Qatar World Cup changed attitudes to Islam toward better

RELIGIOUS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Regarding the impacts of the FIFA world cup hosted by Qatar many believe it improved the attitudes to Muslims toward better.

“Middle East Eye” writer, Rayhan Uddin, has assessed the world cup`s impact on attitudes to Islam.

He says for Arab and Muslim fans, the world cup in Qatar was seen as a major milestone and a source of pride.

He quotes a British Muslim fan describing the less rowdy, family atmosphere as fans could not drink in stadiums.

There was the novelty of halal burgers and non-alcoholic beers, daily prayers for gatherings of fans and tourist routes of Islamic history and culture open to fans from all over the world, as imams and teachers shared knowledge.

Morocco, the first African team in a World Cup semi-final, were filmed reciting Al-Fatiha, and knelt in worship before and after defeat.

Ebadur Rahman in the UK, founder of Nujum Sports which encourages clubs to look after religious needs of athletes and fans, said the world cup showed “We can incorporate culture, food and festivities in a positive way with a spirit of inclusivity and learning.”

This is while western media has criticized Qatar on human rights record and conditions for migrant workers.

The Islam on display in Doha also captured imagination.