Muslims Must Decide Whether To Observe Fast During Olympic Games

There are plenty of trials and tribulations that go into competing at the Olympic games. Avoiding injury and keeping up endurance are two key things needed to stay focused in the competition, but for many practicing Muslim athletes, the 2012 Olympics feature one big obstacle: the observance of Ramadan, a holy day requiring adherents to fast during daylight.

Because London features so many hours of daylight during July, athletes who decided to observe the rules of the fast would not be able to eat during the 17 hours of sunlight. However, for athletes needing 3,000 plus calories each day, only being able to stuff their face during the remaining 7 hours of darkness could prove to be not only a challenge, but a health risk. Regardless, Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al Haddad, the grand mufti of Dubai told CNN true believers must fast.

Many Muslim athletes, including British rower Moe Sbihi have decided to defy the rules and not fast. Sbihi is not taking the decision lightly, however. He not only has plans to fast at a later date, but he also will feed 1,800 hungry mouths in Morocco following the Olympics.

It’s unfortunate for an event meant to tie together different nations, races, and religions to find a fasting predicament on its hands. However, the International Olympics Committee set the date ages ago, and especially since Ramadan changes seasons depending on the moon, it would be hard to tailor the games around one religion. No matter what Muslim Olympians decide, as long as they do so in sound mind and with careful deliberation, weighing the health risks against the religious pros, I’m sure the tailored plan for each athlete will turn out fine.