We recently spoke to Sead, a member of our Boys Scholarship at Peterborough United Foundation, about his experience of Ramadan 2023.
Sead is a first year Scholar at Peterborough United Foundation, making this his first season dealing with the rigour of playing such regular football whilst fasting. Despite this, Sead has found the experience rewarding as Ramadan now heads into its final days for this year.
“This Ramadan has been a beautiful experience for myself. Through fasting and prayer, I have been able to ameliorate my connection with God and I hope to seek the rewards from it. It’s the last few days now before our Eid celebrations which take place once Ramadan is completed.” Sead said.
With all training and fixtures on the Peterborough United Foundation Scholarship taking place during sunlight hours, there’s no opportunity for Sead to break his fast to bring on the nutrients he’d usually take in. But Sead is a firm believer that God and his infinite power is the reason he’s able to compete at his maximum despite the fast.
“Fasting and playing football has its difficulties at times due to our intensity in training and level of opposition, however by the grace of God I am able to play full games as we as Muslims believe: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear”.” he said.
Religion is an import part of Sead’s life and it’s something he uses to benefit him in football: “Before every game I make Dua (prayer of invocation) for me and my team to be granted the strength and guidance we need to win games, and on a personal note I ask God to allow me to perform up to a high standard regardless of me being in a state of fasting.”
As Ramadan goes into its final days for the year, Sead reflects on the time he’s spent with family and with God through prayer. It’s clear that Ramadan has been an important and prosperous time for Sead and he has dealt with fasting and playing football impeccably well.
“Participating in Ramadan I feel holds great importance as it’s a time not only for worship but also self reflection and heightened devotion through extra evening prayers in the mosque daily. We also try to give charity in this month in order to help those who are in less fortunate situations.” Sead concluded.
Ramadan is due to end on Friday 21st April, when the celebratory days of Eid Al-Fitr will begin. We hope everyone celebrating has had a rewarding and prosperous Ramadan and our thanks go to Sead for taking the time to speak to us.