So the article was discussing some Nigerian player in Italy who was fasting because it's ramadan, and didn't perform well in the match. The Coach was not happy. This is of course a valid discussion - I understand the Coach's concerns. Personally I think the player should fast on his days off to make up for his Ramadan, he needs to eat to be able to earn his living. This, however, is not what ticked me off.
At the end of the Article CNN says:
"Meanwhile, the Egyptian team preparing for the under-20 World Cup in their home country have turned down the chance to break their fast. The country's religious authorities gave the squad members permission to avoid fasting during Ramadan, but the team ignored the instruction.
The competition starts just a few days after the end of Ramadan, but the team is in strict training in a bid to claim the prestigious title."
Religious authorities don't have a say in whether you're allowed to break your fast or not. This, much like daily prayers, is up to each person. So the team does not need "permission" to not fast.
Why throw something like that in there that would just send the message that this mean evil religion is starving its people and they need permission from religious authorities to let them eat? The truth is that religious authorities give their opinion - not an instruction or permission!
But hey, this sells more doesn't it?
3 comments:
the word 'instruction' was kinda frustrating indeed.
I have a point to mention though, I personally don't think that anybody should break their fast, except in rare occasions, of which 'performance at work' is not one. That's on the person, not on fasting.
What do you think?
nah, i think there needs to be a certain degree of flexibility in the whole fasting thing. You do it to the best of your abilities, but if it impairs your performance and jeopradizes your future then you can make it up.
I think it's up to each person to decide what is a valid excuse and what isn't and i don't think there's a general rule to be applied... i think each person will be evaluated separately.
But then again i have a more relaxed spiritual view of religion where certain degree of flexibility is there as long as you have good intentions and you have an understanding with God.
A lot of others prefer the strict black and white rules, so i don't expect to be understood
Check my blog. You've been tagged in a game, I hope you share :)
Post a Comment