Muslim Rugby Player Sonny Bill Williams
The 31-year-old New Zealand rugby player Sonny Bill Williams converted to Islam in 2008. He is the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks.
He made headline 9 months back when he covered the BNZ’s 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: ‘I want to be clear that this is nothing personal against the BNZ….My objection to wearing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs.’
According to CNN, a friendship he developed with a Tunisian family, who shared a one bedroom flat between seven of them, proved pivotal in his conversion: ‘I 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,’ Williams explained. ‘One thing I’ve learned over my career is that simplicity is the key. On the field, off as well.
‘I’ve become a true Muslim. It’s giving me happiness. It’s made me become content as a man, and helped me to grow. I’ve just got faith in it and it has definitely helped me become the man I am today.’
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 SBW’s faith. Most notably, he always observes Ramadan, even during the season. When he was at the Roosters he would train at night so he could fast during the day and refuse water even in the middle of a game.
He is in Saudi Arab doing Umrah . Hope all of us gets a chance to Visit Mecca and do Umrah.
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