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Muslim league’s first hard-hitting season finishes with Mughal champions
10-21-2014
An exciting, adrenaline-filled season of softball has just come to an end. Six competitive teams comprising 80 players have battled it out for top spot. But the winners weren’t the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox. They were the Mughals, named after the Islamic Empire that ruled present-day India in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Brotherhood Softball League (BSL) is the brainchild of a group of Muslims in Toronto, Canada. “We had all played in non-Islamic environments and with other Muslims but didn’t have a forum to play together. We needed a league that abided by the obligations of our faith but at the same time was competitive and created a community,” says Zahid Merchant, 34, one of the board of directors for BSL.
Softball is a popular sport played in North America; the only difference with baseball is that it uses a larger ball on a smaller field. Competing alongside the Mughals were the Sultans, Ottomans, Ayyubids, Seljuqs and the Abbasids – powerful names in Islamic history. “As a Muslim league, we wanted our teams to represent Islamic dynasties that excelled and competed with one another,” says Merchant. “In this manner, we learn about our predecessors and represent their successes and achievements.”
A Mughal player intends to hit the ball out of the park as teammates and family look on. Photo by Sabir Gaya
The competition in its inaugural season was by no means just a run in the park. “By far the most interesting thing about it is the level of organisation and sophistication. Sometimes, Muslim-run leagues or activities aren’t the most well-oiled machines, so to see one that is has been very refreshing,” says Mohammed Pasha, 37, who works in marketing and plays for the Ottomans.
BSL even has a website featuring videos, statistics and even rumours and gossip around the league. “This league is unique for the level of sophistication and detail they put into everything,” says Sheraz Mahmood, 38, an accountant, who, despite having not played softball in a decade, took part to reacquaint himself with friends he hadn’t seen for many years.
Players end each game with Asr or Maghrib prayers. Photo by Sabir Gaya
With games beginning with a du’a, a supplication and ending with Asr or Maghrib prayers, the league has a distinct Islamic ethos. After the games, the players have time to bond or go for meals; there was even a family day carnival and iftar during Ramadan, and the Mughals also raised $1000 for charity. Plans are now afoot to run a “soccer” league, and a women’s softball league may also be on the horizon if there is enough demand.
“As Muslims, we lack exposure on the good we do for our own community. This is a way of giving back to the society in which we live in and make our city a better place to live,” says Merchant.
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