Who are some famous Muslim athletes?
Yes, there are many. Famous Muslim athletes include boxer Muhammad Ali, footballer Mohamed Salah, runner Mo Farah, MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov and fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. Many speak openly about their faith, and some show it on the field, such as by prostrating after a goal or fasting through Ramadan.
A short list
- Muhammad Ali. The heavyweight boxing legend, a three-time world champion, who became Muslim in the 1960s. See Why did Muhammad Ali become Muslim?
- Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian footballer who became a star at Liverpool and is known for prostrating in thanks after scoring. See Why do Muslim footballers do sujood after scoring?
- Mo Farah. The British distance runner who won the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Russian UFC lightweight champion from Dagestan, who retired in 2020 unbeaten.
- Hakeem Olajuwon. The Nigerian-born NBA Hall of Famer, known for continuing to fast during Ramadan while playing.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The NBA great and six-time champion, who became Muslim in the late 1960s.
- Ibtihaj Muhammad. The American fencer who became the first US Olympian to compete in a hijab, and won team bronze in sabre at the 2016 Olympics.
- Karim Benzema and Zinedine Zidane. French football stars of Algerian heritage.
How they live their faith in public
- Prayer. Many pray on tour, in locker rooms and in hotel rooms. Sujood after a goal is a visible thank-you to Allah.
- Fasting. Several athletes train and compete while fasting.
- Modesty and dress. Some wear a hijab or full-length kit in sport.
- Avoiding alcohol. Some have declined champagne celebrations or alcohol sponsors.
- Talking about faith. Many credit their religion for discipline, humility and perspective.
Muslims come from every background
These names show how diverse the Muslim world is, with athletes from Africa, Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia, and converts as well as those born into the faith. Allah says:
Admire them, but keep perspective
It is nice to have role models who show that sport and faith go together, but athletes are human and make mistakes like anyone else. Judge Islam by what it teaches, not by anyone's behaviour, and keep your respect for a player from turning into obsession. See Is it haram to have a sports idol? For athletes who embraced Islam as adults, see Which famous athletes converted to Islam?
- Muslim athletes compete at the top level in many sports.
- Many show their faith through prayer, fasting, modesty and gratitude.
- Some were born Muslim and others converted as adults.
- Respect them as role models, but remember they are human.
People also ask
Why did Muhammad Ali become Muslim?
Mostly because he found dignity and purpose in Islam. Muhammad Ali joined the Nation of Islam in the early 1960s and later embraced mainstream Sunni Islam.
Read the full answer →Which famous athletes converted to Islam?
Yes, quite a few: Muhammad Ali, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mike Tyson, Franck Ribéry and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. Why athletes convert and what fame does not change.
Read the full answer →What is the Prophet's one-third rule for eating?
A third for food, a third for drink and a third for air: the Prophet's ﷺ simple guide to stop eating before you are full, and how it helps fitness.
Read the full answer →What is the best time to exercise in Ramadan?
The best time to exercise in Ramadan is usually 1 to 2 hours after iftar. Compare training before iftar and after suhoor, and keep prayers on time.
Read the full answer →What does the strong believer hadith mean?
It means a believer strong in faith, character and body is better than a weak one, yet there is good in every believer. Here is the full hadith explained.
Read the full answer →