Diego Maradona

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

It’s Saturday 5th December 2020.

Let’s talk about ‘Diego Maradona’ today.

I was 11 years old when I heard about Argentina. It was 1978 and the football world cup was taking place there. 8 years later, it was Mexico 86. England faced Argentina and the game will be remembered in history for 2 goals. Both of them were scored by Diego Maradona.

The first goal is most famously known as ‘the hand of God’ as Maradona had allegedly put the ball in the back of the net with his hand, which was missed by the referee. However, the second goal was sheer brilliance. A solo effort with a spectacular finish. Maradona became the icon of football. To many, he was God. Millions adored and worshipped him. He became a household name.

Maradona had everything that anyone can dream of in this world. However, as the world witnessed, his life was full of troubles. Last week, Maradona left this world, at the age of 60. What lessons should we learn from this football icon?

Firstly, it doesn’t matter who you are and what fame you reach; you are only in this world for a very short period of time.

Secondly, money and fame do not guarantee happiness in this world. The majority of Maradona’s life was spent in misery and difficulties.

Thirdly, each and every human being is a mortal. Each one shall taste death. No one can escape.

Therefore, my message today to everyone, especially the youngsters, is do not make football your religion. As I have said in my previous posts on football and sports, enjoy the moment and move on. The real test is when your favourite team, like Liverpool, are playing and it’s time for Ṣalāh with Jamā’ah. What do you do?

If you go to the Masjid and join the Jamā’ah, you have been successful in your test. However, if you miss Ṣalāh because of Ṣalāh, then you have failed in your test. Let not these temporary worldly pleasures deceive us.

Almighty Allāh give us all the true understanding of the purpose of life and bless us with the ability to value time, Āmeen.

Make sure you read my other football related messages on my website.

جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala