Akhbar Humraha is our weekly spotlight on good news from the Muslim community. A culture of good news, one story at a time.
This week's story comes from the World Cup here in America, where one quiet moment on a Miami pitch meant the world to millions of Muslim fans.
After England beat Norway in their July 11 quarterfinal at the Miami stadium, defender Djed Spence knelt on the grass and raised his hands to thank Allah. For the first time ever, an England international offered Muslim prayers on the field at football's biggest tournament. The 25 year old is the first Muslim to wear the England jersey at a FIFA World Cup, a milestone fans of the Three Lions have waited generations to see.
Spence, who plays his club football for Tottenham Hotspur, embraced Islam only a few years ago. Speaking about the milestone, he said that representing the Three Lions as their first Muslim player "meant everything," and that what makes him happiest is the thought of kids being inspired by it. He even played through this tournament wearing a protective mask after recovering from a jaw injury, which somehow makes the story better. Mentors like Riz Rehman, who has spent years building support for Muslim players in English football, from prayer rooms to Ramadan awareness, describe him simply as a role model of good character.
Somewhere in Ohio, in Texas, in New Jersey, a Muslim kid watched a defender point to the sky and make dua in front of the whole planet, and quietly thought, I can be fully myself and still reach the top. That is worth more than the trophy.
Follow his story: @djedspence on Instagram
Source: Al Jazeera
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Watching a name shine on the back of a shirt never gets old, and you can put your own family's name front and center with our Personalized Arabic Name Sweatshirt. Hosting for the rest of the tournament? Grab ideas from our Muslim family watch party guide.
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