Identity Crisis: Why is Muhammad Salah Annoying the Egyptians? | Israel today

Even before he celebrates his 30th birthday this coming June, it is already clear that Muhammad Salah is the greatest Egyptian player of all time.

After the last few years in Liverpool where the Mighty Reds have returned the championship for 30 years and won the Champions League, the man and the curls is the biggest source of pride for those sitting on the banks of the Nile.

In addition to his professional ability, every month his fund provides food and money to the poor, he is involved in anti-drug campaigns in Egypt, promotes agendas for the benefit of the citizens, which explains the fact that in the last 2018 elections quite a few citizens pushed for envelopes with jokes.

So why is he still provoking quite a bit of antagonism in his homeland?

Mainly because he does not meet their standards to speak Islam as they expect and mainly because of acts they claim to shame them.

Last Christmas, Salah posted a picture of himself sitting under a fir tree next to his wife and daughters, in home pajamas in the best tradition of the holiday, and greeted the Christians.

His Twitter was flooded with calls that he was cheating.

"Allah has blessed you with money and glory and love for people, but remember that the one who gave you all this is able to take it from you in the blink of an eye," one of the respondents wrote to him.

In early January Salah conducted a comprehensive interview with the British GQ magazine with the headline of the article was: "How Muhammad Salah became the new king of world football", during which he also modeled and provided quite a few poses that quite a few people in his homeland saw crossing a border for Muslim and family man.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mohamed Salah (@mosalah)

Another case was after an interview with him on "MBC".

Salah said in an interview that he adores singer Taylor Swift and when asked about his opinion on drinking alcohol (something forbidden by Islam), given that he lives in England, Salah replied that he does not drink but does not attack the custom that in the kingdom he is an integral part of football.

The answer again provoked criticism among clerics on the grounds that it was not sharp enough.

Many expected Salah to respond sharply just as another leading Egyptian actor did - Muhammad Abu Trika, who objected for example in an interview to homosexuality.

"Salah is afraid of being attacked in the West, and is afraid to show his religion with pride," Sheikh Hatem al-Hawayani wrote of him.

Another attack on him came last May during Operation Wall Guard.

While quite a few footballers put up posts in support of the Palestinians, Salah was more careful with his language.

"I call on world leaders, including Boris Johnson, to use their power to make sure that the violence and killing of innocent people is stopped."

In Egypt of course they saw this as a reconciled message and Salah was once again on fire.

"We waited for the pride of the Arab people to open their mouths, but we received a late and ashamed message instead. Salah did not mention the word Palestine, he did not mention who the innocent are, he just put the Israelis and Palestinians in the same place."

Football 🤝 Fashion

You can all tick 'Mo Salah becoming a knitwear fashion icon for GQ' off your 2022 lists now 🧶

📸 @ GQMagazine pic.twitter.com/rdOAOz3ttI

- Football Shirt Collective (@thefootballsc) January 11, 2022

When trying to understand how Salah in general gets such reactions, it is clear that it is jealousy, narrow-mindedness and complete blindness.

Salah's contribution to the image of Islam is enormous.

According to Stanford University researchers, Salah's arrival in Liverpool in 2017 led to an 18.9% drop in hate crimes in the city against Muslims.

"If he scores a few more goals, I'll be a Muslim too. If he's good enough for you, he's good for me too," sing Liverpool fans, giving another angle on his impact.

If the slander he suffers is not enough, every time Salah wears the national team uniform, there is a feeling that she is 20 kg heavier than what happens in Liverpool. Reply.

Salah in Egyptian uniform.

Tonight another big test awaits him, Photo: Reuters

Salah unfortunately moves constantly in the seam line between doing what he wants in his life and expecting him to set an example as a close Islamic.

Unfortunately, the draw for the quarterfinals summoned to Egypt tonight (18:00, Sports Channel) a battle of giants against the Ivory Coast and one thing is clear.

To put the controversy aside, he needs to provide another evening for the Pantheon.

If the champion of the championship wins, will be dismissed already at this stage, the arrows will be directed to one person.

Were we wrong?

Fixed!

If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us