۹ فروردین ۱۴۰۳ |۱۸ رمضان ۱۴۴۵ | Mar 28, 2024
How Egyptian Liverpool Star is changing perceptions of Muslims in Britain

As the last light of day fades from the Liverpool skyline, the congregation at ¬England's first mosque breaks its daily Ramadan fast.

Hawzah News Agency (Liverpool, UK) - Between mouthfuls of samosa, talk turns to the Champions League Final and there is one name on everyone’s lips, local hero Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian is worshipped at Anfield after scoring 44 goals during his first season. 

 

 

But this year’s PFA Footballer of the Year’s performance off the pitch is proving just as inspirational. 

For Salah is breaking down barriers around his faith. 

 

 

At the mosque, Abdul Hadeya, 14, says: "I'm proud to say I’m a Muslim like Mohamed. He has made a big difference. My friends understand a lot more about Islam now. That makes me happy." 

And Mohamed’s influence is reaching way beyond Merseyside. 

 

 

His last-minute penalty against Congo put Egypt through to next month’s World Cup – their first in almost 30 years. 

That accounts for a million Egyptians writing his name on ballot papers in the recent General Election, even though he wasn’t standing. 

 

 

And, if he can guide Liverpool to victory over Real Madrid tonight in Kiev, Salah's status as football’s first Muslim superstar will be sealed. 

His remarkable year has given rise to a unique chant at Anfield. ''If he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too."

 

 

But his attendance at the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, just outside the city center, has attracted more than 100 youngsters to prayers this season. Friday evening prayers are now so popular the 500-strong congregation fills every room. 

Alongside the British-born Muslims are those from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, including refugees from Afghanistan and Syria. 

 

 

Many conversations and prayers at the mosque – Britain’s first, which opened in 1896 – are held in English rather than Arabic, because it is the only common language.

Anas Hussein, six, moved to Liverpool from Al Fayoum in Egypt with his family 18 months ago and regularly comes to the mosque with his father Oscar. 

 

 

Like many young boys, Anas dreams of being a famous footballer.

Until recently the idea of watching a fellow Egyptian do that was unthinkable. 

 

 

"I support Mohamed Salah," he says, a bright red scarf draped around his neck. "I support Liverpool." Oscar smiles affectionately at Anas. "I'd like to meet Mohamed Salah,” he says “I would like my son to meet him. He has shown us anything is possible."

Salah’s openness about his religion – celebrating goals with a sujood by touching his forehead on the grass – are helping to de-mystify Islam for many football fans. 

 

 

After years of growing ­Islamophobia across Europe, young Muslims in Liverpool feel their religion no longer makes them so much of a target for hatred. 

Rifat Khan, 25, was attacked in the street as a teenager, simply for being a Muslim. He says: "I felt uncomfortable in big crowds, even though I continued going to watch Liverpool.  

 

 

"When fans began chanting about Mohamed Salah and being a Muslim, I felt more welcome at Anfield than ever before. No one sees me as an outsider because I was a Muslim, like Salah." 

In Egypt, Mohamed has created the Salah Foundation which has built an ambulance station and a center to distribute food to the poor.

 

 

He gives monthly financial aid to more than 400 impoverished families, and he’s building a religious school, for up to 1,000 boys and girls, to teach moderate Islam in an attempt to steer young Muslims away from extremism. 

Back in Liverpool, Salah’s mosque now has a five-a-side team, which plays local Jewish and Hindu teams as part of a community project ­organized by Merseyside Police, to bring different faiths together. 

 

 

Mosque chairman Galib Khan says: "Mohamed Salah is a good role model. He is a good man as well as a good ­footballer, his dedication and charity work make him a good example." 

Trustees expect many of the congregation will stay home to support Salah and Liverpool tonight – and they are fine with that. 

 

 

And no doubt they'll join fans in spirit, and say a little prayer for Salah.

 

 

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