Amath Diouf is a Muslim Denver-based hiker from a globe-trotting Senegalese family. He enjoys hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge mountains and writing about faith, accessibility and diversity in the outdoors.
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Name: Amath Diouf
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Sport: Hiking and camping
Where is your family from? My parents are from Senegal. I was born in France along with my twin brother and older brother before moving to the U.S. as a child.
“I want to build connections through wonder by encouraging myself and others to see the beauty in nature so we can preserve it.”
What kinds of outdoor activities did you do with your family when you were younger?
Good question. When you mention the word outdoorsy, you automatically think of camping and things like that, well, I don’t even think we own a family tent. Thankfully I was given the opportunity to travel a lot with my parents when we first came to the U.S. This helped open my mind to the diversity in people and places. We also went to Morocco in 2008 where I camped out for the first time! It was a 2 day trip out in the desert where we got to meet a lot of different people. Other than that, I grew up visiting national parks and taking family walks at state parks!
What kinds of outdoor activities do you enjoy now?
After college, I spent some time in Asheville, NC volunteering with AmeriCorps and that’s when I really got into hiking. I personally would like to get into alpine climbing, specifically for the views. I think maybe the only way to see certain parts of the world is to climb. I’ve thought about getting into trail running as well but with my asthma it's more like walking. I’ve gone kayaking a few times in my life and I’d also love to try skydiving and bouldering!
Why are they meaningful to you?
Stepping outside is really just an opportunity to get out in nature and be in touch with other living things. There's a huge mental health aspect to it as well. Also, because I’m Muslim— I'm encouraged to experience the world through nature as a means to know God (Allah). When walking in nature, I can feel at peace and feel overwhelmed in a good way. It makes me feel small and humble. I feel like, oh, these mountains are huge and these trees are strong and towering! It's wild to see how vast and awe-inspiring the world is. To me, it shows that we as humans can do much good if we're asked to be care-takers on Earth. Hiking and outdoor activities open the door towards the conservation of nature’s beauty and benefit.
How has being Muslim shaped your views on conservation?
I was raised Muslim but I actually didn’t start practicing Islam until a few years ago when I was in college. Prior to that I just lived my life and went through the motions. Practicing Islam helped me get more grounded on living more purposefully. It's been a journey, but I've been learning about different aspects of self care, wellness, and environmental stewardship. It was all eye opening for me. I was into recycling here and there and maybe using fewer straws, but when I started reading the Quran…I really wanted to be a part of the solution towards climate change. There are sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) where taking care of plants and animals count as charity - that was a game changer for me. Being Muslim has broadened my viewpoint on wellness and conservation. I hope to learn and do more on this step by step journey.
Photo by: Cornell Watson Jr.
How can outdoor programs and conservancies be more accessible to people who didn’t grow up spending a lot of time in the outdoors?
Knowledge is important. The message that the outdoors isn’t scary or something that only white people do is pivotal to getting all kinds of people outside. Nature is something that all people can find benefit from. It goes back to the idea that we’re all human and we all share this planet. Nature in itself is inclusive! It’s important to encourage people to experience the wonder and the beauty of nature, and to find ways to bring the outdoors closer to those who may have been hesitant to step out. Non-profits, outdoor companies, institutions, and outdoor programs are putting in the effort to make sure all people have access to the outdoors. An emphasis on how practical outdoor recreation is to diversifying the outdoors and conservation efforts goes a long way.
What impact do you hope to have on your community?
I want to inspire wonder and care for ourselves and our community. I want to build connections through wonder by encouraging myself and others to see the beauty in nature so we can preserve it.
Want to go hiking with your dog? Don’t forget a leash!