A group of young Muslim girls have enrolled in a unique new sports programme that proves religion does not have to get in the way of keeping fit.
Finding a sports club that is sensitive to Muslim beliefs can be difficult for many women in the borough as large numbers do not feel comfortable removing their head scarves and prefer to take part in single sex classes.
To combat this Brent Council and the Islamic Cultural Centre have joined forces to create a safe and understanding environment where they can feel free to be themselves while enjoying regular exercise.
The weekly programme, which is funded by Brent Youth Service, has helped to renew the 11 to 25-year-olds interest in sport, with participants trying their hand at everything from basketball to hockey and ice-skating.
Falak Butt, a youth worker for Brent Youth Service, helps run the sessions.
She said: "It can be hard to get Muslim girls to take part in sport.
"But as a Muslim woman, parents are happy to approach me about any issues concerning the girls and really support the project.
"The girls have definitely become more confident and their sports skills have improved. It's great to see them developing so well."
Fifteen-year-old Uzma Butt said: "We play a huge variety of sports, which is great. It was hard to get involved in sport before.
"Because we're all Muslims it's okay to take our head scarves off and because it's all girls in the group I feel comfortable and relaxed. I really enjoy it.
Faizah Siddiqi, 17, added: "Before I joined the sports group I used to stay at home.
"Since joining the club my fitness levels have improved and I've made loads of friends. I've also become more confident and have learnt to play in a team."
I still think it's very good news, although there are much more serious news out there. We do need some good news from time to time, whatever they might be.
And this helps the Muslimahs in England to take care of their health and at the same time obeying the Islamic rules. We Muslimahs ain't super women born with aswesome health, we do need to move like anybody else.
When the girls stay very much at home and aren't going out a lot to do sports or move, they'll get easily tired and lack motivation to do other stuff.
Last edited by Al-Zaara; 08-03-2008 at 06:52 PM.
“If only I had checked myself”
—
Guy who wrecked himself
True leaders don't create followers...
.... They create new leaders.
Why wouldn't sport and religion mix? Isn't that rather to do with culture, that causes the seperation? I never read in the Qur'an that women were not allowed to play sports (all girls). Anyway its good thing, usually they don't get enough exercise and become fat otherwise
It's nothing about Islam forbbiding sports. The issue is the Islamic headscarf and clothing, I mean, sweating in a scarf ain't that nice for example. You can't take it off 'cause males are almost everywhere. So a place with only women and really only women, you can take off the scarf and wear a bit less or shorter, it's more comfortable when doing sports.
“If only I had checked myself”
—
Guy who wrecked himself
True leaders don't create followers...
.... They create new leaders.
It's nothing about Islam forbbiding sports. The issue is the Islamic headscarf and clothing, I mean, sweating in a scarf ain't that nice for example. You can't take it off 'cause males are almost everywhere. So a place with only women and really only women, you can take off the scarf and wear a bit less or shorter, it's more comfortable when doing sports.
also clothing worn for sports cant be baggy, and wearing tight clothing can be very revealing especially if ur sweating alot
All Islamic observances must be followed, regardless of any school policies or social stigmas. Our obedience to our Creator cannot be given preference to a creature of Allah.
When participating in sports, the clothing must be Islamically acceptable. This would therefore exclude shorts, t-shirts, leotards, swimming costumes etc.
It is very important to ensure that there are no males watching. Mixing of sexes is forbidden in normal situations, except in special situations under certain conditions, let alone in a sporting arena or exercise facility. It also restricts your activities, and modesty would not allow this in any case.
All Islamic observances must be followed, regardless of any school policies or social stigmas. Our obedience to our Creator cannot be given preference to a creature of Allah.
When participating in sports, the clothing must be Islamically acceptable. This would therefore exclude shorts, t-shirts, leotards, swimming costumes etc.
It is very important to ensure that there are no males watching. Mixing of sexes is forbidden in normal situations, except in special situations under certain conditions, let alone in a sporting arena or exercise facility. It also restricts your activities, and modesty would not allow this in any case.
Which essentially means Muslims who want to follow a strict dress code can't compete professionally, since baggy clothes simply slow you down too much.
So at least professional sport and religion can't mix! Not until everyone on this planet is a strict Muslim that is, that would even the playingfield .
Correction KAding - it isn't only Muslim women who are held back, but any woman who likes to dress modestly. It's almost like you can't play any sport without being half naked these days!
^ I know i mean i swim in my jilbab, and it doesnt slow me down any.
I can run in my jilbab, ride a bicycle, and play i cant catch the ball... I even ice-skate with my jilbab and long khimar on! Everyone was dropping down left and right and i ice-skated like a pro. what you people on about?People just think that sports clothes have to be all tight fitting and dont want to try baggy clothes. It really doesnt slow you down.
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WW3 is comming soon and this is the best we can have in the world affairs section! common man!
Muslim girls show sport and religion can mix
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