IT was recently reported that many Muslim employees are unhappy that they are not allowed to fulfill their religious obligations during office hours.
There is an obvious divergence with certain employers complaining of abuse, time-wasting and poor productivity while Muslim employees quite rightly pointing out that this right is enshrined in labour law.
However, one non-Muslim entrepreneur took a different approach. Shoes and handbags designer Christy Ng (@christyemilylove) who has a sizeable Muslim workforce decided to renovate a large, empty room into a comfortable and functional surau (prayer’s room) for its staff’s convenience.
The video was shared on X by digital creator @bckuppacc99 who applauded the fashion entrepreneur for her actions.
Bagusnya ada majikan macam ni, respect 💯👍 pic.twitter.com/bdudZZgz2s
— ًِ (@bckupacc99) February 11, 2025
Its proprietor who goes by the same name recalled that previously Muslim staff not only had to perform their prayers in tight confines but had to wait in turn to fulfill their religious obligations.
The short clip shows a spacious room being transformed into a proper prayer room with comfortable carpeting as well as a fauna motif adorning the walls.
To further facilitate this transformation, Ng and her staff even paid a visit to Siti Khadijah, a brand specialising in Muslim-wear and apparels to get properly decked out!
The fashion entrepreneur contended that she did this as it allowed her staff to perform their daily prayers in more conducive surroundings.
She prayed that this will lead to the Almighty blessing her business with good fortune. She also hopes that her employees will not abuse the surau facility “to ponteng kerja (skip work)”.
The video has already generated 414.4K views at the time of writing with some commenters exclaiming much respect to a non-Muslim employer for making such an effort.
Another commenter noted the happy, smiling staff in the many funny videos uploaded by Christy Ng which reflected a contented, motivated and satisfied workforce.
Another noted the businesswoman’s fluent grasp of Malay and that the entrepreneur used the opportunity to promote her business as well as highlighting the specialist Muslim-wear boutique Siti Khadijah where she acquired branded telekung (prayer garment for women), jubah (men’s robe), kopiah (skull cap) and sejadah (prayer’s mat), among others for the use of surau-goers.
Some netizens exclaimed that the video had done its job as they were now minded to purchase items from Christy Ng for Raya!
Quite a few noted that a happy workforce was more likely to stay loyal to a company that looks after their welfare.
With a few pointing out the positive effect it has on staff and the working environment.
With another noting that the entrepreneur was sure to reap bountiful rewards of her good deeds.
In fact, a few were so impressed by the working environment that they immediately enquired about job vacancies in Christy Ng.
This is a great example of an employer that cares and who goes the extra mile for her staff. Taking care of their welfare will only have a positive effect on the working environment.
Given the number of complaints about companies that do not allow Muslim staff to perform their daily prayers, this is surely a great way to motivate staff and to retain employees.
Last but not least, it is a fabulous example of the muhibbah spirit which seems to be in short supply these days. FocusM wishes this well-intentioned entrepreneur all the very best in her endeavours. – Feb 13, 2025
