- We saw the UEFA champions league finale on Sunday and in a heart warming display of faith and gratitude, the players of Manchester City expressed their appreciation to Allah s.w.t. after winning the Champions League.
- A video, shared on TikTok by devoted fan Saakeir, captured the players saying “Alhamdulillah” and one uttering “Mashallah” while holding the coveted winning medal.
Faith in Football: Manchester City’s Grateful Gesture
As the UEFA final took place at The Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Manchester City’s players seized the opportunity to express their gratitude to Allah for their victory. Key players like Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne were among those who vocalized their appreciation, saying “Alhamdulillah.” The utterance of “Mashallah” by one of the players seen in the video further highlighted their acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed upon them. This gesture not only demonstrates the players’ faith but also symbolizes their understanding that their accomplishments are not solely the result of their efforts but are also gifts from Allah s.w.t.
Expressing Gratefulness to Allah s.w.t.: In Football and Beyond
This powerful moment in the UEFA finale highlights the growing inclusion and representation of faith in sports. In recent years we have noticed that not only within football but also in other sports like cricket, MMA, and even the Olympic games Muslim players are not shy to express their religious sentiments. From Pakistani and Afghanistani cricketers praying on the grounds to Khabib’s famous gesture of praising Allah s.w.t. performed by Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, athletes are increasingly acknowledging the role of a higher power in their achievements.
Pakistani and Afghani cricketers have long been seen praying on fields and expressing gratitude to Allah s.w.t. for their victories. These athletes openly display their faith, showcasing the integral role it plays in their lives and sporting careers.
Faith In Sports: Way to Tackle Racism and Raise Compassion
The inclusion of players from diverse cultures in sports is also one of the many ways to confront racism. Not just players from Muslim nations but Muslims playing in teams of non-Muslim or secular nations also reflect their firmness in spirituality. The ICC world cup 2019 champion, England’s Captain Eoin Morgan said “We had Allah with us’’ upon his team’s victory over New Zealand’s team.
British Muslims Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid running away from a champagne celebration and Moeen Ali not making eye contact with a female news reporter is enough to prove that Islam means a lot to them.
Talking of celebration, renowned cricketer Babar Azam and many others perform ‘sujood’ upon scoring a century or upon winning. Even in the Olympics, where half a decade ago athletes faced massive racism and exploitation due to stereotypes, players have not failed to guard their faith. Their actions highlight the significance of faith as a source of strength and discipline.
Britain’s Mo Farah celebrates winning the Men’s 10,000m during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Expanding Boundaries: The Influence of Khabib Nurmagomedov
Earlier this year, a gesture used by famous footballers; Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, which has been popularized by renowned MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, carries a profound message. By crossing their arms and pointing to the sky, athletes aim to symbolize that their achievements are not entirely their own but are enabled by the abilities and talents bestowed upon them by Allah s.w.t. “Don’t praise me, praise God”. This gesture has gained recognition globally and serves as a reminder that success is a result of both individual effort and divine blessings.
Smile 2 Jannah on the priceless gesture
Shukr and Kufr: Gratitude and Ingratitude
In Islam, gratitude is mentioned alongside our imaan (faith), Allah s.w.t. tell us:
“Then remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject Me.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:152)
Recorded in a hadeeth, Muslim: The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
“Allah is pleased with His slave if, when he eats something, he thanks Allah for it, and when he drinks something, he thanks Allah for it.”
Numerous sayings in Islam remind us to be thankful for every blessing we enjoy in this Dunya and prepare well for the Akhirat.
Henceforth, the expression of faith and gratitude by Manchester City players and those who come from diverse cultures in sports showcases the growing inclusion of faith, especially the Islamic faith in sports. It emphasizes the athletes’ recognition of a higher power and their belief that their achievements are not solely their own doing. The trend of acknowledging faith in sports provides a sense of unity, inspiration, and humility, reminding us that success goes beyond personal abilities. As athletes continue to represent diverse backgrounds and beliefs, their displays of faith serve as a powerful reminder of the role spirituality plays in their lives and the impact it can have on a global scale.
