Need a bit of perspective, sisters
As-salamu alaykum sisters - I’ve got a small thing I’m probably overthinking and could use an outside view. I live and work in a Western country. Professional job, not hijabi. I do pray, and one of the prayer times falls during work hours. I used to go to the mosque nearby, but that eats into my lunch and isn’t always practical. Management kindly converted a small office into a prayer space for me. The issue is they covered the office glass with huge black block-out stickers so people can’t see in. It’s very noticeable and looks like the glass is broken or under repair - honestly, it’s quite ugly and draws attention. It also doesn’t really give good privacy because it’s in a strange spot. While they were putting it up, lots of coworkers noticed and someone told others it was a prayer room for me. That felt pretty insensitive. I don’t hide my faith, but I also don’t broadcast it to colleagues I barely know. Where I live there’s often prejudice against Muslims, and since I’m not hijabi I worry about judgment for needing a prayer space. What bothers me most is that the decision to share this with others and the way it was done were taken out of my hands. I’m torn. I don’t want to seem ungrateful or offend them for doing a favor, but I’m tired of having to advocate for basic needs all the time. If I speak up and ask for changes, I worry I’ll come across as picky or unappreciative. Has anyone been in a similar spot? How would you bring this up gently - perhaps ask them to use a less conspicuous covering, place it differently, or keep the room private without announcing it to staff? Any advice on wording or how to handle this without sounding like I’m complaining too much would be really helpful. JazākAllāh khayr.