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Islamic Finance creating wealth through trading in real assets, investments and partnership

Halal = permitted/acceptable. Most often used referred to food or earnings.

 

Haraam = prohibited/not allowed. Opposite of Halal. Alcohol, earning interest, eating pork and gambling are all prohibited.

 

Food– all meat has to be halal i.e. it must be slaughtered in way preceded by a very short prayer.  Muslims cannot just eat any meat so if you are going to invite them to take them to eat make sure the meat served is halal.  Pork is forbidden to eat. Fish/Sea food is halal and does not require any religious action.

 

Alcohol - Muslims cannot drink, stock or offer any alcohol. Giving of gifts such as champagne to muslims is  insensitive. Some may accept out of respect but it is then emptied down the drain.                  

 

Greetings / handshake - it is customary to shake hands or give a hug as a gesture of close friendship. But men are not allowed to shake or hug ladies, just a verbal greeting is expected.

 

Call to Prayers = there are five daily  prayers. Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day and men would normally attend the mosque and women would pray at home or especially allocated place in the office.

 

Prayers - be aware of the prayer times and particularly in Saudi Arabia they regulate everything. It is obligatory for muslims to pray five daily prayers, Fajr (before dawn), Zohar (midday), Asar (later afternoon), Magrib (sunset) and Isha (night prayer few hours after sunset).

 

Juma (Friday midday prayers) - very important weekly prayers and utmost effort is made not to miss them. Avoid meetings and other arrangements during this time. This is midday prayer around 1pm on Fridays.

 

 

 

 

 

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Masjid - is a mosque, place of worship for five daily prayers. Men are expected to attend the mosque, women have a choice. Non muslims can attend visit the mosque to see inside. You are expected to take of your shoes to enter inside and modest dressing is expected, i.e. men cannot enter in shorts or ladies in mini skirts and the ladies may be required to wear a scarf.

 

Hijaab - is effectively a scarf for women to cover their hair.

 

Hajj - is pilgrimage to Mecca which occurs once a year in the month of Hajj (about two months after Ramadan). During this period a lot muslims will be on holiday.

 

Ramadan - this is the ninth month and a holy month. During this full month all muslims fast from sunrise to sunset i.e. no food or drink is allowed. Traveling to muslim countries during this period will require patience and understanding as most food shops will be closed during the daylight hours, many may take holidays particulary end of Ramadan.

 

Eid Festival (Ramadan) - this is one of the two festivals at the end of Ramadan.

 

Eid Festival (Hajj) - this is the festival toward the end of Hajj.

 

Dress Code - modesty in dressing is paramount. Most women will wear a hijab (scarf) or a vail.

 

Shopping - bargaining is the norm.

 

 

 

Islam & Business - Impact of Way of living                  

Way of Living

Way of Living

A quick guide some of the aspects of  a Muslims life so when you are in that environment, you don’t have to feel apprehensive.  Be assured, it is an Islamic principle to look after guests.