Everything We Can Learn from Morocco's World Cup Journey | A Mother's Love, Unity & Unwavering Gratitude.

After 29 days, 64 matches, 8 stadiums (thanks for the theatrics, Qatar), and the most electrifying final we can admit we've ever seen – the World Cup has drawn to a solemn end.

What a month it has been.

From Ghanim Al-Muftah and Morgan Freeman delivering a show-stopping opening ceremony to kick things off, to Saudi Arabia winning against Argentina (🤯), and not to forget some history-making hat-tricks.

Yup – it's fair to say that the endless shocks, twists and turns had made this WC one of the most gripping to watch.

But there's been one nation in particular that not only wrote history by being the first of its continent to reach the semi finals, but also managed to unite Muslims worldwide, reinstate the power of a mother's love and dua, and remain in a state of gratitude, all while proudly waving the flag of our beloved brothers and sisters in Palestine.

Morocco. 🇲🇦

While reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup may have been beyond their wildest imaginations, they achieved so much more than just this.

But now that we say farewell to the major sporting event until 2026, what important lessons can we take from the national team that won over the hearts of billions across the world?

Here's Everything We Can Learn from Morocco's World Cup Journey:

☝🏻 The Significance of Shukr (Giving Thanks to Allah)

Often in times of defeat or calamity, we are quick to turn away from gratitude and easily allow ourselves to be consumed by anger and bad manners.

After every match, we saw the Moroccan players come together to perform 'sujood shukr' (prostration of thanks to Allah), and soon being labelled as a trademark of the national team. And what a trademark to be known for!

While these days we find ourselves desperate for instant gratification, quick wins and short-cuts to success – the sheer symbol of gratitude exemplified through this team's actions is something for us to really take note on. 📝

💓 A Mother's Love

In a time where children are becoming increasingly distant from their parents and we're more hesitant to let them into our world – the viral moments captured of the players returning to and celebrating with their mothers after each game became a reality check for so many of us.

A theme that prevailed throughout Morocco's time in Qatar was the visibly strong love they held for their mothers.

A kiss on the forehead, a celebratory dance on the pitch, and a hug that spoke a thousand words – these were the gestures exhibited from young sons whose mothers sacrificed it all to get them to this very moment in world history.

Upon reflection, it's important for us to think often of the sacrifices our parents have made for us (and still continue to make for us). It should be enough to want to express our ever-lasting gratitude and love to them. And, to those who still have the opportunity to do so, let this be a reminder to do everything we can in honouring them before it's too late.

Never underestimate the power of a mother's dua.

🤝 The Importance of Unity in the Muslim World

Through unity, we can achieve so much.

Through working with one another, we can lessen our divisions, heighten our generosity, work on our empathy towards one another, and use this as a means to get closer to Allah SWT.

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً وَلا تَفَرَّقُوا
“And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves…”

(Aayah No. 103, Surah Aal-Imran, Chapter No. 3, Holy Qur’an).

During the euphoria that erupted from our collective efforts to support Morocco, something really beautiful happened.

From Turkish parliamentarians to our beloved Palestinian brothers and sisters in occupied West Bank, Muslims worldwide united to wave the 🇲🇦 flag and rejoiced in the nation's successes.

While our unity derived from a Muslim country holding a place in such a major sporting event, people everywhere pondered on just how important it is to continue this unity when it comes to injustice and important affairs that occur within our communities:

🤲🏼 Make No Secret of Your Faith

The Moroccan players exemplified what it means to make no secret of your faith and how to be firm on all that you stand for, through visible displays of worship and actions on and off the pitch.

They remained unapologetically Muslim throughout their time at the World Cup and allowed this to carry them through with dignity and gratitude.

During the global tournament, many people headed to social media to discuss why religion was being involved in sport. And while the debate of whether the two should be kept separate continued to circulate, the answer used to defend the Moroccan players and their actions stood as:

"Islam is way of life, not a passive faith. It's the very foundation of how we lead our lives as Muslims and therefore keeping it at the forefront of our actions, joy and hardships is a part of our identity."

The national team didn't shy away from expressing their faith and love of Islamic culture in many dimensions – something that encouraged many Muslims around the world to do the same.

🇵🇸 A Hopeful Victory for the Oppressed

Not only did Morocco carry their nation into the semi-finals of the World Cup, they took the Palestinian flag with them until the very end.

This flag was a significant symbolism of the pain and empathy felt by billions around the world for the situation in Palestine.

A flag that not only represented a land in need of our continuous aid, but a flag that served as a reminder of the oppression faced by millions, amidst the distracting glitz and glam of the World Cup.

As the world turned its head towards Qatar, the Moroccan team refused to turn their back on Palestine.

"It was evident through the raising of Palestinian flags by the fans and players, in an expression that their victories are not only for Morocco; Rather, it is for the Arab world.”

Dima Maghreb🇲🇦

What's something you learnt from Morocco's run in the World Cup? 🇲🇦 Let us know your thoughts below and get the conversation going! 👇