Sonny Bill Williams, ex-Star of rugby: a photo in Malaysian outfit to celebrate Eid El-Fitr

Sonny Bill Williams, former glory of Rugby in XIII and XV, launched a debate on the traditional outfits of Muslims after sharing a family photo to celebrate Eid. Converted to Islam in 2009, the sportsman posted on X a cliché alongside his wife, Alana, and their children, wishing them an “Eid Mubarak”. But it was their clothing style that reacted: Williams and his sons wore the Baju Melayu (Malaysian outfit) and a Songkok (small headgear), while his wife sported a tudong, a Malaysian veil.

A surfer stressed that he was “refreshing to see converts dressing like Malaysians rather than Arabs”. This remark sparked a wave of reactions: some have seen a criticism of the traditional Arab outfits, while others denounced a fixation on the clothing style of Muslims.

The author of the comment then specified that he did not judge the clothing choices of the converts. For his part, Williams, now a deputy chancellor of a university in Malaysia, has remained discreet about controversy, preferring to highlight his faith with simplicity. Beyond this debate, the former rugby player plays an increasingly important role in the Muslim community. He regularly intervenes in religious conferences and is involved in educational projects, especially in Malaysia, where he maintains strong ties. His journey – from high -level sport to spirituality – continues to inspire many faithful.

This controversy raises a deeper question: should we adopt a specific clothing style to assert your Islamity? Or on the contrary, the richness of Muslim traditions must allow a diversity of expressions? The case of Sonny Bill Williams illustrates this tension between religious and cultural identity, showing that faith, although universal, is embodied differently according to the contexts.