Alhaji M.B. Jalloh
Qatar, the host of the 22nd edition of the World Cup, has stunned and overwhelmed the entire world, friends and foes, by successfully organizing the world’s beloved tournament, which came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday night.
The President of Football’s world governing body, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has, without mincing words, described the world biggest event never seen before since the inception of the world cup more than nine decades ago as an “incredible success” in terms of its thorough preparedness and excellent delivery.
Truth be told, the formidable lessons that could be derived from Qatar are innumerable. However, one could attempt to recount such valuable lessons as follows: The Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and his shrewd government, have unquestionably and unequivocally proven to the whole world that only the sky could be their limit when they decide to achieve any goals and objectives they may design. When Qatar was chosen by FIFA to host the 23rd edition of the world cup twelve years ago, many skeptics around the world doubted its ability and experience to successfully organize such an event considered the largest gathering of different sects of people, who land from every nook and cranny of the world. But today, those skeptics are shuddered and stunned by the tremendously overwhelming and unprecedented organization and delivery they saw with their naked eyes in the just concluded successful world cup. Indeed, such epic is what Qatar has proudly manifested to the world.
In terms of hospitality, Qatar has demonstrated the unique flavor of the Islamic and Arab hospitality which they inherited from their ancestors. The exceptional hospitality of the Qataris showcased the true Arab culture and values to the world.
The estimated one million foreigners who descended on Qatar for the prestigious event enjoyed in abundance the kindness and generosity of Qatar in terms of food, beverages, and transportation. Their lives were made easier by the host of the world cup beyond their expectations and imagination in every aspect.
Qatar has taught that football fans can enjoy the fun of the world cup without indulging into drunkenness and the use of drugs. The government of Qatar stuck to their principle that alcohol is forbidden to be sold or consumed. And individuals, as well as large crowds, can still enjoy themselves even without the consumption of alcohol. This well-calculated measure taken by the wise leadership of Qatar made the streets of Doha free from the crazy hooliganism, and breach of the rules and regulations often witnessed in previous world cup events.
Thus, as a result, the task of the security apparatus was made much easier, because the security measures put in place were deterrent enough not to allow such pervasive misconduct in the streets and roads of Doha. The message here was that people could stay happily and enjoy themselves without having the need to visit bars and pubs. Qatar has, on the other hand, proven to all and sundry that diversity and ethnicity can be viewed as a blessing when welcomed with an open heart and appreciated with an open mind. People of diverse backgrounds and different mindsets had the opportunity to rob shoulders in an atmosphere of friendliness and tranquility.
Most importantly, Qatar has taught Muslims before the non-Muslims that the Teachings of Islam could be effectively practiced and maintained anywhere and whenever; irrespective of the occasion and circumstances. Qatar organized ‘Dawaah’ centers throughout the tournament and opened its doors and shores to renowned and respectable scholars such as the eminent scholar Zakir Naik and many other erudite learned men from the Muslim world for the sole purpose of spreading the word of Allah, the Almighty to the multitude attendees of the largest gathering in the world. That facility provided by Qatar was the most commendable of all, and it paid off because hundreds of visitors and fans were given this unique opportunity to easily and convincingly embrace Islam.
Unlike other Muslim states that have manifested their tendency to compromise some of the pertinent laws and the proper and recommended Islamic way of life, Qatar has firmly manifested in no uncertain terms that preservation of the Islamic heritage could by no means be compromised or abandoned. All in all, the leadership of Qatar should be honored with accolades of the golden type for a job well done and by for maintaining the Islamic culture which makes Muslims different from others around the world. On all accounts, the 22nd edition of the world cup is viewed and deemed as historic, remarkable, exceptional and unprecedented in all domains. Qatar has set the example for others to follow in good planning, discipline, commitment and top-notch execution.
Finally, as a man who worked in the region as Sierra Leone’s Diplomatic Attaché to our Embassy in Saudi Arabia and covered a few gulf countries, including Qatar - a tiny country – smaller than Connecticut in the United States, I believe that the small and wealthy desert state with little footballing pedigree has taught the world that it is not the geographic size of a country that determines its greatness; rather, it is the wisdom and foresight of its leadership that makes it great. Congratulations to Qatar - the first Middle Eastern country to have hosted the World Cup.
Alhaji M.B. Jalloh is former Press Attaché to the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Gulf countries
Alhaji M.B. Jalloh is former Press Attaché to the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Gulf countries
