Advice for trainers

Pari Namazie, February 2006

Here the author gives some useful tips on having Muslim participants in training: modesty and simplicity are crucial!

For some of you who may be working with and training Islamic participants, here are few tips to help you be better prepared and sensitive to the Muslim world:

• In today’s day and age, Muslim communities are rather sensitive towards the West’s understanding of Islam, it would be culturally correct for any trainer to have a basic awareness of the foundations of Islam, Islam is a way of life for many Muslims, as one Muslim stated, “Islam comes before my family, children husband or wife”.
• Recognise the different sects of Islam; main differences are between Sunnis (majority of the Islamic world) and Shias (mainly focused in Iraq and Iran). Although they share the same foundations of Islam, some rituals are performed differently. In other words, be aware of the local practices and global concepts towards Islam.
• Be aware of dress code, especially women trainers, in general however, it would be advisable to wear simple and more formal attire, - not scruffy or too informal!
• Be aware of greetings, some male participants will not shake hands with female trainers, or vice versa, female participants will not shake hands with men trainers.
• Modesty and simplicity is usually preferred, as well as good presentation.
• Be aware of prayer times for participants and allocate that into the training timetable.
• Also be aware of the Islamic calendar:
  • The month of Ramadan is the fasting month, in some countries the day only begins in the afternoon, in others the day begins early but breaks sooner.
  • The different eids or festive celebrations, Eid-e Fetr is when Ramadan ends and is recognized as a big celebration in the Sunni Muslim world. It is not celebrated in the same way in the Shia sect.
  • The month of Moharram is a mourning month, it is best not to wear red or bright colours during this time of year, especially over the days of Ashura and Taasoua (commemorating the suffering and death of Emam Hossein and his men).
  • The time of pilgrimage is an important point in a Muslim’s life, if someone has been on the pilgrimage, it would be correct to congratulate them.
• Do remember dietary requirements, halah meat, alcohol and pork restrictions. If you can not ensure there is halal food, in many cases your Muslim participants will not join the others at the table.