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Permalink Reply by Jo Jerome on August 22, 2010 at 5:21am

Theologians at Al-Azhar University in Egypt ruled that a player obliged to play under contract may eat during Ramadan if this is his only source of income.

I know that mainstream, more sane (or less insane?) Islam dictates the daytime fasting during Ramadan has reasonable exceptions; the very young, elderly, sick, etc. I can almost see this sort of only-source-of-income exception.

But then, I read this and all I think is how here in the States, American football players are elevated to god-status, and given all the bible quotes one sees from fans and players, apparently god too thinks that sports are more important than most other occupations.

Permalink Reply by Susan Stanko on August 22, 2010 at 9:08am

I saw a story recently about a Muslim football player and how he was was going to deal with the preseason and Ramadan.

Permalink Reply by Prog Rock Girl on August 22, 2010 at 9:21am

No news yet as to whether female Muslim athletes may remove their hijabs if that affects the way they play

I doubt it, since the effect of Muslim female dress/behavior on health, safety, and liberty have been small matters compared to the possibility that someone might see their skin.

Permalink Reply by Susan Stanko on August 22, 2010 at 9:31am

I think it was in the 90s. A female Muslim athlete had to train outside her country and was criticized for running "naked". She dressed like all the other track athletes.