This story is about a M’sian man who faced workplace discrimination from judgmental colleagues for not fasting during Ramadan month.
“Ismail” (anonymised) is 28 and is a proud Malaysian Muslim. But he has been unable to puasa for the last three years due to a medical condition.
He must take medications every 6 to 8 hours with food due to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) which makes puasa-ing impossible for him, as it would endanger his health.
“I have to eat, otherwise, I will be in hospital and could die,” he says.
GERD also means his body struggles to absorb many vitamins and minerals. “Every day, I have to be careful of what and how much I eat,” he adds. “I need to balance various vitamins and mineral supplements.”
Failing to eat regularly causes complications beyond just pain, but also stomach ulcers and bowel complications like IBS.
“It’s a struggle every day, not just during Ramadan,” he adds.
Facing Judgment at Work
Ismail shared with IRL how his condition created tensions at work with his colleagues, who were all fasting.
At first, he tried to be discreet: “I packed sandwiches or bought food from convenience stores and ate away from my colleagues.”
But when his colleagues found out that he wasn’t fasting, their respect quickly turned to judgment.
“Why don’t you puasa like the rest of us?” some would say.
When he explained his situation, a few would nod understandingly, but many would give him well-meaning advice. “Fasting will strengthen your faith, and your strong faith will heal you, alhamdulillah.”
When he stood his ground, the response was even harsher. “You’re not ill. You just lack willpower and faith,” one colleague snapped at him once during a lunch break.
Isolation and Stigma
Although Ismail forgave him for his harsh words, he began to feel isolated as the only Muslim who was not fasting in the office. “They don’t say it to my face, but I know they think I’m not a true Muslim,” he said.
“I don’t look sick or act like I’m in pain. They see me go to the gym after work, so they don’t understand,” Ismail added.
Word got around, and as he tried to ignore the whispers, eventually he couldn’t avoid them. Whenever he spoke to a colleague at work, they would look at him with hooded eyes. “Look at him, pretending to pray like a good Muslim when he isn’t fasting,” the eyes seemed to say.
“It didn’t get any better for the rest of Ramadan,” he said. “My co-workers began avoiding me, and they even started commenting on not only my lack of fasting, but also my lack of faith.”
Losing his job
Raya came and went. But the whispers and finger-pointing never stopped.
“Three months later, HR told me the company would not renew my employment contract. No reason given,” he recalled bitterly.
Ismail claims it was because his colleagues distanced themselves from him professionally and isolated him socially due to his condition.
“I’m sure the fact I did not puasa had nothing to do with it,” he said sarcastically.
He sought counsel to explore his legal options, but sadly the company had been careful. He can’t prove it: He had no case or grounds to sue or even file an appeal.
Through it all, Ismail’s faith kept him grounded
Fortunately, Ismail’s skillset is in high demand, and he quickly found new employment.
“Now I’m earning 20% more than I did, and my current boss appreciates my contribution regardless of my health conditions,” he shares. Meanwhile, he has cut all ties with his ex-colleagues, because the way they treated him was “unIslamic.”
Ismail says that through the challenges he faced, it was his faith that gave him the strength to keep going. “People will say all kinds of things to bring you down. But your faith is your strength and shield against doubt and fear,” he shares.
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Read also: 6 Things I Learnt From Fasting As A Non-Muslim This Ramadan – In Real Life
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