AIBU to feel uncomfortable seeing “Alhamdulillah” all over LinkedIn?

[UKnolongeraliberaldemocracy]

I’ve noticed a growing number of posts (often from younger people) announcing jobs or internships and ending with “Alhamdulillah”, or including this term in the comments.

Before anyone piles in, I’m not criticising anyone’s beliefs. People can say what they like.

But LinkedIn is supposed to be a professional space, and I do find it a bit uncomfortable seeing religious phrases brought into it so prominently.
It gives me the same awkward feeling as when you’re in the US and people bring God into work conversations - fine for them, but not something I’d expect in a professional setting and on a public social media platform, and the UK.

Is this just a generational/cultural shift and I need to get over it? Or does anyone else find it a bit jarring too?

I don't feel comfortable with any of it. But a Vicar (or an Imam) I can understand - albeit I don't agree with it.

It's the volume of young interns including it in their posts and in all their comments I feel very uncomfortable with. I don't actually see it with other words/religions hence the focus on Alhamdulillah!

I'm sure you'll appreciate the difference.

I'm reporting my colleagues to HR immediately. 😂 Bless you is fully into idiom territory.

She said this "Well why can't they use the English word then? If they're BRITISH Muslims". I don't think she's being a beacon of tolerance.

Well, I'd think it very odd if someone says 'thank God' in German, Danish, French too!! If they live here. It's just that I don't see anyone post that. Have you?

What about other languages and religions?

do you object to posts about dharma and karma?

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/londonbuddhistcentre_spiritualreceptivity-activity-7117464175563427841-o3pT

Literally never seen this

I'm not sure why you don't see the difference. If a mosque, church etc are talking about it, I do see the point.

Otherwise, not, I don't feel comfortable with it.

I suspect it's a case of 'Freedom of speech for me but not for those I disagree with' which - as a completely unrelated aside - is often the position of those that just don't like different people.

I can't believe that anybody really cares about what's on LinkedIn anyway, but if you do take it up with them; their gaff their rules. I suspect they'll think you're just a member of the Tommy Robinson fan club and aren't really that bothered about 'professionalism' at all (which, contrary to what a lot of people on MN seem to believe, doesn't require you to be a management-speak spouting work robot devoid of personality or human warmth).

On a completely separate note I’m thinking of adopting inshallah into my vocabulary. It’s a very flexible word and can be used to convey all sorts of nuance from

inshallah - if god actually does will this to happen then I will think that he is actually insane

inshallah - I don’t actually give a shit either way but you seem to care a lot so whatever

inshallah - this is the only chance I have and I’m relying on you god, so you better be willing!

There is a reason DH is not allowed to use it on me 😂

Guess what Op, arab Christians can say Alhamdullilah too.

What a weird thing to even notice or care about.

What if I write on linkedin about getting a familar feeling and call it deja vu, will you throw me off the internet for not speaking English?

I don’t think that difference is as clear as you’re making out. Words like “grateful” or “blessed” might feel neutral now, but they come from religious language too, they’ve just become familiar enough that people don’t question them. “Alhamdulillah” only stands out because it’s less common in the UK, not because it’s somehow less appropriate. The point about language doesn’t really land either.

People use phrases from other languages all the time in professional spaces, especially in a country as diverse as the UK. Expecting someone to translate or tone down how they naturally express gratitude starts to feel less like professionalism and more like asking them to fit into a narrower version of what’s acceptable. It’s fine if it feels unfamiliar, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t belong.

I think you need to talk to someone about WHY it makes YOU feel comfortable. Are you one of those people that thinks we are around the corner from getting Sharia Law?

I’ve said bless you to a sneezing colleague.

but I wouldn’t put it on my CV or LinkedIn

So you are only allowed to say it not write it?

Yes, the clue is in 'freedom of speech'. We protect that, but if you write it down then we reserve the right to throw you out of the UK/internet/planet Earth.

Sometimes non Muslims join in just to sound cool. Idm a Muslim actually doing it.

Is Linkedin still a thing!

Well I'll be!

Yes - massively used by uni/grads in sharing their news about internships and jobs secured.

My YP (at uni) commented on how many people had used the term, and showed me - it is rife. I guess if you're not in the same network as this cohort, you'll not see it. It really is everywhere and I don't think it's appropriate.

I've not said they shouldn't be allowed to say it, just that I feel uncomfortable and it's not appropriate on a public professional social media platform.

Why are your feelings of discomfort more important than someone elses freedom of speech?

Linkedin ceased to be proper professional website about 5 years ago anyway.

Lots of people in UK use more than one language there as well.

I’ve seen lots of nods to diversity in the workplace. Happy Hanukkah, happy Diwali, pride, international women’s day.

all are aimed at making minorities feel welcomed.

Complaining about people's use of language and also the lack of freedom of speech in the same thread...

Priceless.

People can say what they like

There you go then. Now bugger off.