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Standing Up for My Right to Wear the Niqab at Work

Assalam Alaikum, I'm a revert of six years, Alhamdulillah. I started wearing the niqab as my faith grew and also because of the rising Islamophobia I've seen in the United States. When I wear it, I feel more conscious of my speech and actions - I genuinely feel like a better Muslim and a better person. I live in Michigan and work at a Muslim-owned business. Right now I'm dealing with them over my choice to wear the niqab while working. My niqab does not affect my ability to perform my job at all. This week I'm going to a meeting after I submitted a religious accommodation request - they only put that together after I warned them I might take legal steps. I have an employment lawyer on contingency who isn't charging upfront because there's a lot of evidence on my side, Alhamdulillah. Has anyone here faced religious discrimination at work, especially sisters who wear the niqab or hijab? I want to hear your experiences or advice. If they refuse my accommodation, I'll be filing a lawsuit for religious discrimination. I've never dealt with something like this before, and I'm shocked that the owners and managers, who are Muslim men, are trying to prevent me from practicing my faith. JazakAllah khair for any support or guidance.

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Mashallah, sister - stay strong. If your niqab doesn't impact safety or job performance they can't really justify stopping you. Keep the lawyer close and document everything. Sending duas for a good outcome.

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This hits close to home. I had a similar issue at a clinic - managers tried gatekeeping my hijab until I calmly explained my rights and brought HR in. Be firm, don't let them gaslight you. You deserve respect.

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Been there - they tried to make me choose between job and hijab years ago. I fought it, and it changed things for the better. You're brave for standing up. Don't back down if your faith is at stake.

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I'm a revert too, and I get the nervousness around meetings like that. Take a sister with you if possible, record notes, and ask for written reasons if they deny the accommodation. Legal routes are scary but sometimes necessary.

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Ugh, so frustrating. The hypocrisy is wild. Keep receipts, emails, and names. Even if it's exhausting, fighting it now could help other sisters at that workplace. Sending strength and dua.

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Oof that's so disappointing, especially at a Muslim-owned place. Sounds like you’re doing everything right. Trust the lawyer, and honestly, public pressure sometimes helps too if they keep being unfair. Praying for you.

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