An Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Oluyole Estate extension, Ibadan, Alhaji Mudasir Bada has stated that Muslim athletes must have no exception during Ramadan.
The cleric noted that the Muslim athletes must also fast except in some instances when the athletes health is in jeopardy, also in the case of exhaustion and dehydration while in a competition.
He stated this during the 4th annual Ramadan Lecture of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Oyo state chapter held on Tuesday at Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Speaking on the topic dos and don’ts of fasting athletes, the Islamic scholar noted that Muslim athletes during Ramadan has no exception but must fast just like other adherents.
He said, “Muslim athletes must apply given wisdom of Allah to either compete or withdraw in the holy month of Ramadan observing the fast as ordained by Allah and enjoy the eternal spiritual benefit and the surprising healthy outlook which pervades the Ramadan period.
“The dos are to observe fast and don’ts are not to escape fasting in the month of Ramadan as observance in the month of Ramadan is compulsory and universal and spirituallly benefiting mankind for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and freedom from hell fire”, he added.
While he charges Nigerians to be cautious in what ever they do and live in peace and as well work inharmony during and after Ramadan.
According to him, Ramadan teaches peace, adding that Nigerians should embrace peace and desist from anything relating to enmity.
In his remarks, Chairman, SWAN, Oyo state chapter, Niyi Alebiosu explained that the topic was chosen to enlighten athletes about fasting during Ramadan
He added that the lecture is necessary because there are some athletes who doesn’t know what to do in a competition during Ramadan.
He said that “The lecture is targeted at passing message to athletes and sport stakeholders.”
