Focusing on faith: Ramadan and the student athlete

ROCKAWAY, N.J. — For the past couple of weeks, alarm clocks have been buzzing early at Hira and Inaaya Shakir’s house. But, as South Brunswick freshman Hira Shakir pointed out, fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, “things that are holding up our faith.” Morris Hills freshman Ali Ashour II believes “you have to be mentally pure” during Ramadan: no cursing, music or graphic imagery. If we can get through all this without eating or drinking, and other people who can eat or drink aren’t doing the same thing, our capabilities are out of this world.” Sharing their faith Clifton athletic director Thomas Mullahey said coaches, teachers and other administrators are “sensitive” to those who are observing Ramadan. “Coaches know to keep an eye on it, and make sure they’re able to participate at full strength,” said Mullahey, recalling when he coached soccer at McNair Academic in Jersey City during Ramadan, and athletes would sometimes eat dates and drink water on the bench after sunset — but in the middle of a game. Inaaya Shakir, a seventh grader at Crossroads North in Monmouth Junction, recalled a game last season when she and her teammates prayed and broke their fast at halftime, “and we won that game by three goals.” Before Hira Shakir competed during Ramadan, she thought, “I’m not going to be tired.