Muslim Rugby Player Sonny Bill Williams
The 31-year-old New Zealand rugby player Sonny Bill Williamsย converted to Islam in 2008.ย He is the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks.
He made headline 9 months backย when he covered theย BNZโs logo with Pink tape.The logo belonged to the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ). As Islam forbids financial institutions charging interest and fees on loans, Williams covered it with tape. He later said: โI want to be clear that this is nothing personal against the BNZโฆ.My objection to wearing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs.โ
According toย CNN, a friendship he developed with a Tunisian family, who shared a one bedroom flat between seven of them, proved pivotal in his conversion: โI was real close with them, and I saw how happy and content they were. And to see how they lived their lives, it was just simple,โ Williams explained. โOne thing Iโve learned over my career is that simplicity is the key. On the field, off as well.
โIโve become a true Muslim. Itโs giving me happiness. Itโs made me become content as a man, and helped me to grow. Iโve just got faith in it and it has definitely helped me become the man I am today.โ
Along with rugby, SBW has competed as a professional boxer throughout all of his wild career choices. Last summer, he also travelled to Rio to represent New Zealand in the Rugby Sevens, a 7-a-side version of the game that was included in the Olympics in 2016 (sadly, he was injured in the first game, and his debut for the Blues was his first time on any pitch since Rio).
The only constant throughout all of this is SBWโs faith. Most notably, he always observes Ramadan, even during the season. When he was at the Roosters he wouldย train at night so he could fast during the dayย and refuse water even in the middle of a game.
He is in Saudi Arab doingย Umrah . Hope all of us gets a chance to Visit Mecca and do Umrah.
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Ustadha Fahmina holds the Alimah sanad from two prestigious institutes and is a certified Optometrist Doctor. She teaches Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh, Seerah to Women and Kids and is passionate about spreading authentic information about the religion of Islam. Connect with her to keep updated about her recent ebooks and projects.
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