Islam
Understanding religion and helping clubs become more inclusive
Islamic
Introduction
Within England and Wales there are growing
numbers of people from different backgrounds
and religions.
The aim of these factsheets are to help clubs
understand more about different religions and
faiths; and how this may affect the way your
cricket activity is currently organised.
It aims to give clubs simple guidance on how they
can make their clubs more inclusive for more
people in their community
This factsheet is one of several in the series –
cricket and religion – more information can be
found on our website www.ecb.co.uk/onegame
This factsheet has been produced
by ECB’s Inclusion and Diversity
Department
Questions & comments? Email:
Diversitymatters@ecb.co.uk
Maximising your engagement
Considerations
Numbers
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Introduction to
religion
• History
• Beliefs
• Daily Life
Global following
England and Wales
Key stats
Major holidays
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Facilities
Access
Type of activity
Catering and diets
Facts about Islam
History

5 PILLARS OF
ISLAM:
Islam began in Arabia through the prophet Muhammad
Beliefs


1. PROFESSION
OF FAITH
Islam is the Religion for people who are known as
Muslims (meaning one who submits to God)
2. PRAYER
Muslims believe there is only one god, who is known as
Allah
3. ALMS GIVING
4. FASTING

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There are five pillars to the Islamic religion which
Muslims respect
5. PILGRIMAGE
A Mullah is an Islamic scholar who is an expert in the
Qu’ran (Holy Book) and Sharia Law (combination of
laws, sayings and rulings within Islam)
Daily life as a Muslim

Each community and mosque usually have a leader
known as an Imam

Muslims will perform Salat (prayer) 5 times a day - this
can be individually or communal in an area which is
clean and free from interference

The Islamic religious day is Friday, where Muslims are
likely to attend a Mosque between 12 – 3pm

Children are likely to attend Madrassa (Islamic study)
after school and on Saturday mornings
Islam in numbers….

5% of England & Wales population are
Muslims – that’s over 2.7 million
people

There are over 1.5 billion Muslims
world-wide

Islam is the main religion in Pakistan
and Bangladesh
Things to consider in your club
General considerations
 There are three sects with different interpretations of the Islamic law – this may affect how Muslims engage in
cricket and consider sport.
 Discuss your plans with the community and your local Imam to ensure participation can happen
 Ensure you engage parents in your planning
 If your activity takes place throughout the day or for extended periods of time consider providing a space
where Muslims can pray
 Some Muslims will not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex – if in doubt wait for the other person to
offer their hand
Considerations continued
MUSLIM
COMMUNITIES
London Boroughs
Luton, Bedford,
Reading, Slough,
Wycombe, Trafford,
Derby, Bristol,
Watford,
Peterborough,
Blackburn & Darwin,
Burnley, Hyndburn,
Pendle, Preston,
Bolton, Bury,
Manchester, Oldham,
Rochdale, Leicester,
Oadby & Wigston,
Newcastle,
Nottingham, Oxford,
Stoke on trent,
Sandwell, Walsall,
Crawley, Cardiff,
Birmingham,
Coventry,
Middlesborough,
Sheffield, Bradford,
Calderdale, Kirklees,
Leeds
Consider and know Important Dates
Activity
 Where possible avoid planning events on Fridays
 Both men and women may require single sex
provision to participate (including coaches and
facilities which are not inclusive of the opposite sex
and are also closed to spectators)
 Consider religious festivals when planning activities
and events
 During certain religious festivals, Muslims fast (this
includes fluids) from sunrise to sunset. This could
lead to reduced involvement from Muslims. You will
need to consider dehydration more carefully during
this time and consider your activity plan (a separate
factsheet is available on fasting in cricket)
 Sessions aimed at Muslim women should be run by
women and this should be clearly stated on any
publicity material
 Where mixed sex activity occurs for children under
the age of puberty it is recommended consultation
with parents happens in advance
Clothing
Catering and diets
 Many women wear the Hijab (headscarf) especially
in the presence of men (you should allow women to
wear a hijab but for safety reasons women may want
to tuck this in)
 There are Lawful (halal) and unlawful (haram) foods
for Muslims
 Some women may also choose to wear the Niqab
(face cover)
 Meat is only eaten by Muslims that is halal (Pork,
Gelatine, Alcohol and drugs are forbidden in Islamic
law)
 Full outer wear for women is known as the Jilbab or
Jilaabah (longer outer garment)
 When catering for Muslims providing vegetarian
foods and halal meat should be sufficient
 Men and Women should be allowed to wear long
sleeves and trousers to respect their modesty
 Regardless of any head covering, ECB’s policy on
under 18’s wearing helmets still applies. Head
coverings can be worn underneath if the
participants wish
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