MuslimMatters.org » Sports

Hakeem Olajuwon Monument Islam Compliant

SaqibSaab — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:01:56 +0000

Monument honouring Hakeem Olajuwon to be unveiled in April
February 14, 2008, 11:44 PM ET

HOUSTON - The Houston Rockets plan to unveil a monument honouring former star Hakeem Olajuwon on April 11 outside the team’s arena.

Organizers said they worked hard to ensure that the monument complied with Olajuwon’s Islamic beliefs. Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis told The Associated Press that details about the monument had not been released.

Houston television station KRIV reported that it would focus on his jersey and accomplishments, but in keeping with the tenets of his Muslim faith, it won’t include a picture or likeness of him. (more…)

I Believe That Hijabs and Soccer Can Coexist Peacefully

AnonyMouse — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 05:20:14 +0000

Unfortunately, some other people don’t think so. You may or may not have heard about the recent controversy here in Canada - 11 year old Asmahan Mansour was pulled out of a soccer game she was playing in (part of a tournament) due to her wearing a hijaab, by (of all people!) a Muslim referee. (more…)

World Cup Cricket: What??

Amad — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:34:06 +0000

Well, for most of our American/Canadian friends, cricket usually refers to the annoying insects that keep you up at nights. But, for the rest of the world; well may be I should qualify before saying that: England in Europe, South Africa in Africa, Indian sub-continent in Asia, Australia, West Indies in this Americas. So, for these parts of the world, cricket is a huge game. In India/Pakistan, people worship cricketers, the following being stronger than probably the following by Americans of their MLB/NFL/NBA teams. Probably the fact that there are actually ‘loyalists’ who play for their countries versus mercenaries (no offense intended) in the local leagues here, has something to do with the following and why players are competing for more than money. In this regard, it is more similar to Olympics games than pro sports in America.

So, back to the topic, World Cup cricket started yesterday, kind of in America’s back-yard (well relatively speaking). West Indies, in the Caribbean islands, is hosting it. At one time the host country was the super-power of cricket, today it is a shadow of its former past. For those who care, I’ll be following it for you! A big whoopee for some and a big yawn for most others. (more…)