NBA Players Observe Ramadan Fast

November 17, 2001

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On November 17, 2001, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution featured the story "Ramadan brings Hawks focus" about two Muslim NBA players, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Nazr Mohammed. "Abdur-Rahim and Mohammed will awaken about 5 a.m. for morning prayers. They'll take fluids, eat breakfast before sunup and go back to bed to rest until time to go to shooting practice. They will conserve their energy during the day, while reflecting on life and their beliefs, Abdur-Rahim said. 'I find that I am calmer,' he said. 'I'm more focused. Nothing distracts me because I won't allow it. For that reason, I think I play better during Ramadan.'"