... to be annoyed at the Muslim who prays next to me in work?

[Beethoven]

I share a small office with two other people. A new guy has started who's a muslim, and will roll out his mat and start praying behind me. I know it doesn't hurt me, but I feel a little uncomfortable for the few minutes that he does it.

Am I being an unreasonable bigot?

i'm actually very very cross with myself for clicking on this thread. i knew it would be an utter bag of annoying shite.

I'm all for expressing spirituality, but when it's done to extremes and when it gets in the way of day to day practicalities then it's just being bloody weird. The OP is right to be bothered. Her colleage needs to stop messing about and get on with his job.

It's not an assumption, it's an inference.

You have assumed that he has discussed it, that permission has been given, that he has no idea that praying out loud and with prostration etc behind someone's chair is not normal and could cause awkwardness.

Well he jolly well ought to know that or he's rather badly brought up and unprofessional to boot. You have no reason to assume that permission has been given.

If he hasn't discussed it he's either badly brought up or he KNOWS it could makes people uncomfortable and doesn't care. That is most definitely taking advantage. To deny that this is such a sensitive issue that people are afraid to bring it up is ridiculous. Look at this thread. Bigotry and racism accusations flung about. Fancy any of that in person in your place of work? I wouldn't.

How often has someone prayed out loud with prostration behind your office chair Beer?

Have a think, then look up the definition of normal

That's if you have ever had an office chair

No God requires you to pray when you should be working. In your break time should be enough.

Cote the Buddhist faith allows for meditation at any given time. It does not prescribe where and when one should pray/meditate. You cannot compare being a Buddhist to being a Muslim due to significant fundamental differences.

Sun Salutations should be performed at dawn and facing the sun. I would imagine that, should I wish to, there would be few people in the office at dawn.

Therefore, a mute point.

Ooh how many bigotted assumptions can you fit into one post petal?

Doing quite well so far. Something else for you to look up.. cogent thought:)

No, I assumed nothing. I suggested that it is possible he may have discussed it, and said the OP should ask. You assumed he was doing it without permission.

YANBU

But I am an atheist so anyone spending time on religion does me in, never mind at work

Oh dear don't upset yourself. I didn't complain about being compared to a suburban maiden aunt. I don't complain about being called ignorant and afraid, because you've travelled those roads due to an inability to construct a sensible case as to why this man should not respect the sensitivities of the people he works with.

With regards to your last sentence: I'm not. I don't even know why you wrote that.

Here's the thing.

Religion, especially Islam, is a highly sensitive subject right now.

Everyone needs to be careful, considerate and sensitive.

Anyone who wants to introduce a possibly disruptive and distracting change to a professional environment should realise his or her (new) colleagues might be discomfited.

Anyone with consideration, sensitivity and spect should address this possibility and not assume he can just do what he or she likes.

Any requirement for consideration, sensitivity and respect should be applied to both parties.

It is very difficult to address these issues in person in a work environment because of the fear of being accused of racism or discrimination.

Therefore it is up to the initiator of the sensitive change to take responsibility for easing the way and using his understanding to mitigate any awkardness that could result.

if it worries you that much just whip out a bacon sandwich to eat at your desk when he starts

It's because he's just doing it without any care and sensitivity for those around him. If he just mentioned it, asked if there was a place he could go, said he hoped people didn't find it noisy or distracting -- anything really. It's just : bang, here I am, like it or lump it, prostrating myself and so behind your chair.

I doubt you are interested however

If someone did that without a by your leave I might start singing hymns quite loudly, or proselytising energetically (which is required by my erstwhile faith) or saying a few our fathers, just to make a point that it's actually a presumptuous thing to do.

How hard is it to have a care and mention it? That shows a great deal of selfishness, not to do it. Even you said he should do that, Riven.

Oh my gosh. You are a very silly person with no clue. Gah at wasted time on silly person. I guess you could report me now. How frightfully exciting.

Appletrees - that's a good point. I don't have a lot of time for this self-indulgent spirituality - showing no consideration for those around you. And doesn't sound like doing God's work to me - ignoring everyone elses' feelings. Isn't that what we're all here to do - whatever the faith - show some consideration.