The Power of Sport: FIFA World Cup Fosters Unity and Global Solidarity

A Unifying Message at the FIFA World Cup

By

14th July 2023

An Oscar-winning actor with a globally recognised voice, and a young Qatari man with a rare spinal disorder. Their lives are worlds apart, yet with the simple gesture of extending their hands towards one another, they sought to convey a message that brings the world together. This was the scene during a part of the thirty-minute-long opening ceremony festivities in Qatar, which played host to the FIFA World Cup 2022. Although many of the news stories leading up to the grand tournament were mostly about everything but football, the stage was used to promote a message of unity.

A Verse of Unity

This message of unity was rooted in a verse of the Holy Qur’an, which was presented and explained to those watching around the world: ‘O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognise one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.’ In a world ever divided, with chasms deepening, this verse certainly was the correct selection to represent Islam’s teachings on global unity. Explaining the purport of this verse, the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra) states: ‘The verse, in fact, constitutes the Magna Carta of human fraternity and equality. It has firmly laid the axe at the false and foolish notions of superiority, born of racial arrogance or national conceit. All men having been “created from a male and a female” as human beings have been declared equal in the sight of God.’

Football as a Unifying Force

This year’s FIFA World Cup was not just a tournament of skill and competition on the pitch, but also a platform for promoting unity and breaking down barriers. The Moroccan team, in particular, captivated the world with their unexpected success and displayed a powerful symbol of faith and national pride. From their prostrations after scoring goals to their collective recitation of the opening chapter of the Holy Qur’an before a penalty shootout, they demonstrated how sports and religion can coexist and bring people together. It was this excitement and exhilaration of the World Cup that brought people from all over the world together with family, friends, and even strangers, to cheer on what many regard as the greatest tournament in the world. Sports truly do bring people together in fascinating ways, albeit momentarily.

The Islamic Principle of Unity

Islam, as a religion, seeks to permanently bring the world together on the simple basis of humanity, so that everyone may appreciate each other’s backgrounds and heritages and learn from one another, in order to appreciate the diversity of life on this earth. The Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, in particular, constantly reminds the world of this Islamic principle. He proclaims that all people are born equal, regardless of their geographical origins or the color of their skin. Islam teaches that no race is superior to another, and that Allah is the Provider for all of mankind. While football may have brought the world together for a few weeks, true unity should be based on humanity and last for eternity.

Editorial

The FIFA World Cup is not just a sporting event; it is a global spectacle that captures the attention and imagination of millions of people around the world. It has the power to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures, reminding us of our shared humanity. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar not only showcased the talents of football players, but also highlighted the importance of unity and harmony in a world that is often divided by race, religion, and other boundaries.

The use of a verse from the Holy Qur’an during the opening ceremony was a brilliant choice, as it emphasized the universal message of equality and brotherhood. The verse served as a reminder that we are all part of one human family, and that true honor lies in righteousness, not in superficial qualities such as race or nationality. It was a powerful statement against the false notions of superiority that perpetuate divisions and conflict in the world.

The Moroccan team also played a significant role in promoting unity during the World Cup. Their success on the pitch, combined with their displays of faith and national pride, brought people together and bridged cultural gaps. Their actions demonstrated that religion and sports can coexist, and that they can be sources of inspiration and unity.

While the World Cup may be over, the message of unity and understanding should continue to resonate in our daily lives. We should strive to break down the barriers that divide us and embrace the diversity of the human experience. By doing so, we can create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Advice

If we want to promote unity and understanding in our communities and beyond, we can start by embracing the principles of equality and respect that are emphasized in the Holy Qur’an and other religious texts. We should strive to see each other as fellow human beings, rather than as members of different tribes or nations. By recognizing our shared humanity and appreciating the unique contributions of different cultures, we can build bridges and foster mutual understanding.

Sports, like football, provide a unique opportunity for people from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate their shared passion. We should seize these moments to build connections and learn from one another. Whether it’s cheering for your favorite team alongside strangers at a sports bar or engaging in friendly competition with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, sports can break down barriers and forge lasting friendships.

Furthermore, it is important for religious leaders and figures to actively promote messages of unity and understanding. By emphasizing the teachings of their respective faiths that promote equality and brotherhood, they can inspire their followers to embrace these principles in their daily lives. Interfaith dialogues and collaborations should also be encouraged, as they provide opportunities for people of different faiths to come together and learn from one another.

In conclusion, the FIFA World Cup, with its global reach and cultural impact, has the potential to promote unity and understanding on a large scale. By embracing the message of equality and brotherhood, both on and off the field, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious world. Let us use the spirit of the World Cup as a catalyst for positive change and work towards a future where global solidarity and mutual respect are the norm.