Somali Islamic Militants Kill Football Fans for Watching World Cup
Two Somali men tragically lost their lives on Saturday when the Islamic extremist group – Hizbul Islam – raided the house where they were in. The men were killed because they were caught watching Argentina play Nigeria in the 2010 FIFA World World Cup live telecast.
Somali Muslims Forewarned Not to Watch the Beautiful Game
Since 2006, Somali Islamic extremists had imposed bans on all forms of entertainment considered un-Islamic – including video games and watching sports in public – in areas under their control. Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Aros, the spokesman for the Hizbul Islam, said that “the rest of Somalia should pursue the holy jihad” instead of watching the World Cup – even if it is in the privacy of their own homes. Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Aros said: “We are warning all the youth of Somalia not to dare watch these World Cup matches. It is a waste of money and time and they will not benefit anything or get any experience by watching mad men jumping up and down.” There are hitherto about 40 football fans who have been arrested by the Islamic extremists.
The Ordinary Man’s Way to Watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup Matches
Football fans are watching the beautiful game in fear under the cover of darkness. Fans would often have to “have one eye on the TV and the other on the door, and the sound turned down.” The privileged ones can watch the World Cup freely in the areas under the government’s control. In an impoverished and a land of lawlessness, public screenings – in cinemas under government control – is probably the only way for ordinary folks to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches.
One Ordinary Man’s Liberty to Watch the World Cup Matches
Ahmed Santos, a fan who now lives in a government-controlled area, said “I can now freely watch the matches. I am so sorry that some of my friends who are now living where I once was don’t have that chance to watch the World Cup. I really feel sorry for them.”
Think About It
What is it about playing the video game or watching football in public that is so un-Islamic? Is it in the Quran? Is death an extreme consequence to pay for watching football? Or is this simply cold-blooded murder? Can the fear of watching football be replaced with liberty?
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