More Than a Game: On Competing While Fasting
“Competing during Ramadan is not just about proving physical endurance but also about embracing the challenge with balance and purpose. In the end, it’s not just about winning games or setting records—it’s about understanding your limits, finding strength in faith, and showing that athleticism and devotion can coexist.”
Ramadan: Faith, Fasting, and the Power of Discipline
As I write this, I am in the middle of my 27th day of fasting, balancing the final stretch of my indoor track season with the beginning of my outdoor season. Training and competing while fasting has been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. The hardest part wasn’t the hunger–it was the thirst, the inability to hydrate when my body craved it most. But through that struggle, I learned the power of discipline and resilience. I realized that sometimes, you don’t always need water to push through a workout. With the right mindset, the support of dedicated coaches and teammates, and the strength of spiritual faith, everything falls into place.
Every year, millions of Muslims around the world come together to observe a special and sacred month called Ramadan. This month is one of the most important times in the Islamic faith. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, which means they do not eat or drink anything during the day. But Ramadan is not only about giving up food and drink. It is also about self-control, kindness, and becoming closer to god.
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so it moves ten days earlier each year on the regular calendar. This means Ramadan can fall in different seasons, and the length of the fast can vary depending on where in the world someone lives. In some places, people fast for 12 hours. In others, it can be 16 hours or more. Despite the length, Muslims continue to fast every day for 29 or 30 days.
The fast starts before sunrise with a meal called suhoor. People wake up early to eat or drink before the first prayer of the day, known as Fajr. After that, they do not eat or drink until sunset. When the sun sets, Muslims break their fast with a meal called iftar. It is often started with dates and water, followed by a large meal shared with family and friends after Maghrib prayer.
Ramadan is about more than just not eating or drinking. It is a time to be kind, to help others, and to avoid bad habits like lying, gossiping, or getting angry. Muslims believe that by fasting, they can feel what it is like for people who do not have enough food or water. This helps them be more thankful for what they have and encourages them to help others in need.
During Ramadan, Muslims also spend more time in prayer and reading the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Many people try to read the whole Quran during this month. Mosques are filled during this time, especially at night, when special prayers called Taraweeh are held. These prayers bring people together and remind them of the importance of faith and community.
Another big part of Ramadan is charity. Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need, and many choose to pray Zakart, a special form of charity, during this time. Some also give extra charity, called Sadaqah, to support people in their communities and around the world. This helps build a sense of togetherness and reminds everyone to care for others.
Even though fasting can be hard, especially in the early days of Ramadan, many Muslims look forward to this month every year. They see it as a chance to reset, to grow spiritually, and to become better people. The hunger and thirst during the day are balanced by the joy and peace that come with knowing they are doing something meaningful.
Ramadan also brings families and communities closer. Iftar meals are often shared, and people visit each other more often. Many cities have special events, food stalls, and decorations during Ramadan, creating a festive and warm atmosphere in the community. The sense of unity and joy is something many Muslims cherish.
At the end of Ramadan comes a special holiday called Eid al-Fitr. It is a day of celebration, where Muslims gather for a big prayer in the morning and then spend the day with loved ones, giving gifts, and enjoying the end of the fast. It is a happy time, full of smiles, laughter, and gratitude.
Ramadan is a month that teaches many lessons. It shows the power of disciplines, the importance of faith, and the value of helping others. By fasting, Muslims not only give up food and drink but also learn to control their actions and thoughts. They aim to become more patient, kind, and understanding.
Ramadan is a time for reflection, for thinking about what truly matters in life, and for making changes to become better. It is not always easy, but many Muslims believe the rewards are worth it. Through hunger and thirst, they find strength. Through giving and prayer, they find peace. Ramadan is not just about what you give up, but what you gain: a stronger spirit, a better heart, and a deeper connection to God and to others.
Fasting during Ramadan is a personal journey, but it is also a shared experience. Knowing that millions of people around the world are going through the same challenge brings a strong sense of unity. It shows that faith can connect people, no matter where they live or who they are.
Ramadan is a beautiful and powerful tradition that continues to inspire and strengthen Muslims around the world. It is a time of sacrifice. But it is also a great time of joy. A time of struggle, but also of triumph. Through it all, the spirit of Ramadan shines bright, reminding everyone of the beauty of faith, the importance of kindness, and the strength that comes from within.
Ramadan and Sports: The Challenges of Competing While Fasting
One big thing I've heard most about this month is athletes fasting during Ramadan. One of the things I hear most from students at our school is, “How in the world are you athletes able to fast and play sports at the same time.” If I'm completely honest I don’t know how we do it. But we get the job done and let me tell you how.
For Muslims athletes, Ramadan brings a unique challenge. While fasting, they still train, practice, and compete in their sports. This means they are running, lifting, jumping, and playing without food or water during the day. It takes a lot of strength and focus to perform at a high level while fasting, but many athletes find ways to balance their faith with their love for sports.
During Ramadan, athletes often adjust their routines. Some train before sunrise and some after eating suhoor. Others train at night, after breaking their fast with iftar. Timing is important because the body needs energy, and fasting means no energy is flowing in the body throughout the day. Athletes have to be smart about when and how they train, so they can stay strong and healthy.
One big challenge is staying hydrated. Without water during the day, muscles can get tired faster, and it easier to feel weak or dizzy. That is why many athletes drink a lot of water at night and eat food that helps keep them energized. They focus on balanced meals with protein, fruits, vegetables, and slow-digesting carbs that last longer in the body.
Even with these challenges, many athletes say fasting helps them become more focused and disciplined. They learn to push through discomfort and stay mentally strong. For them, it is not just about winning games or setting records. It is about proving to themselves that they can handle tough situations with faith and determination.
Some professional athletes have shown that it is possible to fast and still compete at the highest level. In sports like soccer, basketball, track and field, fighting, etc. Muslim athletes have played important games and even in championship games while fasting. Their stories help inspire others and show that faith and sports can go together.
During Ramadan, some coaches and teams also support their fasting players. They may adjust practice times or provide special meals at night. This support can help athletes feel respected and understood. It also shows that sports can be a place where different cultures and beliefs are accepted.
Still, let’s be real–it’s not easy. Fasting athletes feel the burn in ways most people can’t imagine. Training on an empty stomach, with dry lips and low energy, pushes your body and mind to the limit. The second half of practice hits harder, the heat feels hotter, and sometimes, just standing up too fast can make you dizzy. It’s not just physical either–the mental battle of staying focused when your body is screaming for water or fuel is just tough.
Competing during Ramadan can feel like you’re at a constant disadvantage. Your opponents are hydrated, fueled, and fresh, while you’re running on pure willpower. That gap can make you feel like you’re not doing your best, and it takes a toll on your confidence. Some athletes choose to sit out or scale back during Ramadan, but for those who keep pushing, it’s a daily grind. There are moments where athletes question themselves – “Why am I doing this? Can I really keep going like this?”
Another challenge is the lack of recovery time. Normally, athletes eat and hydrate right after practice to help their muscles heal and stay strong. But during Ramadan, you can’t do that until sunset. That delay can lead to soreness, fatigue, and long recovery times. On top of that, sleep schedules get thrown off too. Waking up early for suhoor, staying up late to eat after iftar, and then trying to train in between–it’s hard to find rest, and tiredness stacks up fast.
Despite all that, the struggle builds something special–resilience. Fasting while training sharpens your disciplines in ways that last beyond Ramadan. It teaches athletes how to listen to their bodies, push through challenges, and stay locked in. It’s not about being superhuman; it’s about knowing your limits, respecting them, and still rising above. That’s the power fasting athletes carry, even when nobody sees the full weight they’re holding.
Who are some professional Muslim Athletes that fast during Ramadan?
One Muslim athlete that fasts during Ramadan is Kyrie Irving. Kyrie is an NBA player for the Dallas Mavericks, and he fasts during his games–even during high-stakes playoff matchups. When it’s time to break his fast, he eats a small cup of fruit mid-game and then gets right back to grinding for the win. This Ramadan, Kyrie played two games–against the Milwaukee Bucks on 3/1 and against the Sacramento Kings on 3/3. Against the Bucks, he dropped 31 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and made 3 assists. In the game against the Kings, he scored 7 points, had 1 rebound, and 1 assist before tearing his ACL late in the first quarter. Even after the injury, Kyrie stood up and made two free throws, showing his resilience, grit, and deep love for the game.
Another Muslim athlete who tried to fast while competing is Magomed Ankalaev, a UFC Light Heavyweight contender. Earlier this month at UFC 313, Magomed was preparing for his fight against Alex Pereira and intended to fast during Ramadan. However, in the UFC, fighters must hit a specific weight class, and for Magomed, that’s 185-205 lbs in the Light Heavyweight division. Missing weight can lead to a fight being canceled or penalties, so Magomed chose not to fast during fight week to make weight safely and keep his shot at the title. He won against Alex Pereira at UFC 313 by decision in round 5. His decision shows the tough balance between honoring faith and meeting the physical demands of elite competition.
Dalilah Muhammad, an American track and field star, also navigated Ramadan while training at the highest level. She competes in the 400-meter hurdles and made history in 2019 by breaking the world record with a time of 52.16 seconds. During her preparation, she fasted on lighter training days, but didn’t fast on the most intense days to maintain her performance during the event. Still, her commitment to both her faith and her sport highlights her disciplines and resilience, proving that even while managing these challenges, she could still dominate her event and make history.
Fasting and Competing: Stories from Our Own Student Athletes
Not many people talk about athletes who fast during their games, whether they’re professionals or students. But we’ve got athletes right here at CompSci who are doing just that–balancing school, sports, and fasting all at once. From early morning classes to late-night practices, these athletes push through the challenges of Ramadan with dedication and heart. Their stories deserve to be told, because strength and faith aren’t just found on big stages–they’re right here in our community too. Here are some of the athletes I interviewed at our school.
Anaelah, is a senior at the school that plays for the softball team. For her, fasting during Ramadan adds an extra layer of challenge to every workout, but what keeps her motivated is looking forward to the delicious meal at the end of the day. “Training without water is the hardest part,” she said. “I’m so used to drinking before workouts that without it, I feel lightheaded–like I might pass out.” Despite this, she pushes through, noticing how fasting makes her feel physically lighter, almost as if she's shedding weight with every movement. But mentally, it’s a battle. She says, “Food becomes a temptation, and my mind keeps telling me I need it, even when I know I can go without it.” She described fasting as making her body feel like a “bubble filled with air,” creating an odd sensation of fullness despite not eating.
Competing while fasting requires Anaelah to be deeply in tune with her body. “I know my limits,” she said. “If I need to break my fast with water during a big game, I will.” Facing opponents who are fully fueled makes her feel at a disadvantage at times, but she adapts. “I make sure to eat more after sunset, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Suhoor means early mornings, so I have to go to bed earlier.” Over time, fasting has changed her perspective on food. “I used to think that without eating enough, I couldn’t succeed. But now I know–it’s all about mindset.” When people ask how she manages to play without eating, she doesn't focus on meals or energy drinks. She tells them, “It’s all about mental strength and determination. That’s what really gets you through” she says.
Mahamadou, is a sophomore at the school who runs for the track team. He shared how fasting affects his training and competition. He says, “I want to get better as an athlete, and no matter what happens–even if I'm fasting–that desire to improve will never stop me from training,” he explained. He emphasized that fasting while training hits hard, particularly when he can’t drink or eat, making it a struggle to push through workouts. It requires a different mentality–one that doesn’t allow hunger or thirst to become excuses. “You just have to push through, because at the end of the day, your opponents don’t care if you eat or drink,” Mahamadou added. Despite the physical challenges, he finds strength in knowing that pushing through these tough moments only makes him stronger.
For Mahamadou, fasting during track season motivates him to push harder. “Honestly, it makes me feel stronger. I still compete at a very high level, and it motivates me to push myself harder against people who don’t fast,” he says. The struggle doesn’t just fuel his performance–it strengthens his discipline. While fasting can leave him dizzy and lightheaded at times, he’s learned to view discomfort as a sign of good training. He also makes it clear that his faith is essential: “Fasting is a big thing for me. Unless it’s a big emergency, I’m not cutting my fast. I wouldn’t want to compete knowing that the only way I could gain an advantage would be to cut my fast.” Through this unwavering commitment, Mahamadou finds both physical and mental strength, proving that discipline, faith, and perseverance can coexist in the pursuit of excellence.
Mohammed, is a senior at the school that plays for the Monroe Basketball team. He shared how fasting affects his training and competition during basketball season. For him, fasting is essential. Pushing himself to train and play while fasting proves his consistency and ability to work through adversity. “I know that pushing through while fasting will make me a better person and athlete,” he said. Hunger and thirst hit differently during workouts–being exhausted during practice, training, and big games is tough. But at the same time, it strengthens him both spiritually and physically. “When I'm weak, it actually makes me stronger,” he explained. “Training while fasting pushes your limits, and being able to push past them makes you better.” However, running on empty is exhausting. “There are times when I have no energy, and I feel physically weak, but I just keep pushing forward.”
Mohammed would never skip fasting for a big game. On the first day of Ramadan, he played in a playoff game. By the fourth quarter, he was physically drained, cramping up, and completely sore after the game. Even though his team lost, he gave everything to help them win. Competing against opponents who aren’t fasting feels like a disadvantage since they have more energy, but it doesn’t stop him. He says, “They have more energy than me, yeah, but that’s not an excuse. I still compete.” After breaking his fast, he focuses on eating enough without overdoing it and prioritizes sleep to regain energy for the next day. Fasting has reshaped his understanding of discipline and dedication. “You can’t just randomly give up and break your fast in the middle of the day. You have to stick with it, no matter how tough it gets.” Some people think he’s crazy for fasting while competing, often telling him, “I’d break my fast if I were you. I don’t know how you do it.” But he stays committed, knowing that fasting and competing together make him stronger, both mentally and physically. “It’s all mental. You have to know how to push through” he says.
As for me, I'm a senior and I run track as well for the team. Fasting for me was very challenging this month. Fasting makes me feel lightweight physically, but spiritually, I feel stronger because of how connected I am to God over the month. Running on empty feels like a balloon–just filled with air, hungry, and thirsty at times. Competing while fasting is a challenge especially against athletes who aren’t fasting. It feels like a huge disadvantage, but the clock doesn’t care if you're fasting or not. You just have to fight. After iftar, my priority is always eating, hydrating, and training again to stay prepared for practice or races the day after. Fasting has changed how I see discipline and dedication–it’s taught me that sacrifices are necessary, and there are people in the world who go without food and water for days. No matter how hard it gets, I remind myself that this experience is making me stronger, both on and off the track.
March 29th marked the opening race for the outdoor track season. Saturday’s race tested that discipline more than ever. With the heat in the high 70s, I knew fasting wasn’t an option because I knew I would pass out on the track. My body was recovering from the weeks of fasting. Running the 400-meter and 200-meter races instead of my usual 800 and 1600 meter races was a shock. It felt good being able to run a short race but it felt challenging because I had to go as quickly as I could to finish those races. The pain after the 400-meter race was unreal. I didn’t think I could run again, but I pushed through the last 200-meter event and finished strong. This month has been a challenge, but it made me stronger. At the end of the day, no matter how hard it gets you just have to get it done.
Fasting, Faith, and the Finish Line
Fasting while competing is never just about going without food or water–it’s a test of patience, resilience, and mental strength. Every practice and race becomes a battle between exhaustion and determination, forcing athletes to put through limits they never thought possible. The struggle is real–training on an empty stomach and dry throat can feel like an uphill battle, especially when surrounded by competitors who are fully fueled. But through this challenge, something greater emerges: a deeper understanding of discipline and the realization that strength isn’t just physical–it’s rooted in faith and mindset.
For many athletes who fast, the experience is more than just performance—it’s a reflection of sacrifice and commitment. It requires careful preparation, from adjusting training schedules to prioritizing hydration and rest. But just as important as pushing through challenges is knowing when to listen to the body. Some may choose to not fast for the sake of health and safety, while others find ways to adapt without compromising their well being. Competing during Ramadan is not just about proving physical endurance but also about embracing the challenge with balance and purpose. In the end, it’s not just about winning games or setting records—it’s about understanding your limits, finding strength in faith, and showing that athleticism and devotion can coexist.