The fasting month of Ramadan will begin in various Muslim countries on Thursday. A month spent in devotion to God by fasting during the day and engaging in other forms of worship at night. Everton midfielder Abdullah Doukuri says Lent is a special experience for the 253 players who play in English football across four divisions.
‘I like Ramadan fasting. Sometimes playing football becomes difficult when Ramadan comes during the summer. However, I have been lucky enough to take the Vritham without stopping. No physical problems. Thank you for that” says Dukuri. Almost every team in the English league has Muslim players playing the ball. “Religion is the most important thing in my life. I see religion first. Only then come to work. Both can be carried together. When I am at home during my free time, I can go to the mosque to pray and perform worship” – Dukuri’s words in an interview given to BBC.
Dukuri was born in Paris to parents who immigrated from Mali. He came to England in 2016. The step change was from René, the French team that had been playing until then, to Watford. Everton arrived with the team relegated to the Second Division. “I have a family of believers. That is how I became a good Muslim. That is what is important to me. Faith is the support in all obstacles. There will be ups and downs in football. Sometimes unplayable. Will be injured. Faith will always be strong”- says Dukuri.
Dukuri, who lives with his family in Greater Manchester, is also a regular churchgoer in the area. Dukuri shares his experience that those who come to the church know that he is a professional footballer and are treated with love. Being in the Premier League and in England was a special experience and England is one of the best countries in Europe, says the star. “In the Premier League, everyone is free to do what they want. Nothing can be against faith. Therefore, Dukuri said that he wants to stay in the Premier League.
Three of Everton’s midfield are devout Ramadan fast-Dukuri, Idrissa Guyi and Belgium star Amadou Onana. Dukuri said that it will be convenient to pray together in the dressing room and Guy will be the imam. The player adds that Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who played together in Liverpool, were their role models. Mane arrived at Bayern at the start of the season.
Along with Dukuri, Onana and Guy, the Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic completes the fasting list of Everton. During Lent, priority should be given to foods rich in carbohydrates. In the morning porridge, eggs, juice etc. are eaten. Eat three early meals including this at night.
Dukuri says fasting every day during Ramadan. “That’s normal. And easy. It is a habit that started when I was 12-13 years old. I know my own body well. Training will be as usual during Lent. When you’re away, food doesn’t have to be on other people’s time. The cook will calculate it and cook it on time. Eat Halal food. During Ramadan, the family fasts together. After that he will go to the mosque for Taraweeh prayer. I like it more because I can see more people. Ramadan is a great opportunity for Muslims as it is an opportunity to get closer to the faith. Dukuri urges Muslims to increase recitation and memorization of the Qur’an at this stage and others to increase it.
