A Stance for Being Unapologetically Muslim 

What does the world cup have to do with Islam? Nothing. 

…but since it’s in Qatar, Islam has had a chance to be introduced to the world in a way mainstream media won’t allow. How do you know? Western outlets have taken down videos of the Quran being recited at the FIFA opening. 

And, for the first time ever, refused to broadcast the opening in the United Kingdom, instead playing a match by the Women’s soccer team and a segment about Qatar’s human rights violations. 

Let me first preface this article by saying that no one is perfect! Not you, not me, nor any country in the world. And saying “no one is perfect” is also not a means to justify the wrongs we do. It allows us to acknowledge the good things without expecting perfection first. 

So, let’s discuss the World Cup and what it says for Muslims outside the Muslim world. 

The World Cup is just that; it’s for the world. Social media is bombarded with World Cup news, held in the Middle East for the first time in history. Rules for Qatar World Cup have stirred much negative backlash from Western countries. 

But it has also presented a message of peace and the values of Islam that none can deny.

What are the Rules for Qatar World Cup?

Major General Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari, the Qatari Director of the Department of International Cooperation and the Chairman of the National Counterterrorism Committee at the Ministry of Interior, says, “We’ll not change our religion because of a 28-day World Cup.” 

Abu Hurairah (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Four types of people are under the wrath of Allah when they begin their day, and when they reach their evenings, they are under the rage of Allah.” I asked: “Who are they, 0 Messenger of Allah?” He said: “Men who imitate women and women who imitate men and he who goes unto animals and he who goes unto men.”

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah has cursed seven types of his creatures from above the seven heavens. He has cursed one of them thrice while He has cursed the others once, which is enough for them. (About the one whom He has cursed thrice) He has said, “Cursed is he who did what the people of Lot (AS) did. Cursed is he who did what the people of Lot did. Cursed is he who did what the people of Lot did.” (At-Targhib wat-Tarhib)

So, what are these rules that stand under the banner of Islam?

What do Qatar World Cup Rules Mean for Muslims?

For the first time in a long time, Muslims’ beliefs have a voice backed by a world power!

As Muslims living in the West, we choose to be in a society that isn’t predominately Muslim. We are tolerant and respectful of people’s choices, even if they don’t align with our belief system. Not as a means of acceptance but as a means of respecting the laws. 

Each nation can choose the laws and rules that will govern its country. Rules for Qatar World Cup hold the core belief of Islamic values. Through direct revelation in the Quran, we know Allah destroyed an entire nation for practicing homosexuality – the people Lut (AS). There is no debate about whether it is permissible or not. Just like there is no debate about whether Muslims can eat pigs or drink wine. These are the rules, and we follow them. 

For the first time in a long time, someone with authority has allowed us to be unapologetically Muslim. On a world level, the rules for Qatar World Cup disallow any player or fan to wear the gay pride armband or any other gay pride advertisement. The support of Palestine is openly expressed. 

Laws are not bent backward, and morality is not compromised. 

As Muslims, our religion does not tiptoe around such topics because Allah has clarified them in His book. What Allah loves, we love, and what Allah hates, we hate. This is practiced according to our level of faith. The closer one is to Allah, the easier one submits to His laws. The further away a person is, the more they try to justify what is evident in Islam. Therefore, you still find Muslims endorsing what Allah has forbidden, be it homosexuality, drinking alcohol, or fornication. 

The rules for Qatar World Cup are in favor of the values of Islam. 

Of course, there are non-Islamic things, such as serving alcohol in the fan zone area. Yet the lesser evil of not allowing alcohol in stadiums among many Muslim fans has caused backlash and outrage. But Qatar doesn’t mind, and nor do most Muslims. 

Alcohol is najis (impure), and we cannot pray if it is on our clothes. Qatar’s rules support Islamic practices without apologizing. 

In the non-Muslim world, it is tolerated, but why should it be in a Muslim country? The rules for Qatar World Cup allow Muslim fans to feel at ease and supported.  

Why It Matters?

Everyone is entitled to do what they want in their own space. Allah has granted us this freedom, yet it comes with a consequence if those choices stand against His Commands. However, as a Muslim country, they prioritize accommodating their people and the nations surrounding them. For the first time, the rules for Qatar World Cup have accommodated Muslims, and it feels good! It feels refreshing! 

The words of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) are scattered around Doha with pride. The call to prayer is announced throughout Qatar with pride. Muslim women wear hijab, abaya, or niqab with pride. The Quran is read in a stadium of 80,000 people and broadcast worldwide with pride. 

Fans can experience Islam and Muslims in a way they have never been able to. The World Cup host has made it easy for people to learn about real Islam, not propaganda. 

Doha is scattered with areas to learn about Islam and to try on an abaya or hijab as an experience. To see the world through a different lens than the media has portrayed. Muslim fans openly pray, with the call of adhan echoing across the city.

and More…

The fan zone in Qatar had a comedian stop the show for salat. What world event has this ever happened? Priorities have been made, and Muslims are finally unapologetically Muslim!

In the western world, we’re fighting against the indoctrination of making immorality part of the “norm” and natural. This is not how Allah has created us; even if we respect the laws of the land, we don’t have to accept them. Nor should it be forced upon our children. 

The West does not get to impose its values on the world. Qatar has a right to uphold its values, and it’s up to the person visiting to respect them. 

Qatar, as a world power, is supporting the Ummah of Muhammed (peace be upon him), and it’s impactful. 

If you want to learn more about Islamic Law and what Muslims believe, reach out to us here!

Islam is a Call for Mankind

“O men, worship your Lord – who created you and those before you, so that you may become God-fearing.” (Quran 2:21)

Islam is a religion, not a culture. It is a way of life for all humanity, no matter their regional upbringing or heritage. 

“Quran addresses human beings as “Ya aiyuhal Nas” (O Humankind) directly 306 times and indirectly more than two thousand times in its over 6,000 verses.” (Source: Siasat.com)

Islam is peace even for a non-Muslim; it is hospitality and kindness while uncompromising in our beliefs. The rules for Qatar World Cup have given the world a first-hand view of what Islam is, not what the media says. 

Fans have taken to social media to express their enjoyment in Qatar. They love the hospitality, the accommodation, the cleanliness, the organization, the atmosphere, and the games! 

When Muslims learn acceptance of themselves, as Qatar did, having to stand alone, boycotted by regional countries, they rise. They are unapologetically Muslim and realize acceptance is not by people’s or nation’s opinions. It’s not by the rules of the new world. We liberate ourselves from these shackles of fear only by Allah’s words. We become the people and the nation of Muhammad, on whom be peace and blessings. As such, we learn to improve our character without compromising moral or ethical standing. 

How do you feel about the rules for Qatar World Cup 2022?