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Community Corner

Ramadan Can Challenge Ballwin-Ellisville Athletes

The Islamic month that includes fasting during daylight hours inspires Muslim teen athletes in Ballwin and Ellisville to reflect but also plan ahead.

For most students in Ballwin and Ellisville, getting ready to go back to school usually is a matter of picking up some new supplies, maybe buying books, and possibly shopping for gear for a fall sport or even some new clothes. For Muslim students students in our two cities, however, Ramadan is added to the list of August commitments.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, occurs in August this year. During that period, with few exceptions, Muslim observers fast during the daytime (from sun up to sundown), which includes not drinking water for some. Its observers also try to abstain from activities that exert too much energy or are deemed an indulgence or temptation. The practice is meant in part to instill values of patience and humility to God while also inspiring inner reflection.

This may seem challenging enough for someone with a desk job (think constant snacking and drinking), or for someone who sits in the sometimes luxurious comfort of a fully air-conditioned space on a less-than-searing day.

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But athletes, especially young ones, face an especially unique challenge given their bodies' natural demands for calories and hydration.

Some Muslim scholars say that professional athletes may break fast, but even those whose professions require heavy physical exertion have to make a very personal, faith-based decision. While teen athletes may not hit the levels of exhaustion professional athletes do, that doesn't mean August weather and activities don't still take a toll.

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"I was surprised at how thirsty you get while playing outside in the sun and how I take water for granted," said Fareeha Shariff, 14, an incoming freshman on Parkway South High School's junior varsity tennis team.

Shariff, who wears the hijab (traditional headscarf) and full-length shirt and pants, said that as long as she listened to her body and took breaks when needed, fasting wasn't that difficult, despite going without daytime water.

Shariff also has to work around exercise-induced asthma, so she discussed playing tennis during Ramadan with her parents, and they came to an agreement. For Shariff, who has accomplished memorizing the Quran by heart and visits the mosque almost daily, her faith was to remain her top priority.

"The agreement we finally came to was that if I ever felt faint, I was to stop immediately and not risk my fast," Shariff said.

Sumrah Khan, 15, plays tennis as a sophomore at Parkway South with Shariff and also observes Ramadan. Both girls also are part of the Muslim Youth of St. Louis and attend mosque frequently.

Khan said that their coach is supportive and lets the girls rest, although she agrees with Shariff that fasting isn't as hard as she thought it would be.

"Sometimes when it's hot it's hard, but it's not really any different. You just have to not think about it," Khan said.

Sabri Saffi, 14, plays football as a freshman at . He found the anticipation of breaking fast harder than his workouts, but a strong network of caring friends has helped reinforce things.

"My friends and my teammates help me get through it," Saffi said. "They’re very supportive and really encourage me to keep going on."

Preparation for fasting is extremely important, the athletes said, and all three make sure to eat and drink plenty during the nighttime, when they're allowed to break fast. Saffi also makes sure to get enough protein to help keep the hunger down.

"Now I do most of my things at night because I'm more energized, since I rested in the day and broke my fast in the evening," Khan said.

The girls practice daily from 3 to 5 p.m., and Khan takes a nap afterward, she said. By the time she gets up, it is close to the big meal to break fast called "iftar" in the evening.

Their families also get up before sunrise for a large meal as well, but many people have the misconception that they don't get to eat or drink at all.

"After I explain Ramadan to people they understand it and respect my decision," Khan said. "I think that if there is something you don't fully understand...you should ask someone who knows and that way there won't be any misconceptions."

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