Faith and Football: The Abdullah Brothers

Which is harder, adhering to your faith in modern athletics or being a modern athlete while still adhering to your faith?

Hamza -- Neither; when an individual stands for something they are looked at and admired for sticking to their guns, especially when it is their religion.

Husain -- Neither. As I said before, I just try my best to be a Muslim at all times and know that God is watching over me. Athletics really don’t have much to do with it.

A 2008 study stated at least 44% of all NFL players are from the Southeastern portion of the United States, oftentimes referred to as the 'Bible Belt' for its vast conservative Christian philosophies. Typically, people from that area are not known for their tolerance or understanding of the Muslim faith. Have you had to overcome any obstacles from that demographic? Have you been able to open some eyes or give better understanding of your faith?

Hamza -- What I love about America and the NFL is the acceptance and respect real Americans have for others who are not the same as them. They are respectful of our religious requirements as we are of theirs. I have talks about religion constantly among my teammates and you would be surprised at the teammates who are most intrigued.

Husain -- Regardless of where people are from, it seems as if Americans as a whole don’t have a grasp of Islam. When the media tells you something and you believe exactly what they say, and you haven’t picked up the Qur’an or stepped foot in a mosque, you will not be tolerant toward Islam. When people ask me questions I do my best to answer. It’s almost funny because when you tell them the truth of how things really are, they are amazed because nine times out of ten what you told them is completely opposite of what they’ve heard.

One of the biggest parts of sports at any level is the trash talk. Have your beliefs been brought into the fray by players or fans at any level?

Hamza – I’m from Washington State University. All Defensive Backs from WSU can talk. Ha-ha . . . I try not to get too personal though.

Husain – People never attack my faith. I may hear a pork joke or something but that’s about it. You have to be thick-skinned. People may say some things that you don’t want to hear. You can either educate them, if the situation permits, or just walk away and pray for them.

Hamza, with you playing for the Arizona Cardinals, do you see the state's new immigration law affecting you?

I just pray we adhere to the notion that “We are one nation under GOD.”

Does the mentality change, if at all, between playing safety and playing special teams?

Hamza -- Special teams is all about heart and determination. It’s one on one; you must beat your man, knowing they are trying to do the same to you. Safety is more of a ‘I’m going to do my job and when the play comes my way I will make it’.

Husain -- Special teams is more of beat the guy in front of you and go all out for one play. Defense has a lot more thinking involved. Offenses try and attack you in so many different ways and from so many different motions, shifts, places on the field, personnel, etc. You have got to have those antennas working.

Hamza, your brother’s team, the Minnesota Vikings, enticed Brett Favre to return this season with a much more lucrative contract. With the question marks at quarterback for your team, the Arizona Cardinals, would you have liked your organization to do the same to get Kurt Warner to return?

Derek Anderson is a Pro Bowler; we are good!

Husain, how did the circus surrounding Brett Favre’s indecision affect you and your teammates if at all?

We all were anxious to see what Brett did, but while he was gone we had to prepare for the season with the players that we had. As a team it was important to focus on getting better each day and getting better with the guys that were there on the field and in the locker room. Each player dealt with it differently I am sure, but that was my mindset. Brett is one of the greatest QBs of all time and we are glad to have him back. Players are added and subtracted from the roster every week so we have to focus on getting better as a team with the players on the roster, when we have them.

My fantasy football draft just passed, so I need to know which of you is the better player and which teams defense I should have drafted this season?

Hamza -- 21 Red ha-ha!

Husain -- Arizona has a great defense, as do we; I would say flip a coin.

 

This interview was first published at Illume Magazine and is reprinted with permission.