By Enamul Islam
In today’s world, it’s encouraging to see how far we’ve come in making the corporate environment more inclusive.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategies have now become a fundamental part of many organisations. The recognition that diverse perspectives drive innovation and profitability has shaped not just policies but also individual careers including mine.
I still remember my first job. I was young, ambitious and eager to learn. The night before, I tried on my shirt and asked my older sister if my tie looked okay. She smiled and said: “You really suit the business look.” At the time, I laughed it off, but looking back, I now realise how important that moment was.
As a first-generation British Bengali, I was the first in my family to start a corporate career. That alone felt like a major milestone.
Walking into the office on my first day, I immediately noticed I didn’t quite fit the mould. There were no other people of BAME backgrounds around me. It wasn’t just the lack of ethnic diversity, it was the overwhelmingly male-dominated space that made me feel like, “What am I doing here?” Yet, I’ve been incredibly fortunate. The people I’ve worked with over the years have been welcoming and open-minded. Being different, in many ways, became a strength rather than a setback.
Corporate life tends to revolve around two main parts: the day-to-day work, like meetings, managing stakeholders, and keeping customers happy. Then the social side, with things like office events, team dinners, and the occasional black-tie events.
One of the earliest events I attended was a formal dinner. I remember buying my first tuxedo for it; my friends even jokingly called me James Bond when we went shopping at the Trafford Centre. Wearing a tux for any occasion was unheard of for me or people within the community I grew up, so buying one felt like a big deal at the time, definitely a milestone moment.
The event itself was glamorous, full of networking and good energy. But I also remember looking around and not seeing a single fellow Muslim. I felt out of place, not just culturally, but religiously too.
The presence of alcohol at such events, the expectation to ‘fit in’, and the surprise on the catering staff’s faces when they saw me there as a guest, all of it left me wondering: “Should I even be here?” Not just from a religious perspective, but also from the lens of representation. That moment stayed with me as a key point in my life where I truly felt like an imposter.
Fast forward to today, and I’m happy to say that things are evolving. Events are becoming more inclusive. There’s more awareness around dietary needs, prayer spaces, and the importance of representation. But there’s still a long way to go.
Alhamdulillah, one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey has been the opportunity to share my faith in a positive and meaningful way across the industry. For the past two years, alongside the amazing volunteers at iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network), we’ve hosted industry wide Eid events.
These were not just celebrations, they created space for real understanding. We shared insights into Islamic values, showcased our traditions, and even welcomed nasheed groups to perform in corporate settings, something I never imagined possible when I first started out.
These events sparked conversations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. I’ve had the privilege of being invited to speak on podcasts, take part in panel discussions, and share Islamic perspectives across respected institutions such as the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), Marsh, Aviva, AXA and Hiscox. These experiences have been a blessing, but more importantly, they’ve shown that when we show up and represent, change can happen.
That said, we still need more from our communities. If the demand is there, organisations will respond. More voices mean greater visibility, more honest conversations, and ultimately, more inclusive spaces where Muslims and others can thrive whilst staying true to their values.
For fellow Muslims navigating the corporate world, my biggest piece of advice is to stay grounded in your faith. In Islam, intention (niyyah) is everything. We begin every prayer with intention, and even if we fall short, a sincere intention is still valued by Allah. That principle applies at work too, if your goals are rooted in purpose and sincerity, you’ll find barakah (blessing) in your efforts.
Being open, honest and resilient has always worked in my favour. We shouldn’t take offence when someone asks a question out of curiosity or a genuine need to understand those moments can often lead to the most meaningful conversations.
Once, I was sitting next to a senior colleague at a dinner, and he asked me, “Why don’t you Muslims believe in evolution?” My Islamic knowledge at the time wasn’t comprehensive, but I responded, “Let’s say for argument’s sake we did evolve from something, but where did that ‘something’ ultimately come from?” That sparked a rich conversation about religion, politics, music and our lives outside of work.
We’re still friends to this day and in fact, he was one of the few people I called when Allah gave me the opportunity to perform Hajj last year. He was genuinely happy for me.
Let me be brutally honest: I still avoid many corporate events. They just don’t align with my intention to be a good, practicing Muslim. However, when I do attend, I’m now in a place where my needs are respected whether it’s halal food, a quiet space to pray, or the freedom to leave early.
But that respect wasn’t just handed to me. I earned it by being authentic, honest, and consistently delivering excellence in my role.
Navigating the corporate world as a Muslim comes with its challenges, but also with real opportunities. Stay true to your values, speak up when it matters, and don’t underestimate the impact of being visible in these spaces. The more we take part, the more space there is for understanding, respect, and lasting change.