Audio By Carbonatix
Ghanaian Muslim footballer Sulley Ali Muntari has received a positive response from Italian Muslims after celebrating a goal by performing the Muslim 'Sujud' or prostration to God during an important Italian football match.
Muntari, who plays for Italy's Inter Milan, scored the winning 1-0 goal against Juventus on Saturday and thanked God on the field.
"Not because we root for Inter, but because we are Muslims, we cannot do anything but rejoice for the 'Sujud ash-Shukr', of Sulley Ali Muntari who reminded all of us how you honour Allah, even on a football field," said the Italian Muslim website, Islam Online.
"We are certain that Muntari's example will be important for thousands of young Muslims that make up an important part of the sport in Italy," said Hamza Piccardo director of Islam-Online in an interview with Adnkronos International (AKI).
The position of Sujud - usually performed during prayers - involves having the nose, forehead, hands, knees and toes touching the ground together.
The 'Sujud' of thankfulness used to be performed by Islam's Prophet Mohammed, whenever he heard good news that made him happy by his total submission to God in this act.
He would then perform 'Sujud' to thank God for it.
"We always see football players and other athletes who do the sign of the cross when they enter the field, and it pleases us that players from the top league remember their spiritual dimension in the moment of rejoicing," said Piccardo.
"Contrary to what critics say, Islam is wholly compatible with all healthy lifestyles in the West and Muntari's case is the proof in its most strong and spectacular way," concluded Piccardo.
Meanwhile, another Muslim football player, Mohammed Sissoko who plays for Juventus, says he feels proud of being a Muslim and says he fasts during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.
"I am proud of being a Muslim and I follow Ramadan even during the football tournament," the Malian-born with French citizen, Sissoko, told the Dubai-based Arab TV network al-Arabiya.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Dr Abena Nyarkoa to join panel discussion at Africa Together Conference in Cambridge
3 hours -
Walmart warns US shoppers are cutting spending as higher petrol prices bite
3 hours -
Flexible exchange rate regime critical in absorbing external shocks – First Deputy Governor
3 hours -
Toilets and changing rooms must be used on basis of biological sex, guidance confirms
4 hours -
Emily in Paris to end after sixth season, says Netflix
4 hours -
Angry crowd sets Ebola hospital tents on fire in DR Congo
4 hours -
Russia and China condemn US over indictment of former Cuban leader
4 hours -
Bank of Ghana reverts to previous Cash Reserve Ratio policy after scrapping it last year
4 hours -
Ghana-eligible defender Beres Owusu signs permanent deal with Grazer AK
4 hours -
A Super El Niño is coming: What does it mean for Ghana?
5 hours -
Driving Schools Association pushes for mandatory driver training to reduce road crashes
5 hours -
Climate change exists with or without humans — Youth advocate
5 hours -
Plastic waste driving flooding and climate concerns in Bamaahu — Youth Climate Reporter
5 hours -
This week on The Career Trail
6 hours -
My book was born out of university research – Mary Anane Awuku
6 hours