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Bachar Houli: Faith, Football and Family
Bachar Houli is as accomplished an AFL footballer as they come. He’s been part of two Richmond Premiership sides, he was an All-Australian in 2019, and with over 200 games to his name he remains a key part of a champion team. Picked at number 42 in the 2006 National Draft by Essendon, Houli played 26 games for the Bombers before moving in 2011 to Tigerland, where rookie coach Damien Hardwick was assembling the team that six years later would achieve the seemingly impossible and claim Richmond’s 11th Premiership. Another flag followed two years later, with Houli close to best on ground in both deciders. Yet it’s as the AFL’s most prominent Muslim player that Houli is best known – and his strong Muslim values are at the heart of the man he is. Writing for the first time, Houli explores the experiences and beliefs that sparked his trailblazing success as a Muslim footballer, and that established him as a leading voice within the AFL community for inclusion, understanding and tolerance. Co-authored with acclaimed broadcaster and writer Waleed Aly, Bachar Faith, Football and Family tells the unique story of one of football’s most fascinating men.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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June 24, 2022No rating as this is a memoir/biography.
March 17, 2021
I do not hold a conventional religious belief, so for most of not all sections of this work I had to respect and attempt to appreciate, as I could not emphasise, with the position of the author and his emphatic faith and belief in a prophet of a Devine authority.
However, I could better relate to the person the sportsman, having watched, appreciated, respected and applauded him across the years he has played for the AFL team that I support. He is wonderful to watch, a truly a master of his craft and a definite drawn card for the spectator.
So how on balance then did I find this work? Did I take in the view of one who admired the public professional sportsman persona, or one of someone who wanted to know more about the person under any pre-conception I may have held ?
Well firstly, this reader remains respectful and aware that it is the prerogative of the author to tell his story in his style, at this pace, at the level that he is willing to share and, most importantly, in his words.
These words I found to be true, open honest and therefore insightful into who the man was, is and may become.
And that is all you can ask and hope for in an authors story of who indeed, the author is.
However, I could better relate to the person the sportsman, having watched, appreciated, respected and applauded him across the years he has played for the AFL team that I support. He is wonderful to watch, a truly a master of his craft and a definite drawn card for the spectator.
So how on balance then did I find this work? Did I take in the view of one who admired the public professional sportsman persona, or one of someone who wanted to know more about the person under any pre-conception I may have held ?
Well firstly, this reader remains respectful and aware that it is the prerogative of the author to tell his story in his style, at this pace, at the level that he is willing to share and, most importantly, in his words.
These words I found to be true, open honest and therefore insightful into who the man was, is and may become.
And that is all you can ask and hope for in an authors story of who indeed, the author is.
February 14, 2022
On my watch list for a while, but only now do i get the opportunity to enjoy the words of someone I have admired from a distance. With an interest in sport, family and faith these seems like an obvious choice. With ignorance of Islam and its teachings, I was curious how a man would be able to blend two seemingly conflicting cultures into a life that is fulfilling, valuable and at ease. Bachar seems to achieve this, with his quiet determination, commitment and love for his family and life.
Chapter 10-
"I heard him describing someone i wanted to be, and someone who had the effect on someone i wanted to have. The prophet once said a believer is the mirror of his brother meaning that the greatest service you can do someone, is to reflect them back to themselves, so they can see what their best and worst qualities are."
Bachar's life is how to grow his impact on others, the centre of his faith. True leadership. We can only learn from this.
Chapter 10-
"I heard him describing someone i wanted to be, and someone who had the effect on someone i wanted to have. The prophet once said a believer is the mirror of his brother meaning that the greatest service you can do someone, is to reflect them back to themselves, so they can see what their best and worst qualities are."
Bachar's life is how to grow his impact on others, the centre of his faith. True leadership. We can only learn from this.
June 12, 2024
A sporting biography, Bachar Houli (2020) is subtitled Faith Football and Family is a truly insightful story tale. This is a moving personal account of a young Muslim lad dreaming of playing Aussie Rules Football, his journey to becoming a professional player, and the highest award and grand final victories. Cowritten with Waleed Aly, Bachar’s childhood and teenage years whilst developing his football skills as a faithful Muslim, form the basis for his successful and significant football career. His legacy will be the Bachar Houli Foundation, a sports and leadership program for young Muslims, that is a testament to his character and sporting achievements. A heartfelt insightful read into a significant sporting and cultural representative of his faith and values, makes this a five stars do not miss rating. This is by far the best sports biography and a truly inspirational tale for all. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
February 19, 2022
Well when I walked past this book in the shop, I couldn’t help but pick it up and take it to the counter. Bachar Houli was not only one of my favourite players during his career at Richmond, but also the person he appeared to be was really someone to be admired. All my perceptions of him were all confirmed to be true in this memoir. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his experiences as a junior playing football on the weekends, and sneaking out to get to training and game day. The inroads he has made, for not only young Muslim men wanting to play football, but bridging a number of gaps and overall enhancing multiculturalism in Victoria and Australia, is something really special! He will be missed on the field by Richmond and AFL fans alike!
January 30, 2023
Bachar Houli has written a wonderful account of his journey from junior suburban footballer to his place in the successful 2017, 2019 (&2020) Richmond AFL premiership teams. He provides great insight into the many ups and downs on this journey and how important his faith and family and friends have been in these achievements and helping him deal with personal challenges and setbacks.
The book was a great read and has increased my knowledge of the Islamic faith, the way a strong faith can help people in their day to day life and the importance that team and organisational culture can play in fostering personal growth and success.
The book was a great read and has increased my knowledge of the Islamic faith, the way a strong faith can help people in their day to day life and the importance that team and organisational culture can play in fostering personal growth and success.
May 25, 2021
An easy and informative read by the great man Bachar Houli. He's definitely someone to look up to and does a great job (with help from Waleed Aly) of explaining different aspects of his religion and culture while telling the story of his fantastic football career. I'm so glad I read this book, it not only makes me feel more knowledgeable about Islam, but also gives me even more respect (I didn't think it was possible) for Bachar as well as all those from minorities trying to navigate the Australian culture.
January 25, 2021
Really enjoyed this! Light but also educational, Bachar (I feel like I know him from being an AFL Fan for so long) talks a lot about his beliefs and Islam. I was able to learn quite a bit and it was also a little confronting at how little I knew of Muslim culture. Really great insight into the work done by Bach and Mr Fahour in the Muslim AFL community and the awareness of the game and culture being raised.
January 26, 2021
It’s hard not to know that Bachar is committed to Islam, but reading this book provides insight into what that actually means. Written in an easy-to-read style (thanks Waleed Aly) and accessible because of the footy angle, this is a great read if you want to learn more about the Muslim religion. Bachar comes across as hard-working, but modest, with his religion providing a fatalistic type perspective on things that have happened in his life ... it is the will of Allah. Enjoyed it.
March 25, 2021
I thought the sections on Islam and the intersection of faith and football were fascinating and very informative. But the problem with an autobiography by someone who is essentially a good and honourable person is that it is hard to write it such that is does not come across as overwhelmingly self-congratulatory. By the end of this, I found Bachar’s announced humility a bit grating.
Good footballer though! Go Tiges!
Good footballer though! Go Tiges!
September 10, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed Bachar's autobiography. Gives such a different view of growing up in Melbourne through the eyes of Islam. This is part life story part education lesson in why and how Islam is fundamental to many peoples' lives. Bachar shows how, with curious and interested people how each of us can embrace the differences in our lives and still achieve what we set out to do. Recommend this be read for the viewpoint alone.
January 15, 2021
Great read for any AFL fan but especially of Richmond. Ive met Bachar a few times and he is such a humble man and really shows in this book. Loved reading about the games (as I was at most of them except the GF’s) and great to read about the prospective of how the games feel for the players and the way Bachar intertwines his religion and football together
January 26, 2021
Houli explores the experiences and beliefs that have sparked and sustained his trailblazing success as a Muslim footballer, and that established him as a leading voice in the AFL community for inclusion, understanding and tolerance.
An amazing man, with a deep religious commitment and utter devotion to his family and love of footy. A great read.
An amazing man, with a deep religious commitment and utter devotion to his family and love of footy. A great read.
January 13, 2022
Very interesting especially in the context of his Muslim faith and the impact on his life, family and his football career. I barrack for his team so many of the points raised about his football career were poignant and both revealing and confirming of the actions at the time. Very enjoyable and written probably a year early as they won another premiership.
February 11, 2022
I love Bachar, he was one of my favourite players, the photo of him with his arms up and a huge smile after his goal in the 2017 Grand Final, that will probably always be my favourite footy moment. It was great to read his story and gain better insight into him as a person, as a Muslim, and about Islam in general.
January 13, 2021
Great read ... Bachar Houli describes his rise to all Australian football great and how he has dealt with the trials and crises of conscience along the way ... I think this will resonate with many and is an inspiration for Muslim and non Muslim alike.
June 19, 2021
While the title gives it away this book focuses far more on Islam rather than the AFL. Having recently read Steve Young's auto... that book gave a lot of information about being a Mormon but still had a lot of detail on the NFL. Earnest but a little disappointing.
January 6, 2021
Some insight into what makes Bachar tick and how his faith has made him a better footballer. (Audio version).
January 12, 2021
What an impressive person Bachar Houli is, and although it hurts to admit this, so is the Richmond FC! This book is much more about his faith and the love of his family than football.
January 25, 2021
Really enjoyable read. Great perspective on life.
March 10, 2021
While I enjoyed certain sections of this book, I do find Houli's overall attitude to his role within Australian society to be quite conceited and egotistical.
June 29, 2021
Nice to read the story of an AFL player who actually has some substance in their life. Learnt a lot about the faith of Islam and how this has interacted with his football.
February 8, 2022
Amazing story, amazing person. As much as I don’t believe in religion, I’m impressed in his devotion to his faith.
December 29, 2022
Brilliant. I loved this book. Listened to this on a Qld driving trip.
January 6, 2023
A great insight into Bachar’s life. Interesting to read of his life before football & how important family, friends & religion are to him.
July 24, 2024
Impressive and inspiring at times but comes across as a little judgemental because of the dedication he has to his faith when describing others.
September 16, 2021
Audiobook Review
If you’re an AFL footy fan then you’re no stranger to this man for his contributions to AFL both on and off the footy field.
I’m no Richmond supporter (💪🏽 carn the Crows) but you would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t respect the way Houli plays and this book has cemented my admiration for him. The past few decades have been difficult for the reputation of the religion of Islam in Australia, but even through the vitriol, Houli has conducted himself with nothing but grace and humility to prove to the country that his religion is one of peace.
Read it if you’re a footy fan and want to know the real story behind the inflated media headlines.
Don’t read it if you aren’t a footy fan. Needless to say this book is centred around his career in the AFL so if you aren’t a fan there may be some references that are lost on you.
If you’re an AFL footy fan then you’re no stranger to this man for his contributions to AFL both on and off the footy field.
I’m no Richmond supporter (💪🏽 carn the Crows) but you would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t respect the way Houli plays and this book has cemented my admiration for him. The past few decades have been difficult for the reputation of the religion of Islam in Australia, but even through the vitriol, Houli has conducted himself with nothing but grace and humility to prove to the country that his religion is one of peace.
Read it if you’re a footy fan and want to know the real story behind the inflated media headlines.
Don’t read it if you aren’t a footy fan. Needless to say this book is centred around his career in the AFL so if you aren’t a fan there may be some references that are lost on you.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews