Salah, meaning ‘prayer’ or ‘supplication’, is also known as Namaz among non-Arab Muslims. Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam, which form the core beliefs and practices of the religion.

“Kids in school with Muslim names used to be teased or harassed if they wanted to pray or fast,” says Abdullah. “Mohamed Salah has made this acceptable. Because he’s like us. He prays like ...