How do Muslim athletes fast in Ramadan?
Yes, most of them keep fasting. They adjust their routine: training lighter before iftar or after it, eating a solid suhoor, drinking plenty between sunset and dawn, and cutting intensity for the month. Many professional leagues now pause matches at sunset so players can break their fast. Islam allows a fast to be postponed for illness or travel, not just for a busy schedule.
How professional athletes manage it
Muslim footballers, boxers, runners and basketball players have fasted through Ramadan for decades, often while competing. Since 2021, the English Premier League has allowed a short break in evening matches at sunset so fasting players can drink and eat something. Other leagues and referees around Europe and the US now do the same informally. Athletes usually work with team nutritionists to plan sleep, meals and training around the fast.
When to train
- Just before iftar: a light or moderate session, finishing right as you break your fast and refuel.
- After iftar: the best time for harder sessions, once you've eaten a little and had water.
- Early morning after suhoor: works for some people, but you then face the whole day without water.
Avoid intense training in the hottest part of the day. See Can I exercise while fasting in Ramadan?
Eating and drinking right
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Take suhur as there is a blessing in it" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1923), and "The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1957). For athletes this means:
- a suhoor with slow-release carbs, protein and water, not just a quick snack. See What is suhoor and what should I eat?
- breaking the fast promptly with dates and water, then a proper meal later;
- spreading 2 to 3 litres of water across the evening and night;
- cutting down on salty food and caffeine, which make thirst worse.
For the basics of breaking the fast, see What is iftar and how do I break my fast?
When you can skip a fast
Allah made exceptions for illness and travel:
If you're travelling for a match, you may postpone fasts and make them up later. If you feel dizzy, confused or seriously dehydrated, break the fast; protecting your health comes first. Most scholars say a training schedule or competition alone isn't a valid excuse, though some contemporary scholars have allowed professionals to postpone on match days when their livelihood depends on it. Ask a scholar you trust about your own case.
- Most Muslim athletes fast and adjust training.
- Train lightly before iftar or harder after it.
- Eat a proper suhoor and hydrate through the night.
- Illness and travel allow postponing; break the fast if you're in danger.
People also ask
Does a blood test break my fast?
No, a blood test does not break your fast. Learn what scholars say about giving blood, cupping, injections and drips while fasting in Ramadan.
Read the full answer →Is Ramadan fasting the same as intermittent fasting?
Ramadan fasting is not the same as intermittent fasting: no water from dawn to sunset, a fixed month and an act of worship, not just a diet.
Read the full answer →Can I exercise while fasting in Ramadan?
Yes, you can exercise while fasting in Ramadan. Train lighter, just before iftar or a few hours after, and stop if you feel unwell.
Read the full answer →Does kissing break your fast?
No, kissing your spouse doesn't break your fast by itself, as the Prophet did, but it's disliked if it may lead further. Scholars' views.
Read the full answer →How do I prepare for my first Ramadan as a new Muslim?
To prepare for your first Ramadan as a new Muslim, learn the basics, do practice fasts, plan sleep and work, and keep your goals small.
Read the full answer →