Ahead of the Champions League Final, Karim Benzema: Islam Helps Me Focus Every Day

 

Ahead of the Champions League Final, Karim Benzema: Islam Helps Me Focus Every Day

The 2021/2022 Champions League paints an interesting story when Real Madrid managed to make several comebacks to reach the Finals. And, that is thanks to Real Madrid's French striker, Karim Benzema. He became a Real Madrid hero when they dramatically beat Manchester City in the 2021-2022 Champions League semifinal second leg match at the Santiago Bernabeu, which also ensured Real Madrid's move to the Champions League Final this season. No wonder, his performance is very charming this season.

Benzema was born into an Algerian Muslim family who migrated to Lyon, France. Parents are important figures who instill Islamic values ​​as a lamp of life for Karim Benzema. As quoted by Vogue, Benzema said, “ Family is my inspiration. The values ​​and morals that my parents gave me helped me to stay true to myself. Religion [Islam] also helps me focus every day. This benefits and strengthens me because family is also everything . ”

Reporting from CNN Indonesia , Karim Benzema is one of a handful of footballers who openly show their identity as Muslims or followers of the Islamic religion. On several occasions, he had attended an invitation to an event with Islamic nuances. He, for example, attended an iftar joint in Istanbul in 2017 organized by the Istanbul city government to gather Muslims from various backgrounds during the month of Ramadan. Benzema also did not hesitate to show off his religious rituals on social media, for example when he performed Umrah in 2016.

Benzema uses social media to show his Islamic identity. At least, there are two main messages that Benzema wants to show through his activities. First, that secular life in Europe does not affect idealism as a devout Muslim. Indeed, being a Muslim is a challenge in itself on the blue continent. A Muslim can stay with his identity, or even drown in the currents of secularism around him.

Benzema felt this challenge when he was not included in the squad for the French National Team at Euro 2016. Even though that year, he was struggling with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale when they won the 2015/2016 Champions League title. Benzema's expulsion from the national team has led to a lot of speculation regarding the issue of Islamophobia in France. However, Benzema finally made a statement.

" Didier Deschamps has succumbed to racial pressure in France, " Benzema said as quoted by Goal . The same source said that the reason behind Benzema's alleged Islamophobia was unfounded, because Deschamps, the coach of the French national team at that time, still called Adil Rami who incidentally had the same background as Benzema, a Muslim descendant of North Africa.

Islam has standard teachings. For example is the obligation of routine worship, prohibiting gambling, and drinking intoxicating liquor. In the case of alcoholic beverages, for example, Real Madrid is the most successful club in Europe for at least the last decade. Real Madrid's success in winning the title automatically necessitated an important ritual for European clubs, namely the champagne party when celebrating. This is also one of the challenges for Karim Benzema as a devout Muslim in Europe.

Another moment that has to do with the champagne bottle is the awarding of the Man of The Match title . In the tradition of European football, the player who gets the title will be rewarded with a bottle of champagne. In the Euro 2020 title, Benzema was the Man of the Match in the Portugal vs France match which ended in a 2-2 draw. Interestingly, no champagne bottles, not even the press conference session. This is very relevant to Benzema's message that European models and traditions that are contrary to Islamic values ​​will not interfere with Benzema's Islamic principles as a way of life.

The second message is that Islam is not only about the relationship of a human being with God, but about the relationship between humans in the world. This attitude he shows in the form of professionalism in football. When he was fasting during Ramadan, for example, he did not then remain silent by continuing to worship, but still did his best for his team.

In Ramadan last month, Benzema continued to play for Real Madrid in the Champions League. He even managed to score a hat-trick against Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals last Thursday (7/4). Interestingly, 13 minutes before the kick-off of the match, Benzema reportedly broke his fast. After a hat-trick against Chelsea, Benzema put Madrid into the Champions League semifinals with a late goal in injury time.

“ No effect. Ramadan is a part of my life and my religion makes Ramadan an obligation , " Benzema  said .

" For me, Ramadan fasting is very important. I also feel good when I'm fasting, " he added.

Benzema is a Muslim figure who carries the message of Islam rahmatan lil alamin . Islam can contribute anywhere in any aspect without reducing the essence of religion in the slightest. In fact, Islamic identity can enter strongly in the world of European football through Karim Benzema. Benzema also implies that European Muslims need not be afraid to face the challenges of the secular world. As long as Muslims have strong principles in their hearts, they will be strong in living life in the midst of any conditions. That is what is in Benzema.