'In Islam, the world is your prayer mat'
In 2006, when commentator Dean Jones was overheard on live television calling bearded South African Hashim Amla a terrorist, the Muslim world was in outrage. The former Australian Test batsman was consequently sacked within hours, making his apologies from the airport en route home.
"I have no end of respect for the Muslim faith," he said. "That's why I'm so sorry at making such a stupid comment. I will be the first person to apologise to Hashim as soon as I get the chance, and I will assure him that prejudice against anybody, on any basis, is unacceptable and not something I will ever condone."
Three years on Amla, has accepted the apology and now looks to the positives the incident produced, such as dispelling prejudices and prompting parties to explore the truth about his religion.
"I love it when people ask me about Islam," the 26-year-old tells Emirates Business by phone from his base in Durban. "My peers see me pray in the changing room and a lot of people ask me about it. It's fantastic. People are taken aback when they learn about the simplicity and beauty involved in the practices.
"People's perceptions are based on what they hear from other people and the media. Unfortunately, sometimes it is incorrect, so when people ask me, I try and give as much correct information as I can.
"It helps if I can spread the message. People want to know about my beard, they want to know what I say in my prayers, they want to know about the beliefs of Islam. Some people who asked me did not know anything about Islam, but now they have a better understanding about what it means."
With Ramadan being called this weekend, Amla is preparing for a testing month of training.
On September 22, the Proteas are scheduled to play an ICC Champions Trophy match with Sri Lanka – ironically the same opponents Amla was fielding against when Jones made his remark – and the South African says he expects a tough, tiring test.
"It gets difficult," he says. "In my hometown – Durban – it gets very hot. But fasting is slowly going out of the cricket season in South Africa. Last year, fortunately, it didn't get very warm.
"Ramadan offers a different challenge – it is our way of trying to keep the body healthy. I wear a wet T-shirt while I train, which helps keep the body temperature down on hot days when I am playing.
"A lot of fluid is lost during the play – that is probably the most tiring aspect so I just try and talk to myself and keep focused.
"During Ramadan, when I am not playing, I go for long strolls."
However, there is more to the holy month than simply fasting, says Amla.
"The purpose of fasting is spiritually aligned so we remember those people who don't have food and what they feel. It is a really good dimension to know what other people experience. And also to appreciate the food we have and the things that we do get. The purpose of Ramadan is to heighten the realisation of these things. This also goes a long way in my cricket."
Born on March 31, 1983, Amla, as a child growing up, would accompany his brother Ahmed – four years his senior – to the cricket park.
The two brothers would eventually play alongside each other for their hometown side the Nashua Dolphins, but it would be young Hashim who would go on to represent his country.
And when it came to following his faith, travelling the globe potentially posed problems for him. However, the right-handed batsman – who joined Essex County for the second-half of the 2009 season – insists the flexibility of Islam means he has had no problems praying during his cricketing schedule.
"Nobody is perfect," he concedes. "I try to pray five times a day and the month of Ramadan obviously involves a lot of fasting and praying. These things basically help you be disciplined. You always try and remain focused and this helps me in my game.
"The beauty about Islam is you can pray wherever you are. The world is your prayer mat.
"Whether you are on a beachfront or on the cricket field, you can pray wherever you are. I haven't found any difficulty in that.
"Prayers are a fantastic medium to maintain our conscience. Even if you are caught up with things or you are playing, you can always find five or 10 minutes for prayers and reconnect with the Almighty. It's a marvellous thing and it is something I really enjoy.
"The other beauty about this religion is it helps you remember that we are humans and it instils that thought in you."
Amla, softly spoken on the phone but doggedly determined on the pitch, is convinced his beliefs have helped him reach the top echelons of international cricket. And he urges young enthusiasts of the game to believe likewise.
"Practise as much as you can. That is my advice to aspiring cricketers," says the man who has turned out in 37 Tests. "Practise smartly and keep faith in your God-given skills."
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