Malaysian Muslim athletes 'need not fast' during Olympics

Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria has opined that it is all right for London-bound Muslim athletes to postpone their fast until after the Olympics, as they are representing Malaysia.

"If they risk their chances of winning, they may be accused of not cooperating and may even be boycotted, so postponing (the fast) is necessary," Harussani (left) said in New Straits Times report today.

His view was shared by former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, although his reasoning is that the athletes would be musafir (long-distance travellers) during the event.

"According to syariah, they are long-distance travellers and are exempted from fasting," Mohd Asri reportedly said.

Some international Islamic scholars have adopted a different stance, however, saying that sports are an optional activity not required by Islam. As such, there should not be special exemption from fasting.

This is the second time after the Moscow Games in 1980 that the event is being held during Ramadan, presenting an additional challenge to some 3,000 Muslims competing in the event.