RAMADAN & FOOTBALL FACTSHEET EVERY YEAR MILLIONS OF MUSLIMS AROUND THE WORLD FAST DURING THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN. THIS FACTSHEET WILL HELP EXPLAIN WHAT THIS MEANS IN THE FOOTBALL WORLD.
WHAT IS RAMADAN? THIS YEAR Ramadan is a month in the Islamic calendar when adult Ramadan is predicted to start on 18 June and conclude Muslims are required to fast. It is known as one of the on 17 July 2014 (depending on the sighting of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan lasts one lunar month, moon). Adult Muslims give up food and drink during around 29 or 30 days, which means it comes around 11 daylight hours. Those who are sick, physically unable, days earlier each year and so starts on a different date travelling, pregnant or very young are excused. each year. During Ramadan Muslims will wake before dawn for a WHAT FOOTBALL RULES APPLY TO RAMADAN? meal called ‘Suhur’. When daylight is over, most Muslims The FA rules make it clear that all faiths are observed and will traditionally break the fast with dates or water, respected: followed by a meal, this is called ‘Iftar’, which means ‘the breaking of the fast’ and is traditionally an occasion “There has been a big FA RULE B5 FOOTBALL & RELIGIOUS family and friends get together. improvement in football’s OBSERVANCE a. A Participant cannot be compelled to play football RAMADAN AND YOUTH FOOTBALL understanding of Islam. But on bona fide occasions where religious observance There is no set age when Muslims start fasting, it is then I believe today football precludes such activity, save where the Participant: generally post-puberty but can vary from between 8 (i) has consented to do so on such occasions; or and 16 years old. This will effect Muslim participation in has a better understanding of (ii) is registered as a player under written contract, youth football during Ramadan, especially in the older religion as a whole. Judaism which shall be taken as consent to play on such age groups. As this is the case best practice for leagues occasions unless otherwise provided for in the would be to ask any predominantly Muslim teams about and Christianity too – contract. their plans to fast and play. all the religions.” b. Annually, when planning programmes, Abou Diaby Competitions shall define and notify agreed dates of Arsenal FC such occasions.
Ramadan & Football Factsheet 2 FASTING PRAYING WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GUIDANCE AROUND FIXTURES Fasting combined with extra prayers Muslims may practice their faith more RAMADAN ENDS? It is always important to take note of and a lack of sleep can leave people during Ramadan and may wish to offer The end of Ramadan is marked by the any important religious dates when feeling a little more tired and prayers during the day. This will normally festival of Eid for which Muslims may take planning fixtures. Ideally, if a team has a dehydrated than normal. Many Muslims be two to three times a day for a few time off. The day Eid falls on will depend significant number of Muslim players it is will find it harder to play football and minutes a time for which they will require on the sighting of the moon therefore best practice to try and avoid arranging may not want to take part. a small private area. Muslims may also flexibility is necessary. The appropriate fixtures during Ramadan. attend extra prayers, known as ‘Tarawih’, way to express best wishes to a Muslim at Muslims who are fasting do not expect during the night. Eid is to say “Eid Mubarak”. Annually The FA produces a calendar of you to stop eating or drinking, although religious dates in order to support the it would be polite not to eat, drink or ACKNOWLEDGING THOSE SUGGESTED TWEET OR game, this guidance has been written smoke in front of them. They may also OBSERVING RAMADAN WEBSITE MESSAGE to provide you with the most significant enjoy sitting together and sharing food As with any religion, showing your dates for religious observance together when they break their fast (Iftar) and Muslim friends that you know it is “Ramadan Mubarak to all our with some information on them. Click will welcome non-Muslims to join in. To Ramadan is likely to be appreciated. Muslim friends. Best wishes to here to see the current calendar here. fast with Muslim friends, even for part of Posting an acknowledgement on your you for this the holy month of the day, is a good way of enhancing your website or twitter or simply a notice in Ramadan. ” understanding. your clubhouse is a good idea.
“Faith and football are two essential “We work with over 100 young parts of who I am. The flexibility that Muslims every week, both boys and I’ve been shown in this regard has girls , and during Ramadan we talk been vital in my journey in football. to both the players and their parents Taking note of Ramadan and all other to make sure football can work hand faith events will help make football a in hand with their faith. Fasting can game for everyone” be challenging for adults but is often different for children so we work with Rimla Akhtar MBE both families and the community as a FA Council Member and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation whole to cater what we deliver to their needs, these decisions are always best made together”
Zuber Patel FA Skills Coach, Blackburn
Ramadan & Football Factsheet 3