The holy month of Ramadan is one of beautiful struggle for Muslims around the world. Through the rigors of fasting during the daylight hours, one can gain strength of character. Through whatever challenges arise in praying and reading the Quran more often than usual, one can gain knowledge and perspective.

It is also a time when the Muslim community comes together more regularly, whether it is to gather for iftar meals at the mosque to break the fast, or nightly taraweeh prayer meetings in addition to the customary five daily prayers.

To mark the beginning of Ramadan this week, Muslim athletes from a variety of sports around the world spoke out on social media:

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Ibtihaj Muhammad — Fencing — United States

Usman Khawaja — Cricket — Pakistan

Hamza Abdullah — NFL (retired) — United States

Husain Abdullah — NFL (retired) — United States

Mamadou Ndiaye — Basketball (NBA D-League) — Senegal

Khabib Nurmagomedov — Mixed Martial Arts (UFC) — Russia

Kurt Zouma — Soccer (Premier League) — France

Sami Zayn — Pro Wrestling (WWE) — Canada

Mustafa Ali — Pro Wrestling (WWE) — United States

Shahid Afridi — Cricket — Pakistan

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir — Basketball — United States

Ryan Harris — NFL (retired) — United States

Sonny Bill Williams — Rugby/Boxing — New Zealand

Shkodran Mustafi — Soccer (Premier League) — Germany