University News Last updated 27 February 2024
Guidance developed by 探花直播 (BCU) to support fasting Muslim staff and students taking part in physical education during Ramadan has attracted interest from the Department of Education and a number of sporting national governing bodies.
The advice includes practical adaptations for a comprehensive list of physical activities and has already been endorsed by Association for PE (AfPE), Youth Sport Trust (YST), Chartered Institute of for the Management of Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).
Guidance creator Dr Irfan Khawaja, a Senior Lecturer in PE at BCU, said: 鈥淚鈥檝e been surprised but extremely happy at the positive reaction. I鈥檝e received a lot of emails, phone calls and messages via social media from individuals and organisations who want to know more.
鈥淭he guidance is desperately needed and has benefits beyond school sport. It has the potential to impact grassroots and elite sport as well as workforces across the country. We鈥檙e excited at the possibilities and determined to explore each and every one.鈥�
Published by AfPE and available to view on its website, the guidance has been warmly welcomed by Muslim athletes, among them Haseebah Abdullah, the first hijab-wearing boxing coach in England, and local West Midlands hockey coach and player Christine Dalby.
Both spoke at a conference to promote Dr Khawaja鈥檚 work.
Supported by stakeholders and BCU staff and students, the all-day event at BCU鈥檚 sports headquarters in Perry Barr was described by Haseebah as "a brilliant platform to raise awareness of the implications for athletes and coaches during the Holy Month of Ramadan鈥�.
She added: 鈥淧hysical education can be inclusive. Just being aware of young people fasting makes them feel heard, which makes them feel included. That鈥檚 the recipe for success.
鈥淏y making small changes, such as scheduling PE at the end of the day, we can create an environment where young people are safeguarded and also encouraged to enjoy Ramadan.鈥�
Christine added: 鈥淎s Muslims, we鈥檙e encouraged to keep healthy and also fast during Ramadan. It鈥檚 important to tie these together and consider how to maintain physical activity in school and university while fasting. For example, reducing intensity level or adjusting the schedule to fit with Ramadan and time spent in evening prayers, reading the Quran, or socialising with family.鈥�
Dr Khawaja, a practising Muslim and former secondary school PE teacher, revealed that the guidance is going wider than PE and education, adding: 鈥淲e鈥檝e also been approached by national governing bodies and the workforce within the NHS, police and fire service.鈥�
Beginning on 10 March this year, Ramadan lasts between 29 to 30 days, during which time Muslims are required to fast from dawn to sunset.
Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, a national council member of the MCB, added: 鈥淚 hope the Department for Education will fully support this vital work and roll it out nationally so that we can have a set standard across all schools when it comes to supporting fasting students and staff."