A Source of Strength and Inspiration For All: Ramadan in British Sports

Equi Ramadan Series #2

Ramadan in the UK is no longer something that happens quietly behind closed doors. It has become a recognised moment in the British calendar – a month that enriches society and brings benefits to Muslims and non‑Muslims alike. As part of the Equi Ramadan Series, this article explores how Ramadan offers an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds to British sports and, by extension, our multicultural, multi-faith nation. 

When we think about British sport, Muslim athletes are front and centre. Mo Salah in his Liverpool red, Moeen Ali representing England in cricket or Sir Mo Farah winning Olympic gold – Muslims have helped define some of the UK’s greatest sporting moments. Their achievements push boundaries, inspire millions and reflect the pride we take in being a multicultural, multi‑faith nation.

While Muslim athletes inspire throughout the year, Ramadan offers a special moment to talk about getting active. The month’s focus on discipline, self‑control and working towards a bigger purpose resonates with people of all backgrounds, including athletes. It’s a powerful reminder of how physical activity can improve wellbeing at a time when obesity, loneliness and poor mental health are rising. Encouraging more people to get moving can transform lives and ease pressure on the NHS.

The resilience shown by Muslim players during Ramadan, when they are fasting from dawn until dusk, also sends an important message to young people. Their stories demonstrate that faith and culture can be sources of strength, motivation and pride. The journeys of athletes who overcome obstacles to become national icons can inspire the next generation of footballers, swimmers, cricketers and more.

Encouragingly, more British sports teams are taking steps to better support their Muslim players. Clubs such as Burnley FC and the Bradford Bulls have signed the Muslim Athlete Charter, which provides guidance on tackling inequalities in sport. Prioritising inclusion doesn’t just benefit Muslim athletes but also signals that everyone belongs on the pitch, regardless of faith, gender or background. From working‑class kids to elite athletes, from Muslims to Hindus to Jews, sport becomes a place where everyone can be part of something bigger.

A landmark moment came in 2021, when football’s Premier League formally allowed breaks for Muslim players to open their fast during matches. Since then, when there’s a natural pause in play, players can briefly step aside to eat or drink. The first example took place in April 2021 in a Leicester City versus Crystal Palace match. 

More recently, leading up to Ramadan 2025, Manchester United joined the growing numbers of football clubs to launch a new prayer room at Old Trafford stadium for fans to utilise, in collaboration with the clubs first officially-recognised Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC). These examples mark a quiet but powerful shift: a recognition that faith has a place in sport. It’s a simple act of inclusion that sends a clear message: there is room for everyone on the pitch and in the fan ranks. 

Ramadan also creates opportunities for interfaith connection. Community iftars (the evening meals that break the fast) bring people together through one of the most universal languages: food. Sports clubs have embraced this by hosting open iftars in their stadiums. The first Premier League open iftar took place at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge in 2023, organised by the Ramadan Tent Project. It now forms part of Chelsea’s “No to Hate” campaign, which tackles racism and discrimination. Hundreds attend these events across the UK, turning stadiums into spaces of unity and shared experience.

Ramadan has become a meaningful moment in the British sporting calendar, strengthening social cohesion and deepening community ties. Too often, faith is treated as a barrier. But the success of British Muslim athletes and the inclusive practices emerging across sport show the opposite. Faith is an asset. Inclusion lifts us all.

Read more:

Muslim Community-Led Initiatives on Tackling Loneliness are Working. Let’s Learn from Them

Tackling Loneliness: Learning From British Muslim Experiences

Ramadan: Its Value to British Society and the Economy

About the Equi Ramadan Series: A five-part exploration of the often under-recognised contribution Ramadan makes to everyday life and social cohesion in modern Britain. The series builds towards Ramadan 2026 and previews an upcoming short report, Ramadan: Breaking Fast, Building Britain, to be published during the holy month.

Dr Mary Hunter is a Senior Researcher at Equi. Mary has previously worked for several think tanks. Most recently, she was Director of Research at the Policy Research Institute for South Asia (PRISA), with a focus on UK-South Asia relations. Prior to that, she was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research (CSCR) in Pakistan researching cultural relations between the UK and Pakistan.

Dr Mamnun Khan, the author of Being British Muslims: Beyond Ethnocentric Religion and Identity Politics, is a British Muslim thinker and writer who explores identity, Islam, and the social integration of Muslims in contemporary Britain. His work critically examines the challenges and opportunities faced by British Muslims, advocating for a balanced God-centred approach that transcends ethnocentrism and ideological extremes.