Islam, winner in 2022 FIFA World Cup

No, I am not talking about the spectacular feat of Saudi Arabia in the opening match beating Argentina who emerged later as the champion. That achievement, by any standard, deserves special mention.

It's about how the event generated tons of goodwill for Islam.

Last Sunday, Argentina once again showed the world that it's the world's football top. In a breath-taking finale, substitute full-back Gonzalo Montiel, in a penalty shoot-out, delivered the dramatic kick that sent trophy-holder France reeling. Now, it's a national holiday in ecstatic Argentina.

I am no fan of Pele, Ronaldo, Messi, and other football icons. Media tales about their jaw-dropping athletic stunts and hat trick get merely a passing glance from my tired jaundiced eyes. I have no patience waiting for players kicking a ball for hours which sometimes ends in a draw. I don't play the game.

I would rather follow the roller coaster life of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory Mcllroy. I am fixated on the ongoing tug-of-war between Saudi-sponsored LIV Golf and the Professional Golf Association of the United States which gets to recruit more top players. I play golf.

And so, sorry Argentina. In my book, the real winner was Islam. I have no nexus whatsoever with the contender countries for the plum trophy. And the duel will not matter to my niched readers whose attention is more drawn to substantial issues like peace in Morolandia, how the new Autonomous Government can improve their lot and the policy of the new administration vis-a-vis BARMM. How the event has impacted Islam drew our interest more.

Throwback, the hosting by Qatar, a first by a Muslim country was not without controversy. In fact, many thought that the weighty negative issues raised will stymy its bid. There were strong social and political headwinds that come its way. Issues like religion, human rights of migrant workers, gender rights of the LGBTQ, corruption in the process of selection of host, etc. were hurled during the bidding process. But Qatar was undaunted and pursued relentlessly its bid and won. It pulled all stop because a nobler purpose in hosting the sports festival was on its agenda.

It was some sort of a coup for the Muslim country. The event became a huge ground for marketing the small gulf state, its people, culture, and most of all the religion of Islam. While it has been reaching out to the outside world thru its mega media outlet Al Jazeera explaining the good side of Islam, it needed a personal interaction with people of the world for a better understanding of its campaign to break the barriers of bigotry, ignorance, and bias. It was an opportunity for the Islamic preachers to address Islamophobia, a socio-religious pandemic that ails non-Muslims brought by violence and terrorism of deviant Islamic campaigners al-Bagdhadi's Islamic State, Bin Laden's al-Qaeda and the Talibans advocating their brand of Islam. Qatar's propaganda arsenal was unleashed. It employed a multi-faceted tool. Tours were arranged to visit attractions like the Blue Mosque and other Islam-theme-based destinations.

Relevant verses of the Holy Koran and sayings of Prophet Mohammad, PBUH in the Hadith al-Shariff promoting understanding, love, and unity in diversity among mankind were printed in leaflets translated into various languages and distributed to fans who traveled to the country. In fact, modern technology was resorted to complement the campaign with verses posted on electronic walls in malls and conspicuous places. The Daawa al-Islamia propagating Islam had a field day talking to non-Muslims about the attributes of the religion. There were claims of instant conversion to Islam from fans who traveled to Qatar. And this it did subtlety.

This was one instance where the petro-dollar of a rich Muslim country was put to good use. It was worth the huge planning, mammoth manpower, and other resources poured in. Do we see Saudi Arabia emerging as a powerhouse in football considering bidding as the next host?

What is our interest in this narrative? Any move that will help promote peace and understanding necessarily affects us. We live in one global community.

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amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com