To begin with, I barely watch regular football matches even though I support FC Barcelona – I find it very tasking to sacrifice over 90minutes of my evening hours to watch a football match- which mostly coincides with Isha’ prayer time.
Suddenly it’s Ramadan-the holiest month in the Muslim calendar and I want to watch this UEFA Champions League Final match, infact I just received the Liverpool football club’s jersey that I ordered days ago. Which begs the question Why?
Single answer: Mohammed Salah!
Muslims worldwide are facing the biggest challenge in the history of the faith, a challenge that has eroded practically all the virtues and positives of the religion, it has infact synonymized the term “Islam” with a much derided word “Terrorism”. Conversely, “Islam” directly translates into “Peace” from Arabic, how ironic?
In recent years, misguided teachings have given birth to numerous ideologies in Islam, ideologies that thrive on ignorance, mis-interpretations and misnomers, ideologies that are not just dogmatic and impractical but impossible to yield positive results because of their archaic approaches and methodology. Most importantly ideologies that are truly unislamic/unpeaceful, this ideologies have succeeded in marring the good image of Islam and leaves Muslim youth in confusion and shame leading to some thinking that their religion has no place in Modern times.
At this critical juncture came a devout Muslim footballer at the height of his career-who has successfully taken his team to the final of the apex league- The Champions League. He celebrates his goals with the most peaceful and humble act of Sujood (prostration); a symbol of total submissiveness to the Almighty Allah. Salah is a footballer that submits his talent to the will of Allah!, Salah not only symbolizes greatness in obedience to Allah, but he serves as a role model to Muslim youths who crave recognition in the sight of the world, and that of Allah! and he is celebrated and loved by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike for his skill and humility.
I believe for Islam to be understood for the religion of peace that it is, role models like Salah and Mane need to take the lead- as they currently are doing. Role models who represents Islam in the most loveable ways. It is a cardinal teaching in Islam that the best form of love is that which is influenced through the love of Allah (SWT), in other words -let someone’s love for Allah be the reason for your love for that person. I love Muhammad Salah because he loves Allah. And In-Shaa-Allah Mo Salah will never walk alone -cause Allah is with him.
What a coincidence Liverpool’s motto is: Never Walk Alone.
Whatever the outcome of tonight’s match. I know I’ll always take one lesson from Muhammad Salah and Mane -Our talents are given to us by Allah (SWT) and should be submitted in enhancing his cause, by so doing He will guide you to the right path. Spread Love!
Farooq Gajo 