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Mankato Today
By the People, for the People
Vikings Player Plans for Ramadan During Season
Husain Abdullah, a Muslim backup safety, prepares for the spiritual and physical demands of fasting during the NFL season.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Husain Abdullah, a backup safety for the Minnesota Vikings, is a Muslim who will be observing the holy month of Ramadan during the upcoming NFL season. Ramadan requires fasting from dawn to dusk, which presents unique challenges for professional athletes who need to maintain their physical conditioning. Abdullah has a plan in place to balance his religious observance with the demands of his football career.
Why it matters
The observance of Ramadan by Muslim athletes in major professional sports leagues is a growing phenomenon that requires careful planning and accommodation. Abdullah's experience highlights the need for greater understanding and support from teams, leagues, and the public to ensure Muslim players can practice their faith without undue hardship.
The details
During Ramadan, Abdullah will wake up before sunrise to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, then fast until sunset when he can break the fast with iftar. He plans to hydrate and eat high-protein, high-calorie meals during the non-fasting hours to maintain his energy levels. The Vikings have been supportive of Abdullah's religious observance, allowing him to adjust his practice schedule and providing him with a private space to pray.
- Ramadan will take place from April 2 to May 1, 2026 in the Central Time Zone.
The players
Husain Abdullah
A backup safety for the Minnesota Vikings who is Muslim and plans to observe Ramadan during the upcoming NFL season.
Minnesota Vikings
The NFL team that employs Husain Abdullah and has been supportive of his religious observance of Ramadan.
What they’re saying
“Ramadan is the most challenging month of the year for me, but my faith is the most important thing. The Vikings have been great about working with me to make sure I can observe Ramadan without compromising my football responsibilities.”
— Husain Abdullah
What’s next
The Vikings will continue to monitor Abdullah's health and performance during Ramadan to ensure he is able to maintain his conditioning and contribute to the team.
The takeaway
The observance of Ramadan by Muslim athletes in major professional sports leagues highlights the need for greater religious accommodation and understanding. Abdullah's experience shows that with proper planning and support from his team, it is possible for Muslim players to balance their faith and their careers.
