It looks like my company may be installing sound and video equipment in a newly constructed “Islamic Center”. The center is used for worship as well as lectures and social events in a Midwestern city that has a small but expanding Muslim population.
My company has extensive experience with House of Worship sound and video systems. As such we are used to dealing with most major Christian denominations. We know how to conduct ourselves in a non-offensive manner with these folks.
However, we have no experience with Muslims or Islam. This is an entirely different culture from what we are used to.
During my initial inspection of their building, I stepped onto a carpeted area while wearing my normal work boots, thinking nothing of it. This simple act offended several people greatly, much to my dismay. I gather that the carpet represents something special, even sacred? Can anybody explain this to me?
If we are to install equipment in this room it will be necessary to walk on the carpet while wearing work boots. It will also be necessary to place ladders, scaffolding and other equipment on the carpet. Sawdust and other construction debris will be generated. Of course we can cover the carpet with drop cloths. Will that be sufficient? Even with great care and the use of drop cloths, I expect that it will not be possible to keep the carpet perfectly clean.
My main question is, how do I broach this subject with them without causing offense?
I am aware of their abstinence from alcohol and dietary restrictions. Are there any other things that we need to be aware of, avoid doing or saying? I just want to do the right thing, not offend anybody and hopefully end up with a happy and long-standing client.
Shoes are never worn in the prayer hall of a mosque, so stepping on the carpet with work boots was bad form. The carpet is not sacred, but during prayers people touch their forehead to it so it is supposed to be very clean. Muslims will also wash their feet before each prayer so all in all they are very clean… and don’t want outside dirt tracked into the prayer area.
You’ll want to cover the carpet with good drop cloths - not those super thin plastic sheets. They will understand, but you may want to schedule the work to be very early in the morning so that it is cleaned up by about 1pm (for mid day prayers).
Definitely don’t work on Friday when the main mid-day prayers are held (similar to the Christian Sunday).
I’d suggest going to the imam or the group doing the hiring and explaining your issues.
Ask them what you need to do to avoid giving offense. If anything that mention is in conflict with any actions you need to take to accomplish the installation, ask them what suggestions they would make to help you avoid avoid giving offense.
There are many good sources of information on the SDMB, but I am pretty sure that we do not have a handle on every Muslim sect or congregation, (and many taboos are local or sect specific).
The carpet issue might be as simple as having it rolled up (or covered in plastic) before you arrive, or it might take some special effort if those solutions are precluded, but the best way to avoid offense is to ask those who will be offended.
When seeking not to offend folks, the best plan by far is to have them tell you what you need to avoid, and listen to what you need to do. Openly, in advance, with all the workers present so that everyone knows what is happening. Mosques get repaired, and even rebuilt all the time, this cannot be an insurmountable barrier.
Does your company employ any member of this growing minority population?
You don’t wear shoes in a prayer hall for the reasons that have been elucidated clearly in other posts. As to what you need to so, just simply advise the concerned persons of your requirements and the fact that the installation process will leave debris. They may remove the carpet while you work or have it cleaned. Should not be a problem.
forthe duration of the installation I would be advising the workers not to bring any pork or pork products for lunch. Even to have them present in the mosque may be seen as anyway from offensive to a deliberate provocation.
I don’t think any ever gets offended if you politely ask them what way they’d prefer you do something. Tell them you are unfamiliar with what might be a problem, and that you need their guidance. They’d be happy to tell you – it not only avoids offending them, it also allows them to talk about a subject that is very important to them.
But the OP is smart to get an understanding of the issue first. I’m reminded of a case where I once mentioned to someone that someone else had a “Russian-sounding name” and was immediately subjected to a heated lecture on the differences between Russian and Ukrainian. I sure won’t make that mistake again.
