Yahoo News Kyrie Irving opens up about observing Ramadan while playing
After the Brooklyn Nets beat the Boston Celtics 109-104 on Friday night, Brooklyn star Kyrie Irving did something that's pretty rare for him: he spoke about his personal life.
During his postgame news conference, Irving discussed being part of the Muslim community and what it's like observing Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of spiritual contemplation, fasting, and community. Those who observe Ramadan fast every day of the month, consuming no food or liquids from sunrise to sunset.
"All praise is due to God, Allah, for this... For me, in terms of my faith and what I believe in, being part of the Muslim community, being committed to Islam, and also just being committed to all races and cultures, religions, just having an understanding and respect. I just want to put that as a foundation. There's such a divisive energy out here, or it's been that way in our society, it's just so divisive... bringing that into the game, I don't want to, but obviously a lot of people have questions.
"But yeah, I am taking part in Ramadan with a lot of my Muslim brothers and sisters. And it's been an adjustment. That's really what I can say. It’s just being committed to my service to God, Allah, and then continuing on with whatever I’m guided with. I’m just happy to be part of my community and doing the right things. So, fasting is definitely is definitely part of it — if you know anything about the Muslim community. But yeah, just really blessed and grateful to be taking part of this.”
Irving didn't say much about fasting beyond saying it's an "adjustment," but there's no doubt that it is. Depending on the time of the games, he's not able to eat or drink beforehand, or drink water while he's playing.
Irving speaks publicly about his faith for the first time
This is the first time that Irving, 29, has discussed Islam publicly. He's made reference to it a few times on social media, though. Back in March, he tweeted about Allah, which is God in Islam — though Allah is also the Arabic word for God, so it wasn't clear at the time if he was speaking specifically about Islam.
All praises to God (Allah) for keeping me safe out there on that court. It was an honor and I am humbled.
I give all the glory to you God(Allah) for blessing me with the gifts and talents.— K.A.I A11Even (@KyrieIrving) March 8, 2021
On April 9 it became clearer when he responded to a tweet from someone wishing him a great Ramadan.
Wa-Alaikum-Salaam
Same to you brother and all of Our Brothers and Sisters around the world.— K.A.I A11Even (@KyrieIrving) April 9, 2021
Friday night was the first time Irving publicly addressed his faith, but he did catch some flak for sitting out for personal reasons on April 13, the first full day of Ramadan. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith criticized Irving for missing more games due to personal reasons, without being aware of why Irving was actually missing that game.
What the hell is going on with KYRIE? pic.twitter.com/JUtoH59fli
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 12, 2021
Several fans came to Irving's defense on social media.
Kyrie recently converted to Islam and is taking part in Ramadan this month where Muslims fast every day. People are bashing him for taking games off without understanding why. pic.twitter.com/yqLPbyqCqp
— Ball Town (@balltownglory) April 13, 2021
It's the beginning of Ramadan, Kyrie is taking a personal day like any of us would for a holiday within our culture like that. Let's stop pretending like we own Kyrie because he plays basketball instead of working a 9-5. I'm tired of this shit. https://t.co/n2lAd43lJ9
— The Cavalier Recap (@CavalierRecap) April 12, 2021
Smith later clarified his position after learning that Irving was taking the day off to observe the start of Ramadan, but didn't really change his mind about Irving missing another game.
For the record, I just became aware of Kyrie’s situation — which is his position. Today’s miss is one thing, but the other two times he was quoted as saying he “needed a break!” He played just 20 games last season and had 9 months off. Damn! Don’t we want to see the brotha play?
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 12, 2021
Following Irving's comments on Friday night, former NBA player Stephen Jackson, who is also Muslim, supported Irving on Instagram.
More from Yahoo Sports:
