| SALVADOR // It is fitting that one of the most important cities in the Islamic history of Brazil should host the World Cup’s first match in 20 years between two countries with substantial Muslim populations. On Thursday, only a few kilometres from where an Islamic slave revolt occurred 179 years ago, Iran will take on Bosnia-Herzegovina in Salvador. Iran are looking to secure a place in the second round for the first time in their history. Should they succeed, Nigeria will be eliminated. It is a fact that resonates with Sheikh Abdulhamid Ahmed, the spiritual leader of Islam in the Brazilian state of Bahia. He was born in Osun, west Nigeria. “In 1992, I was invited from Nigeria to be the sheikh here,” he told The National by phone from his office at Salvador’s Islamic Culture Centre. “Many of the slaves that arrived all those years ago came from Lagos, so we have a heritage. I did not know the history of Bahia before I arrived, but I quickly learnt about it. It is fascinating.” To continue reading, click here. |
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Gary MeenaghanSports scribbler. Pedant with prose. Alliteration addict. Omnivore. Archives
June 2015
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