Sport and exercise during Ramadan

Advice from the Muslim Sports Foundation

It’s Ramadan – the holy month in the Islamic calendar! During this month, Muslims observe a fasting period in which they abstain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset.

Diet and hydration are important parts of participating in physical activity, which is why fasting can have an effect. This does not mean that Muslims abstain from sports and exercise throughout Ramadan.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims around the world as a time of fasting, spiritual reflection, charity and prayer. It is a time of heightened religious devotion and introspection.

When does Ramadan take place?

This changes each year depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon. This year, Ramadan runs from March 23rd to the weekend of April 21st.

The end of Ramadan is marked by a festival called Eid al-Fitr, which is a time of prayer, celebration, family reunion, and festival.

Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?

Muslims believe that fasting during Ramadan helps them increase God consciousness and compassion for those in need.

Here’s the advice Muslim Sports Foundation about the offer and participation in sport and exercise during Ramadan.

How to adapt sports and exercise during Ramadan?

So that Muslims can also enjoy the benefits of sport and exercise during Ramadan, it is important to be aware of how sport and training can be coordinated.

• Be sensitive and understanding – Coaches and teammates should be sensitive to the cultural and religious practices of Muslim participants. Wishing you “Ramadan Mubarak” which does ______________ mean “Blessed Ramadan” would mean a lot. It would also be kind to adjust prayer times and provide a private space for participants to pray. This should be taken into account throughout the year, not just for Ramadan.
• Change intensity and duration – During Ramadan, the intensity and duration of physical activity should be adjusted. Trainers may need to adjust their training sessions for their Muslim participants. This can help conserve energy and prevent dehydration.
• Adjust the training time – If possible, training should take place outside of the fasting period to maintain energy levels. When exercising during the fast, it should be lighter and less intense. These are better in the early morning after refueling or in the late evening before refueling.
• – Monitor health and well-being During Ramadan, athletes can be more prone to dehydration, fatigue, and other health issues. Coaches and trainers should closely monitor the health and wellbeing of fasting athletes and ensure they are not overexerting themselves.

Wales Golf and Cricket Wales are some of the organizations across Wales that offer midnight courses for Muslims during Ramadan. At Sport Wales National Centre, Foundation 4 Sports will supply basketball and football in addition to table tennis and squash.