by Tim Dieppe, Premier Christianity
From Ramadan breaks in football to halal food in workplaces, Islamic practices are becoming more visible in Britain today. Tim Dieppe says the real issue is not Muslim assertiveness but Christian retreat – and argues the Church must regain its boldness and courage to stand up for the truth of the Gospel
Some Premier League football matches are being paused for Ramadan this year.
The Mirror published a list of six matches that would be affected. This follows an agreement set up in 2021 to allow Muslim players to break their fast during a football match. At a natural pause in the game – such as a goal-kick or throw-in – the match is paused just after sunset to allow Muslim players to break their fast during the match.
There were loud boos in last week’s match between Leeds and Manchester City, when it was paused for Ramadan in the 12th minute. At least one Christian minister has written to complain.
It is interesting to observe this latest concession to Islamic demands for provision to accommodate fasting during Ramadan. This is the kind of accommodation to Islam that one might expect in an Islamic country, but not in a Christian country. By contrast, Christian players in the Premier League often have to play on Sundays.
Other recent accommodations to Islam include rescheduling exams to avoid Ramadan, Ramadan lights in London, an Iftar in Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, provision of Muslim prayer rooms, halal food in many workplaces, and so much more.
All of these mark a significant shift in our culture towards facilitating the practices of the Islamic religion. As I write, we understand that the government is intending to adopt an official definition of Islamophobia, in an attempt to appease the demands of Muslim activists, creating in effect an Islamic blasphemy code. In another example, the Crown Prosecution Service recently persisted in trying to convict Hamit Coskun for burning a copy of the Qur’an in an act of political protest. Fortunately, this was rebutted by the courts.