Are You Religious?

The author in Dalai Lama Temple, Dharamsala, India

I have heard this question so many times in Morocco as well as during my travels from, often non-Muslims with whom I have lived or traveled, or had coffee, or just have spoken few words. Every time I have been asked this, I have had to stop and think about this quite tricky question and wonder about its meaning.

Once, I was flying back from a small break in Morocco to the UK as I was in the middle of writing my thesis. When at the airport, I was walking through the path already designed for my passport cursed by its colours. I was not as lucky as others who just scan their passport to go through.

I was aware that there were some people waiting for me for a warm welcome. I was ready for the quick Q&A with a big smile, as usual. I was questioned by a middle-aged woman. Where are you coming from? What is the purpose of your visit? Etc. I got a full mark answering all these questions, and then she asked me if I was Muslim. After hearing my confirmation, she said, “Are you a religious person?"

When I asked her about what she meant by this, she proceeded, "Do you go to the mosque? How often do you go?" I was utterly astonished by the way she defined religion, and Islam, more specifically. How limited I thought her conception of religion is and how bizarre is the cause/effect equation she has put between being religious and how frequently one goes to the mosque. I smiled. And that became my answer, quite straightforwardly.

Sarcasm would have been my ideal response but would not have done any good in this situation. She noticed my surprise about this not-so-comforting interview. Then, she apologized about asking too many sensitive questions, as she defined them, then the conversation took a rather informal turn.

We talked about the wedding she was invited to in Shishawa near Marrakesh and she expressed her excitement about it. We waved goodbye with smiles and that little good feeling about a pleasant conversation with a stranger hit me, yet not totally free from disappointment about how Islam is viewed and how religion is interpreted.

When I was in India, I lived with people who believe there is no God. Their belief was full of doubts and unanswered questions. They noticed that I was Muslim, so they did not wait more than two days after their arrival to show their curiosity and share their doubts. I was showing them around the neighbourhood, as I had spent quite a longer time in India.

I was showing them where to shop, where to take the bus, the price of this and that etc. Then, one asked me again the same question:" Are you religious?". The other one asked me, "Are you religious or open-minded"? Pretty intriguing questions. It is quite challenging to explain or debate religion with an atheist person. Here is how I broke down my answer to them, and now to you.

Religion has two main pillars, both equally important: The spiritual dimension and the behavioural dimension. The former is where religions differ, yet all of them have more or less a great similarity when it comes to the behavioural dimension, which provide an ethical framework that can govern peoples’ behaviours and way of life. The perfect balance in life, in my opinion, is to find balance between both spiritual and behavioural dimensions.

In The Art of Happiness, the Dalai Lama says, "In order for the religion to have an impact in making the world a better place, I think it's important for the individual practitioner to sincerely practice the teachings of that religion. One must integrate the religious teachings into one's life, wherever one is, so one can use them as a source of inner strength."

The spiritual aspect should inspire goodness, to oneself and towards others. It is only when religious teachings guide the lifestyle of the person and govern one's relationships with other people, that religion takes its full meaning.

It is important as well to respect other traditions and religions and understand that they have brought positive things to the humanity. In such a manner, one can increase compassion and tolerance towards others from different religious backgrounds. 

"I have only been sent to complete (perfect) good morals (manners)" The Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him)

Having said that, being religious therefore means being good and inspiring goodness. It is about constructing an ethical framework that is inspired from religious teachings which organizes relationships with other human-beings (our parents, children, cousins, neighbours, colleagues... strangers).

One practices religions when you smile to strangers, treat them with kindness not to get something from them but for genuine goodness, when you deprive yourself and give to the poor, when you respect, when you forgive, when you visit your family, respect your parents, listen to your brothers and sisters, when you visit an ill friend, when you make a child happy, when you help the one in need, when you respect women, and elder people, when you wish for others what you wish for yourself, when you are tolerant and compassionate, when you make a positive impact on someone's life... So, are you religious?

-By Louay Benaabdelaali

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World Cup Weekly: Close Call, Curitiba! Donovan's Last? And, The Civil Unrest Juggernaut Rolls On..

Arena da Baixada Concept

A month ago, the city of Curitiba, Brazil was close to being stripped of its World Cup hosting rights because its stadium, the Arena da Baixada, was so far behind schedule that it was expected not to be ready in time. 

On Tuesday, those concerns were put to bed. Four group stage matches will take place in the south Brazilian city after FIFA assessor Charles Botta declared that sufficient progress had been made to give Curitiba the green light for hosting its allocated share of World Cup games. 

FIFA made the decision not to look for an alternative stadium - the venue at Porto Alegre was being touted as a replacement - after receiving financial guarantees for the work still to be done in Curitiba.

The stadium is 91 percent complete, according to its owners, the soccer club Atletico Paranaense. Hundreds of extra workers have been brought in to ensure that construction will conclude well in time for the first kick-off on June 16. 

The revised estimate provides a mid-May completion date. Ricardo Trade, the CEO of the local organizing committee, said that this estimate would leave enough time for proper testing of the stadium, but stressed that there is “no time to lose,” as Curitiba races towards its most important deadline.

The club’s president, Mario Celso Petraglia, admitted “they did not have a realistic view” of the time frames they would need to undertake a project of this magnitude when they commissioned the build. 

LA Galaxy's Landon Donovan

One player who is unlikely to see the Curitiba pitch is United States’ Landon Donovan. The 31 year-old striker and U.S.’s leading goal scorer said he expects the 2014 World Cup to be his last tournament. His team will not play in the city, which would mean Donavan is unlikely to have an opportunity to play at the Arena da Baixada. 

Donavan has indicated that his retirement from international football is not far off and has all but ruled out the possibility of playing in the 2018 edition in Russia. “It’s hard for me to imagine, sitting here, that I’ll be able to walk in four years, much less play soccer,” he said “If it is my last World Cup, I want to make sure I enjoy every minute.” 

Donavan’s career may have its cutoff date set, but there is nothing similar in sight for the civil unrest in Brazil with protests continuing steadily over the last week. Brasilia was the latest to play host to the wave of unrest sweeping the country, which saw 15,000 people from the Landless Worker Movement march from the Mane Garrincha football stadium to the office of President Dilma Rousseff. 

Protests outside the State Building, Brasilia

The workers held the demonstration in commemoration of 30 years of their union’s existence, which aims to campaign for agrarian reform. They want some of what they call “unproductive” land, owned by the state or big businesses, to be allocated to landless farmers and they are making a lot of noise about it. They erected a tent under the World Cup stadium and stayed there for four days before heading to the state building. 

Aggressive clashes ensued as protesters threatened to invade the building. They were dispersed by riot police, with injuries on both sides, ending with 30 police officers and 12 protesters needing medical treatment. 

-Firdose Moonda

Firdose Moonda is The Atlantic Post's South Africa Correspondent and covers sports news. She is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Warmth beyond a hot sandwich - another version of "pay it forward"

Little things like holding the door for a stranger to get in, walking an old man through a heavy traffic, giving your place in the bus to an elderly person, making human values prosper and boosting people with the energy of giving without waiting for a return. 

This story is on this same path, if not an even better one.

Two guys enter a small coffee shop in order to get a hot beverage. Meanwhile waiting for their order, two ladies come by the counter and shout: 4 coffees please, two take away and two suspended please. Then they pay for their order, get their two cups and leave. The first guy took a sip of his hot coffee and asks his friend: What does suspended coffee mean?

I can explain to you, but it is better you wait until you see by yourself – his friend replied.

A few other people have started coming in. One guy ordered an Americano for himself and left. Next order had five suspended coffees on them. It was made by a family of three. Then many other suspended coffees followed on next orders.

The first guy was wondering what was the deal with these suspended coffees, challenged by his patience and itched by curiosity; he started looking through the window watching pedestrians passing by under the rain.

Then all of a sudden, an old man looking like a homeless, with unkempt clothes, gets close to the counter and kindly asked: Are there any suspended coffees please?

The idea is very simple. People would pay in advance for someone they do not need who might be in need, of a hot beverage, of a bite or just a little warmth. This trend of suspended coffees has seen light first in Naples then has spread all around the world.

A few guys in Morocco have heard this story and started their own trend of hot snacks in the little snack-house of their neighbourhood. They order a meal for themselves then put another meal on “suspended” for somebody to share their exact same food.

Beggars, homeless guys, and hungry children come around it frequently seeking to fill their stomach and to feel some warmth – the feeling of being taken care of by someone they have never met.

The snack-house owner has found joy transmitting the message around his “colleagues” who appreciated the idea. It is easy to create a movement this way, a chain of good vibes and giving among strangers.

In Belgium also, a group of people have been inspired by the story of suspended coffees and tried to structure it. For them, it’s all about unconditional giving, in all forms. They do not only target coffee shops but also restaurants, supermarkets, butchers… then offer stickers to them where it says something like “awaiting present” so it would be recognizable for people who seek them.

A chain of giving, a spontaneous act of kindness like this one in every corner of the world and nobody would ever have to sleep with an empty stomach or without warmth in their heart.

Louay Benaabdelaali

Michael Schumacher, Skiing and Safety as the Olympics begin

Former Formula One racer Michael Schumacher is recognized throughout the world of sports as the greatest F-1 driver of all time. An athlete since he was four years old, Schumacher is undoubtedly a veteran of the sport. His F-1 career spanning 21 years was filled with an exceptional amount of achievements. A seven-time Formula One World Champion, among many other titles and records; he retired most recently, in 2012, but is still a large part of the racing world.

Schumacher after winning the US Grand Prix in 2006. Source: F-1

Affectionately called “Schumi” by his fans, he started his F-1 career at Benetton and won the first of his 7 World Championships there. In 1995, after winning his second Championship, he shifted to Ferrari and has forever since been associated with the iconic red car with its prancing horse. He retired for the first time, a 7 time champion, in 2007 and continued with Ferrari till 2009 as an assistant race director. From 2010 to 2012, he raced for the Mercedes team under former boss Ross Brawn and retired, for a second time, in 2012.

Schumacher skiing in Meribel, France. Source: People

Recently though, he has been in the news, to his fans and the racing community at large, for the direst of reasons. While vacationing in the French Alps, in December 2013, Schumacher suffered a near fatal head injury from a skiing accident. His accident happened over a

month ago, yet the media glare surrounding him and his condition has not waned. Constant medical and public attention has followed Schumacher since his nearly fatal accident (and, subsequent coma) last month; this has intensified in the past 24 hours, as rumors spread that he was slowly being lifted out of his coma.

           Site of Schumacher's accident at Meribel, France. Source: grandprix247                               

Throughout the entire ordeal, Schumacher’s family has requested absolute privacy in regards to his condition, yet information leaked this week revealing doctors’ plans to gently release his sedation. No prognoses have yet been confirmed by Schumacher’s doctors at the clinic in Grenoble, France, where he is being treated at. Regardless, fellow athletes around the world, who are eager for Schumacher’s recovery, have come out with messages of hope and good wishes towards the veteran driver and his family.

Recovery, in this circumstance, is not entirely guaranteed. The severe trauma Schumacher sustained to his skull caused his brain to swell at a rate that forced doctors to medically induce a coma in him. While in a coma, his brain will, hopefully, stop swelling and return to a more stable and treatable condition. Doctors have expressed their concerns that even if Schumacher wakes up from his coma, he may never be the same person, let alone the supreme athlete that he was before.

Schumacher’s accident and, now, early stages of recovery are happening at a time when the world’s eyes are intensely focused on sports. With the Sochi Olympics having begun yesterday, both athletes and avid skiers have been focusing more and more of their attention on winter sports.

Schumacher’s accident brings up an extremely important aspect of these sports: safety. While Schumacher’s condition leaves the world hoping for his full recovery, it also leaves us questioning our safety practices when it comes to activities like skiing. Safety should never be taken lightly and hopefully the many athletes participating in the Games will reinforce our knowledge and understanding of proper safety in regards to winter sports. As we watch the Olympics this year, we will not only hope for safety for all of the athletes competing, but we will continue hoping for Schumacher’s recovery as well.

-Brynn Rollo

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World Cup Weekly: Ticket Sales Soar and Teams Setup Shop

Good news. Finally...

A good week for Brazil’s 2014 World Cup endeavor saw ticket sales skyrocketing and the 32 participating teams finalizing their base camp venues.

With the deadline for this stage of ticket sales fast approaching (this Friday, in fact!), fans have been clamoring to get tickets for this summer’s premier sporting event. FIFA have announced that, already, 3.5 million tickets have been requested from over half a million fans from 199 countries.

The Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, under construction in 2013

Of course, about 80 percent of those requests came from the football (soccer) hungry Brazillians and the remaining 20 percent, from fans abroad, for whom there is a permanently reserved 16 percent seating availability at every game of the sporting spectacle.

Tickets are being allocated by the Caixa Economica Federal bank, Brazil’s Ministry of Sport and a notary public, through a public draw scheduled this month after which, successful applicants will be notified by March 11.

The competing teams on the other hand, finalized their travel plans and their base of operations. Teams chose their base camps from FIFA’s approved list of 83 venues, each a combination of hotel and training center, spread across Brazil, and revealed their choices this past Monday.

Sao Paulo and Rio were the top two choices by competing teams with the former playing host to 15 teams including former WC winner France, Portugal and the four Central and South American teams of Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia and Honduras. The party, though, is going to be at Rio where the hosts Brazil are going to be camped out along with European heavyweights Italy, England and the Netherlands. Minas Gerais and Bahia will host 3 teams each, aside from Rio and Sao Paulo. As a consequence, the Brazilian south-east will be where the party is this summer.

Meanwhile, across the pond...

Across the Atlantic, WC fever seems to be spreading in Europe, with Algeria and England announcing welcome news to their fans with regards to their respective teams.

Algeria’s sports ministry has announced plans wherein fans of the team may travel with the team if they want to and have opened registrations for this opportunity. Registering for this option would cover return flights, a three-star hotel accommodation, travel to the stadiums and tickets for the 3 first round games as well as one round of 16 match, should the Algerian team, which is going to be based in Sao Paulo, qualify. This a costly endeavor, however, for fans with the price set at $4,465 per person.

England fans at a pub during the 2010 WC. Source: Daily Echo

In England, Prime Minister David Cameron called for a rethink of pub opening hours after the UK Home Office turned down requests for extended operating hours on the England team’s match-days. English match-day pub culture is a hugely significant part of their football culture and the PM said that there was “significant national interest” in allowing watering holes to close their taps during England’s matches, especially the group stage game against Italy which kicks off at 11pm BST. The pubs have asked to be given permission to serve patrons until 1 am on this particular match-day and have also requested longer trading hours during the opening and closing weekends of the WC. The latter request is still “under consultation”.

-Firdose Moonda

Firdose Moonda is The Atlantic Post’s Southern Africa Correspondent, and also covers sports news. She is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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