England cricketer Adil Rashid credits Islam for his mental peace and personal growth, reflecting on his spiritual journey and the positive impact it has had on his life and career.
Adil Rashid, born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in 1988, has found his spiritual calling through Islam, transforming from a cricket-centric lifestyle to a devoted practicing Muslim. Though he was born into a Muslim family and received early education in Islam, it wasn’t until 2011 that Rashid fully embraced the faith and its teachings, following a pivotal encounter with former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq, England’s spin bowling consultant at the time.
Rashid recalls how his life changed after spending 10 days with Mushtaq, where he began questioning his own life outside of cricket. “I began to ask myself, ‘What am I doing as a Muslim outside of cricket? Am I fulfilling my duties? Am I a good person?’” he shared. This period of reflection led him to practice Islam more seriously, making it an integral part of his daily life.
His commitment to his faith is evident, especially during Ramadan, when he continues to train and play while fasting. Rashid explained, “Fasting during Ramadan while playing is difficult, but there are no excuses. We fast for 30 days, and I’ve been doing this for the last 10-15 years.”
Rashid’s faith has also shaped his behavior in the cricketing world, particularly in the dressing room. During his time with fellow devout Muslim Moeen Ali, Rashid noticed a shift in his teammates’ attitudes towards Islam. “The environment in the dressing room has improved, with more players showing interest in learning about Islam,” he said. “This is positive for us as Muslims because our role is to spread the message of Islam.”
Despite facing challenges on the field, including moments of poor performance, Rashid maintains a sense of calm and contentment, thanks to his belief in Allah. “Whether good or bad, everything that happens is from Allah. This belief gives me immense mental peace,” he said.
In 2022, Rashid took a break from cricket to perform Hajj with his wife, an experience he described as deeply significant. “Hajj is a major event for Muslims, and I was determined to fulfill this religious obligation while I am still young and healthy.”
Rashid’s adherence to Islamic principles extends beyond his personal life. During England’s 2019 World Cup victory celebrations, Rashid and Moeen Ali chose to leave the champagne-fueled celebrations in accordance with Islamic values. Rashid has also refused to wear clothing featuring alcohol-related logos, remaining true to his faith.
Rashid’s influence has extended beyond his own spiritual journey, helping to change perceptions of Muslim cricketers in England. He believes that respect and unity within the team, regardless of religion, are key to their success. “We all play as one and respect each other. Our culture is understood, and we are honored for our faith,” Rashid concluded.
Through his faith, Adil Rashid has found a balance between his professional career and personal beliefs, proving that one can achieve success while staying true to their principles.
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