Late-night Ramadan flag football games in Carrollton foster community and balance faith.
CARROLLTON, Texas — Ramadan marks a deeply spiritual time for Muslims across the globe, it is also a time for connection, reflection, and community—whether that happens in a mosque or a football field.
“It’s prime time now. The lights are out. We’re here to play, we’re here to play,” said Sium Ashraf, organizer of Ramadan Nights.
Late Saturday night into Sunday morning, dozens of people play late-night flag football in Carrollton. “Within a minute we have 80 people signed up, only forty-two make it,” Ashraf said.
The group plays nearly year-round, but these Saturday nights during Ramadan are very special.
Imam Omar Suleiman of the Valley Ranch Masjid led prayers just an hour before stepping onto the field to join them.
“There is a lot more restraint on a Ramadan football field than outside of Ramadan,” Imam Suleiman said, highlighting the balance of faith and physical activity during this holy month.
During Ramadan, the faithful fast from sunrise to sunset, with no food or water. For these athletes, the football field becomes a rare outlet to release their energy after a long day of devotion.
“There’s a lot of pain on this field…let’s put it that way,” the Imam reflected, acknowledging the emotional weight many carry, particularly those who’ve recently lost loved ones in Gaza.
Football here is not just a sport; it’s a way to bond.
“Muslim, non-Muslim, we all love each other,” said Shan Siddiqui. They start games at around 11 p.m., and each team plays between three and four games until 2 a.m.
Nearly four hours after they finish playing football, the sun will rise, calling for the next day’s set of prayers and fasting.
