London –
Kalidou Koulibaly so one among a number of Muslim players in the Chelsea squad. He told how non-Muslim players were curious about fasting in Ramadan.
Koulibaly is one of four Muslim players at Chelsea. The other three are Wesley Fofana, N’Golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech.
The four of them are currently undergoing Ramadan fasting, like Muslims around the world. It seems that Koulibaly et al’s religious activities in the month of Ramadan have aroused the curiosity of other players.
“During Ramadan, our colleagues see us praying and ask what we are doing. Most of them think that Ramadan is just about not eating or drinking, even though it is much more than that,” he was quoted as saying BBC.
“It’s a matter of understanding what we read in the Koran, our religion, our attitude, and understanding about the Prophet Muhammad too. We have to explain it to them, so when someone asks, we are able to give an answer,” added the player from Senegal.
Since playing in Italy with Napoli, Koulibaly has experienced some support in worship. In Naples, he prepared halal food and also ate suhoor.
In England, the sight that caught his attention was how the match was stopped for a moment to allow time for the Muslim players to break their fast. Last week’s Chelsea vs Liverpool match was one that was briefly stopped at opening time.
“When you come here and see they can stop the match so that the Muslim players can recharge, drink and refresh themselves a little, it’s amazing. It’s never happened to me before, so for me it’s amazing,” he continued.
“I saw it on TV when Wesley was at Leicester and breaking his fast in the middle of the game, it’s amazing. When they do it for you, it feels amazing. I’m very happy and looking forward to that moment again,” said the 31-year-old defender.
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(raw/bay)
