Ramadan Fast Poses Challenge for Muslim Olympians
At Religion News Service, Omar Sacirbey describes the challenges Muslim Olympians face if they choose to fast for Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, which coincides with the London Games. Some athletes say fasting doesn’t affect their performance, but many of the 3,000 Muslim competitors “will not fast, a decision that has been sanctioned by religious authorities.” Zahed Amanullah, an American Muslim living in London, agrees with the decision to allow athletes to forgo fasting. “This demonstrates that Islam is not about doing things to the maximum all the time. It’s about being balanced and moderate and reasonable,” says Amanullah.