Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: Faith & Finances
Welcome to another episode of Financially Naked: Stories from The Financial Gym! In this month's DEIB installment, HR Manager Rachel Adaline invited Kristen, a long-time client and warm-up caller at The Financial Gym, to discuss the intersection of faith, spirituality, and finances. Kristen shares her journey from Evangelical Christianity to Islam, highlighting her personal experiences and financial practices within the faith. Rachel and Kristen explore how to support and be inclusive of diverse religious backgrounds in the workplace and daily life.
Podcast Notes
Introduction and Personal Stories
Rachel introduces Kristen, a client and warm-up caller at The Financial Gym. You may have heard her on previous episodes of this show and Martinis and Your Money. She's here today to share what she learned while converting to Islam related to finance.
Islam is a lifestyle, and there are rules and best practices for managing money. As Kristen has gone through this journey, her Financial Trainer has helped with this process by providing valuable resources and information about available tools.
Kristen starts by sharing her background, including her conversion to Islam in 2023 and her journey from Evangelical Christianity to Islam. Between leaving the church and finding Islam, she spent many years being vaguely spiritual, always believing in a higher power.
Kristen reminds us that she represents only her personal experience, not the entire Muslim community. There are over a billion Muslims, and there is so much diversity within Islam, which is one of the most beautiful aspects of the faith, in her opinion.
Money Rules and other Financial Considerations
Zakat: Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to specific groups in need. This is similar but different to how other religions tithe a portion of their income.
Riba (Interest): She discusses the prohibition of Riba (interest) in Islam and how it affects financial decisions, such as choosing an Islamic lender for her home purchase. Interest is forbidden because it profits off someone else's debt or needs.
Dressing modestly: Kristen touches on the cost implications of dressing differently as a Muslim, including purchasing hijabs and modest clothing. Changing your style does cost money, but there are frugal ways to make it happen.
Learning: When you learn something new, there are free and paid ways to dive in. Islam is no different. You can purchase your own Quran and prayer mats, but if you visit a Mosque and tell them you're a convert, they'll likely give you everything you need to get started.
Inclusivity in Work and Daily Life
Workplace flexibility: Islam follows the lunar calendar, so holidays fall on different days each year, similar to Passover and Easter. Implementing flexible vacation, holiday, and out-of-office policies can be a simple and inclusive way to accommodate everyone.
Dress code: If your workplace has a dress code policy, it's important to ensure that it does not forbid religious attire, such as hijabs.
Gatherings: If you're cooking for community and social gatherings, she suggests providing vegetarian or vegan food options or clearly labeling ingredients. This can help folks with allergies and accommodate dietary restrictions.
Be cool: No one should be evangelized without their consent, and no one should be attacked for their beliefs. Kristen highlights the importance of respect and kindness for everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
If you want to work with a Certified Financial Trainer to help navigate your finances, schedule a free warm-up call today! If you have any ideas or questions for the show, send an email to trainerpodcast@fingyms.com.
Resources mentioned:
Connect with Kristen
Email: warmup3@fingyms.com