I decided to expand further upon my earlier post about the influence that Islamic law can have on athletes and sports fans. I read further about this topic and found the story of Jawahir Roble, a former Somali refugee who eventually became England’s first female Muslim football referee. I am a journalism major who loves sharing stories, so I wanted to share Jawahir’s inspiring story while commenting on the topic. Her story was featured in The Gaurdian, a British publication, last June during the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
If you read the piece it talks about her struggle that began when she was playing soccer with potatoes to old newspapers against a backdrop of gunshots in her home country. Not only did she have to overcome her worn-torn Somalian home she also broke through barriers rooted in Islamic culture. Many Muslim women have been prevented or not able to participate in sports and Robles family wanted her to focus on her studies instead of soccer.
Roble has overcome so much in her life. Her story is an inspiring one that I feel like is relevant during our current crisis. If she can overcome all that she has been through then I am certain the COVID-19 crisis is an obstacle that all of us can get through.
One reply on “Sports and Islam II”
Keelen, I read both of your blogs on Sports and Islam – very interesting. I am also very passionate about sports, and one common theme I’ve noticed is sports fans’ desire to lift up the underdog, or someone who had to overcome steep hardship in order to perform at a high level. A lot of these stories have been based on physically or economical barriers, so it is really inspiring to hear about someone overcoming barriers related to religion/belief system. Thanks for sharing!