By Max Hatzoglou
Former footballer Bachar Houli will launch this year’s Brimbank Readers and Writers Festival on March 17 with his autobiography, ‘Bachar Houli: Faith, Football and Family’.
Houli, who was the first devout Muslim to play AFL, will kick start the 10- day festival with writer, journalist and producer Paul Bateman to discuss his book, co-authored with Waleed Aly.
Told through Houli’s journey to becoming a three-time AFL premiership player, he hopes the book can give people confidence to show their true identity and to have an open mind.
“When I first started playing for Essendon Football Club, the faith of Islam was getting critised for a lot of things out there that clearly wasn’t under the practice of Islam and I felt like it was my duty along with a lot of other community leaders to stand up and speak the truth and educate others about what our faith represents,” Houli said.
“I was privileged enough to have that opportunity at the Essendon Football Club and the flow on effect at the Richmond Football Club and even the wider AFL community to teach them that Islam is truly a religion of peace and welcoming people just like any other religion which promotes happiness, peace and tranquility.
“I am truly thankful for people around me accepting who I am because I am different to every other player, I have limitations and things I couldn’t do as part of a normal footballers day to day life.”
No alcohol at social events and the month of Ramadan were two moments where Houli had to differ from the team to uphold his faith.
Houli said the book had lessons for all in society and not just Muslim Australians
“It doesn’t just refer to Muslims, it refers to someone who has differences, who belongs to a different faith, who belongs to a different culture that is not part of the norm in that environment.”
Details: brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/writersfestival
