Moved by images of suffering Syrian refugees, a British Muslim man from Bradford has announced his plans to participate in the coming Leeds 10k run later in July while fasting, to raise funds to help provide food and other essential items to Syrians in refugee camps.
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“The challenge will be both physically and mentally draining as I will have no access to water, but my struggle is nothing in comparison to the plight of the Syrian refugees,” Nazim Ali from Bradford told Yorkshire Standard on Thursday, July 10.
“In late October, I will be visiting the Turkish/Syrian border to distribute aid to the refugees and see the work Penny Appeal are doing on the ground first-hand.”
Planned next July 20, the Leeds 10k run will go during Ramadan when Muslims observe 19 hour fasting a day.
Taking the decision to participate, Ali was fully aware that he will not drink any water before, during or soon after the race, because his fast will start six hours before, and finish around 12 hours after the race begins.
Leeds race will not be the first for Ali.
The young Muslim man has raised over £10,000 for a plethora of causes through running several marathons and taking part in mountain treks.
He even limped his way through the Bradford 10k run in March with a torn left calf.
He currently acts as general secretary at the Bradford-based community organization Naqshbandia Active Development Association (NADA), and is also an ambassador for Penny Appeal.
Head of fundraising at the charity, Yousaf Razaq, praised Ali’s efforts.
“We at Penny Appeal are wholeheartedly supporting Nazim every step of the way and will be on hand on the day to cheer him on,” he said.
“Nazim’s charity exploits are well-known but he really is taking on a massive challenge for a massive cause, running a 10k run is a challenge in itself but to do it with a 19 hour fast with no access to water is incredible.”
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, falls this year between Sunday, June 29, and July 28.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
The sick and those traveling are exempt from fasting especially if it poses health risks. Britain is home to a Muslim community of nearly 2.7 million.
Last July, a survey by JustGiving charity website has found that Muslims top charity givers in the UK, compared with other faiths.
