Fwd: Ramadan fast colors Spain's La Liga
Abubakr Kadodia
From: Zubair Timol <zti...@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:02:19 +0200
Subject: Ramadan fast colors Spain's La Liga
To:
*Ramadan fast colors Spain's La Liga ***
*Posted on: 19/09/2007 06:04:55 ***
* BARCELONA** — Muslim stars in giant teams at the Spanish League (La Liga)
are the talk of the city, but this time not because of their breathtaking
performance but rather their religion. Spanish dailies have for days been
splashing headlines about the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Spanish
courts. FC Barcelona's fans are wondering if their favorite players Yaya
Toure, Eric Abidal and Lilian Thuram are fasting or not.
The Muslim footballers are in a real dilemma after the team's doctors ruled
out in press statements allowing the trio to fast during match days. During
Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain during
daylight hours from food, drink, smoking and sex. After moving from France's
Monaco for 10 million euros, talented midfielder Toure made it clear that
practicing Islam, including fasting, does not affect his successful soccer
career.
He was named by Eurosport in 2005 as one of the most promising young players
in the world. Compatriot defenders Abidal and Thuram are also playing for
the 2006-07 runner-up and a twice winner of the UEFA Champions League.
Abidal, a former Lyon player who signed last season a four-year contract for
FC Barcelona for 15 million euros, is known for being an observant Muslim.
He has been photographed many times carrying a copy of the Noble Qur'an at
his training kits.
The league's last season winner Real Madrid was adamant to let its Muslim
midfielder and the backbone of the royal team Mammadou Diarra fast during
Ramadan. But both sides have finally reached an agreement preventing Diarra
from fasting only in match days. Frederick Kanoute, the French striker of
Seville FC, the 2006-07 league's third and the holder of last season's cup
championship, has ridiculed suggestions that fasting might affect his
performance.
"Those who know Islam understand that fasting empowers and does not weaken
the Muslim." Kanoute proved his point last season after being crowned the
league's top scorer with 20 goals, outperforming football legends such as
Brazilian Ronaldinho. This has convinced his club not to pressure him on his
religious beliefs, according to the ABC daily.
Kanoute, a practicing Muslim who regularly performs his prayers even in the
locker room, refused last season to wear a jersey advertising for an
internet gambling site, because gambling is forbidden in Islam. His team had
to give him a brand-free jersey until he accepted wearing the sponsored
jersey in return for money to an Islamic charity. ISLAM-ONLINE *
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Zubair Timol