The US protects freedom of religion. At work, the law also says employers must try to make room for your religious practice.
Under federal law (Title VII), employers with 15 or more employees must not treat you worse because of your religion, and must provide a reasonable accommodation for your religious beliefs and practices unless it would cause undue hardship. Since a 2023 Supreme Court decision, undue hardship means a substantial cost to the business, not just a small inconvenience.
Common accommodations:
Short breaks to pray, or a quiet place to pray.
Time off for religious holidays, often using vacation days or swapping shifts.
Religious dress and grooming: a headscarf, turban, beard, yarmulke.
Schedule changes for a day of rest.
Tell your manager or HR early, in writing if you can: "Because of my religion, I pray at midday for about 10 minutes. Could I use a quiet room for this?"
Be open to options. The employer can offer a different solution than you asked for, if it works.
Keep a copy of your request and the answer.
If you are treated badly or refused without a good reason, you can contact the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). There are strict time limits for filing a complaint, usually 180 days, extended to 300 days in many states.
Public schools cannot promote one religion, but students can pray privately, wear religious clothing and talk about their faith.
Most schools excuse absences for religious holidays. Tell the teacher or school office in advance.
Ask about food in the cafeteria, fasting during sports, and changing rooms for physical education. Schools usually work with families.
Universities often have prayer or meditation rooms and religious student groups.
Holidays without days off
Most workplaces close only on federal holidays. For Eid, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Yom Kippur and others, you usually use vacation or personal days. Ask early, especially for popular dates.
Waiting until the day before to ask for a holiday off.
Assuming you must hide your faith at work. You have legal protections.
Asking your coworkers to cover your shifts without telling your manager.