Muslim Players Fasting?
Ramadan in World Cup?
June 28th (Maybe . . . ?) World Cup Update for Muslims! . . and maybe a good chance for us to give dawah to folks who like to read about sports (like this article maybe?) . .
Seems the Muslim stars who go to the World Cup, such as Yaya Toure, Edin Dzeko and Karim Benzema - are going to be fasting Ramadan while they play!
This will be the first time for the Muslims to play during Ramdan since 1986!
Projections are that Ramadan (month of fasting) starts June 28 [see details] - But that will be the first day of Second Round matches . . .
All adult Muslims must fast the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan on the Lunar calendar. As Allah tells us in the Quran:
2:183 O you who believe, commanded to you is fasting as it was commanded for those before you so you may become righteous . .
2:184 [Fasting for] is a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then (make up) an equal number of days. And those able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [can be a substitute] by feeding a poor person [for each missed day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you just knew.
Just like the Catholics have to give up something they love to do for the month of Lent, so do the Muslims. At one time the fasting was prescribed for Christians and later on it became something more suited to the individuals and the circumstances, according to Father Peter Jacobs, who incidentally accepted Islam in July of 1991.
Several Premier League players including Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembele and Cheick Tiote are followers of the faith.
Some of the World Cup’s leading stars will have to juggle their religious and footballing commitments with the holy month of Ramadan set to begin during the finals with the holy month of Ramadan set to begin during the finals.
This is the first time since 1986 that Ramadan came during the tournament.
Muslims fast from dawn until dusk during Ramadan and are supposed to refrain from all food and drink - and that could affect scores of players on show in Brazil this summer.
Ramadan begins on June 28 – the first day of Second Round matches - and runs until July 27. Were the likes of France and Ivory Coast to make the last 16 then several of their players would have to manage their religious duties.
Speaking last year, Toure explained:
‘You definitely need discipline. For me, the first five days are difficult but after that, the body just starts to [adapt] and you feel really happy.
‘I’ve been observing Ramadan during all the years I’ve been in football. It’s very important that you eat well. It’s important that you eat the right food because you can gain weight or you can have less food in your body.‘
That’s why you need to drink very well. You also need to be aware of what you are doing, because your body is missing things. With the doctor and all the people in the club, we try to work on that. They give me things that I can take to help me feel better.'
So, our question to all Muslims, "What about using the World Cup players and their fasting situations to help other know more about Islam, what it is, and why we do what we do?"
You are requested to leave your thoughts, comments and suggestions (below) - We really do read and share them!
More about Fasting & Ramadan: www.FastRamadan.com
Comments
Editor: 'Yes. Scholars say it is good to take the gift from Allah and then make up those days later in the year, because it is in the Quran"
BUT - this is for ordinary people who only travel occasionally. Not for people who travel in their work constantly. It is better for them to try to fast if they can. And that is also in the very same verses in Baqarah.
Cross country truck drivers, pilots, people who travel in sports and folks making their living going all around the world, could never make up the days because they would most likely still be traveling.
Also, the extra benefits of Ramadan, like everyone being with you in the masjid, fasting along with you, the night prayers - all of that doesn't happen after Ramadan.
Allah Knows best. Good question.
This idea is very good i think because when muslims fast during Ramadan their behavior become even more soft and generous to each other, to non-muslims as well. So, why not to show our Islam during this tournament with a beatiful way?
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