Competitions held in Muslim countries create an atmosphere Qatar World Cup 2022 different from those of other countries. A significant mood difference occurred when it came time to pay Friday prayers.
In the midst of the busy city atmosphere with all the World Cup knick-knacks, the call to prayer halted all activity. The muezzin’s call summoned the World Cup players, officials, officials who are Muslims to go to the mosque.
As quoted by a Reuters report, on Friday (25/11), an atmosphere of cessation of World Cup-related activities has erupted on the west coast of the city of Doha, adjacent to the Ibrahim al-Khalil Mosque.
The call to prayer echoes by gathering fans from Tunisia, Oman and India, FIFA officials, to children wearing French shirts.
Fans admit that the World Cup in Qatar has changed the way travelers perceive it. They just heard the existence of the stadium which is equipped with a prayer hall, food stands with a special halal menu, to the point that there are no alcoholic fans cheering in the stadium because they follow the rules of the organizers.
“This is what makes me happy to participate in the World Cup in this country,” said Yousef al Idbari, a supporter of Morocco.
As is known, strong Islamic values are displayed throughout the event. Starting with the opening of the World Cup which begins with the reading of the Quran, plus a number of hadiths and prophet tales being displayed around the city of Doha.
Criticism of Qatar in this sense, according to Birmingham University criminology professor Imran Awan, is a form of Islamophobia that cannot be avoided.
“There is a mixture of criticism of Qatar and actual animosity towards Muslims,” Imran said.
As is known, Qatar has been heavily criticized by several World Cup participants, starting with the question of the rights of migrant workers, women, up to the anti-LGBTQ campaigns.
Aside from that, supporters of the global Muslim community continue to support Qatar.
“You go out (from the stadium) and you miss a team goal or you lose a player who gets sent off,” he said.
“It feels like this World Cup is for me, held for me, suited to me… This is the first like this,” he stressed.
(ain/rhr)
