head every-single-day does or not feel hot. Or why is that guy there asking for an early leave every Friday? Or why is it that some of your co-workers are not that excited about the weekend meet-up for a beer. Or why are they such a fuss when it comes to respecting the office dress code that requires the pencil skirt? Or why and why and more why.

 1) Be civilised. 

 Well, the good news is that since you are asking yourself "why", you might just be amongst the successful people who don't have issues about sharing the air they breathe with other people. And that is a first step towards being a civilised human. For the start, be the one to say "Hello" or " As salaam Alaykum", don't initiate a handshake with the ladies, do not offer a drink, and do not try to flirt.

 2) Acknowledge your position.

 Do understand that since you are the one seeking out benefits, you are not in the right position to consider yourself superior. Therefore it is wisely to speak right and do right. Once you've accomplished that, you have reached a long way. Do not be condescending to your co-workers and do not underestimate the IQ of your interviewer.

 3) Be considerate. 

 As an employer, provide facilities that accommodate the general lifestyle of an individual. This implies you do not disregard the rulings of the "Islamic dress code" when imposing a dress code for your corporation, and the free lunch buffet that you offer should incorporate halal cuisine. Providing the space and allowing "Prayer time" would definitely make life easier for your Muslim employee while the free Cab service would surely bring you in more female employees.

 4) Be fair-play. 

 This one is short and pretty clear. Do not cheat. Pay the amount you have decided upon and do not delay your payment.

 5) "When in Rome act like the Romans". 

 If you are planing to visit a predominantly Muslim country or to work in a predominantly Muslim environment, then it is always useful you do some homework and understand the general social rules they abide by and try to fit in