Ameer Abdullah follows the Muslim religion and boasts a rich heritage with diverse roots.
Born as the youngest of nine children to Kareem and Aisha Abdullah, he hails from a family deeply rooted in religious values.
Notably, Ameer’s father, Kareem, serves as an imam, offering him spiritual guidance and religious advice.
Ameer Abdullah, the talented American football running back, serves the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL).
His NFL journey commenced when the Detroit Lions drafted him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Contrary to entering the NFL Draft at the close of his junior year, Abdullah strategically returned for his senior season, demonstrating a commitment to further develop his abilities before leaping the professional stage.
During his college years, he showcased his football prowess while playing at Nebraska.
Ameer Abdullah Is A Proud Muslin
Born on June 13, 1993, in Homewood, Alabama, Ameer Abdullah grew up in a Muslim household alongside his nine siblings.
Devoted to his faith, Abdullah practices the principles of Islam, praying five times a day and observing the fast during Ramadan.
Despite encountering taunts and mockery regarding his religion, Abdullah remains steadfast in his beliefs, viewing such ignorance as motivation.
Reflecting on these experiences, he shared,
“I’ve gotten taunts before, but I feel like that’s just ignorance and immaturity. I use it as motivation. At first, I just dismissed it, but I always keep in the back of my mind the ones who did it, so I remember and rush for 200 on that team.”
While acknowledging that he is one of the few Muslims on the field, Abdullah has never allowed his faith to make him feel like an outsider.
He emphasized that understanding Islam requires an open mind:
“I tell people it’s a message that you may not agree with, but it’s what I believe. If you read the Koran or you take a little time to learn about Islam, you’ll see it’s not much different from other religions.”
For Abdullah, faith is not just a religious practice; it’s a guiding force that remains paramount in his life. He emphasized the significance of never losing sight of what matters most, which is faith, especially during tough times.
As for his ethnicity, sources have reported that he comes from a mixed background of African-American and Filipino descent.
Ameer Abdullah’s Religious Belief: Navigating Ramadan Challenges
Amid the concerns Muslim athletes face during Ramadan, such as the potential impact on nutrient levels, dehydration, or compromised performance due to the daily fast from sunrise to sundown, Ameer Abdullah highlights the positive aspects of the holy month.
According to Abdullah, Ramadan provides a unique opportunity for Muslim athletes to enhance their mental toughness and discipline.
He sees the conclusion of Ramadan as a particularly beneficial time, stating,
“At the close of Ramadan, it’s always good for me because I’m at my best state mentally.”
Having observed the fast every Ramadan except in 2015, when it coincided with his inaugural NFL training camp with the Lions, Abdullah sought guidance from his father.
His father advised him that he could be exempt from fasting during this significant transition period.
Abdullah, in turn, made up for the missed days by fasting every other day after completing his rookie season, ensuring he fulfilled the obligation of 30 days of fasting.
