“Where they are at in their lives, they have gone with Islam,” Haas said. “At the end of the day, I want to end up like them as my faith keeps continuing and as I grow as a Muslim.

“For Sonny and all of them, they’ve probably seen it happen to their families and friends. They have wanted to lead by example to fellow Muslims - not only Muslims but everyone.

“If I can help just one person out, save them from that kind of lifestyle, then I’m doing my job.”

Payne Haas

“I think everyone is pretty understanding, which is good. Everyone has their own beliefs and if everyone respects that, it will be good for everyone.

“I know [sponsors] come in with a lot of money, but it’s just more about helping people. If I can help just one person out, save them from that kind of lifestyle, then I’m doing my job.”

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During Ramadan, Haas completes all of his Broncos training commitments while abstaining from all food and drink from dawn to sunset.

“I’ve done it for four years now, it’s a blessed month,” Haas said. “I did it at the start of this year, lost a lot of weight, so I had to put it back on.

“I dropped about five kilos. I don’t like playing too light, especially in my position where you cop a lot of knocks, it’s a bit better [when you’re heavier].

“I’m used to it now. When I first started Ramadan it was a bit hard because it’s so hot, but now my body is pretty used to it. It’s not as hard [now].”

The parallels between the careers of Williams and Haas are obvious. Both were considered the best young forward in the game when they made their way into first grade, attracted attention for the occasional slip-up off the field and then found the Muslim faith.

“It’s good to have someone like Sonny to lean on,” Haas said. “He’s had the same kind of stuff that I’m going through. If I’m going through some stuff, I can lean on him for advice on how I can do better.

“Islam is a way of life. It’s like anything, nothing comes overnight. I’m still learning my way with Islam. It’s a beautiful religion and any of my wrongdoings, I don’t want it to be put on Islam, it’s on myself.”

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