Danjuma on observing Ramadan as a professional footballer
Thu 23 March 2023, 22:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
With Muslims worldwide now observing Ramadan, Arnaut Danjuma has offered a fascinating insight into connecting with his faith and how he copes with fasting as a professional footballer.
Marked by a period of refraining from eating and drinking during daylight hours, Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar where Muslim players such as Arnaut will be balancing the exertions of the sacred month with elite level performance.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY, Arnaut explained the importance of Ramadan to him personally: “If I have to sum it up, it’s a very holy month. First of all, you’re trying to get closer to God which is very important because, apart from all the health and physical benefits, you can’t forget the spiritual benefits.
“It’s a reason to increase your faith, your closeness and togetherness. Family comes together, you go to the mosque more often and increase in prayers. You look after your relatives, look after loved ones, close ones and those in need. It’s not only a month of maintaining fasting but it’s about giving back.”
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Alongside a focus on the Islamic faith through worship, spirituality, charity and community, Arnaut will also be practising Sawm: the act of fasting. With nutrition being a key component of professional football, Arnaut is fully prepared and understands the importance of this aspect to ensure he’s ready to perform for the Club.
"As a professional athlete, you have to prepare yourself. I have to make sure I’m on top of my nutrition," added the 26-year-old. "My priority is to perform for the club and be there when the club needs me, so I always have to be 100%.
"You always try and eat stuff which remains in your body for a long time; you don’t want to eat fast-burning energy foods. You make sure you eat nutrition that will stay in your body for a long period of time because you’ll need it.
"For the past fifteen years, you kind of get used to it. It’s not that I look to it as a month of difficulty, I look to it as being very enjoyable. I generally tend to feel that my body and mind gets stronger because of it. I get sharper and more focussed."
