By Mohamed Sameer Zuhoori

7–0—the trending news on 6th March 2023. The spectacle between two football teams captivated the attention of millions worldwide.

Overcame eleven men in a stint of physical endurance, technical skills, and a pinch of ‘luck’ to put a 70cm ball into the back of a net seven times.

Loud roars of ecstatic joy and uncontrollable movements chanting the names of their beloved teams and ‘idols’ while the called upon will never be aware of the existence of the caller nor will they be able to respond to the simplest of needs of the caller, let alone when in distress. Echoing blank chants as if these feeble ones are who we were in desperate need of, though in the silent cries ever awaited the subtle responses of The Ever Attentive One.

A Sacrifice of resources, time, and energy. Dedicated concentration and presence over 120 minutes, with technology aiding revision through re-telecasts, carefully capturing and internalising every movement and action. Skipping a beat felt like losing the entire world and all that it contained. What a difference it would make if they witnessed the Real Actor behind the scenes!

Another 7 – 0 event, if we were to know. We would rejoice in universal celebrations and joy.

The movements and actions of the athletes—created by The Architect of the Universe—tickle our adolescent selves. So easily entertained are we by the broadcasted shifting and turning of an athlete’s weight, as they submit to a ball at their feet. It is amazing that we find this amusing when there are more spectacular actions happening within.

Our eyes blink 1200 times per minute without needing any effort or will from us. Our heart beats 70 times per minute, pumping 7000 litres of blood daily. Our lives can be taken away without our permission one day.

How many times did the hearts celebrate with ecstatic joy for The One ﷻ who honoured our existence? The One ﷻ who took it upon Himself to design, craft, and mould us with personal participatory dedication and continues to ensure our operational function with unimaginable speed and meticulous accuracy. If only the caller were to dedicate these chants from their lungs with selfless sacrifice to The One Deserving to Be Called Upon—what joy and pleasure would the caller receive, enlivening every atom that awaits its return?

Madness is this world. Team loyalty they chant, but mentions of The Divine ﷻ slowly they remind. Rewind every goal they would with a serious zeal for gold.

Yet there are only excuses to be made when reminded of the Real Goal.

At least the blessed name ‘Muhammad’ shone over the ‘Devils’ they crown.

Perhaps The Reds were right in their slogan: “You’ll never walk alone”, as truly, The Divine Companion never left us disowned. And what would possibly become of us if we did not have Him always by our sides?

وَهُوَ مَعَكُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ ۚ
“He is with you, wherever you are”
Quran 57:4

7– 0. He Who Fashioned everything in front when we were a zero clinging on.

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَـٰوَٰتٍۢ وَمِنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ ٱلْأَمْرُ بَيْنَهُنَّ لِتَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌۭ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًۢا

“It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge.”
Quran 65:12

May we be bewildered rather, by The Spectacle of The Divine Act. What a sight to behold! When only the eyes of the flesh are closed, the sight of the hearts will glow.

Extreme Love where it rightfully belongs:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَندَادًا يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ ٱللَّهِۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلَّهِۗ وَلَوْ يَرَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ إِذْ يَرَوْنَ ٱلْعَذَابَ أَنَّ ٱلْقُوَّةَ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعَذَابِ

“And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allāh as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allāh. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allāh. And if only they who have wronged would consider [that] when they see the punishment, [they will be certain] that all power belongs to Allāh and that Allāh is severe in punishment.”
Quran 2:165