West Ham United captain Kurt Zouma joined members of the local community at a special Iftar event at the club's Chadwell Heath training ground as part of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.
"Iftar" is a community meal during the holy month when people of the Muslim faith, of other faith or of no faith are invited to come together at sunset to break their fast. It is the main meal of the day for those fasting.
Zouma, along with West Ham Women’s team vice-captain Hawa Cissoko and Academy player Rayan Oyebade, who are also of Muslim faith, attended the event, the third year the Hammers have hosted an Iftar meal.
"The club are helping me and all the others so much," Zouma told the official club website. "They are always here for us and willing to give us extra drinks, special food and anything else we need, and the Club are very supportive which I’m very proud of.
"Ramadan isn’t just about fasting, but it’s also about having more family time and getting away from bad habits - such as being on your phone, watching TV - and [instead] having big meals together. You see a lot of people you haven’t seen for a long time and that’s a massive part of it as well."
Zouma added that West Ham's commitment to strengthening ties between the club, players and its community during Ramadan has been exceptional, especially in their support of Friday prayers, the most important day of the week for Muslims.
“They’re very supportive [with Friday prayers] and it’s very important," he said. "We have the Club Imam [Shaykh Khalil] come in on a Friday to pray. I’m very proud to be part of a club that supports us in every way and we can protect our religion in the best way possible."
Arsenal and Manchester United were among other Premier League clubs who opened their facilities to host an Iftar event during Ramadan.
At Emirates Stadium over 100 guests joined first-team star Mohamed Elneny, to break their fast before welcome the unveiling of a newly opened multi-faith prayer room for players at the ground.
Elneny also explained to Arsenal's followers on social media the wider meaning of Ramadan.
💬 "It’s about organising your day and getting good habits to behave in the right way with your family, friends, your job and yourself."
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 5, 2024
Our Mo discusses what Ramadan is all about and the importance of good habits, fasting and coping with hunger 👇
Meanwhile at Man Utd's Carrington training ground last week, Red Devils midfielder Amad Diallo and England international Nikita Parris, along with manager Erik ten Hag, joined members of the local community for a special Iftar.
A very special Iftar at Carrington ❤️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 2, 2024
During the midweek evening matches this week, there were also pauses in the action for players who are observing Ramadan, to break their fast, such as in Newcastle United's match against Everton, where players including Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure broke their fast.
