World Cup: Senegal Team Defies Storm Warning to Attend Jumu’ah
“Even if it were the World Cup final, we would still answer the call to prayer,” coach Pape Thiaw was widely reported as saying as Senegal’s squad chose worship over weather warnings.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Senegal national football team has drawn international attention after players and officials reportedly left their training base in New Jersey to attend the weekly Jumu’ah congregational prayer despite severe weather warnings issued by local authorities ahead of their World Cup preparations.
The decision, widely discussed across international media and social platforms, came after security officials reportedly advised members of the Senegalese delegation to remain indoors because of strong winds affecting parts of the state.
Yet the Lions of Teranga were said to have proceeded to a local mosque, placing what they viewed as a religious obligation above concerns over the adverse weather conditions.
According to widely circulated reports, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was questioned during a media briefing over the team’s decision.
When asked why the delegation ignored the weather advisory, Thiaw was reported to have replied that no worldly event could supersede obedience to Allah.
“Is there anything more important than prayer? We fear Allah, the One who created the wind. Even if the World Cup final were being played today and we were among the finalists, we would still go to perform Friday prayers.”
Although the remarks have circulated extensively online, they have not been independently confirmed through an official FIFA transcript. Nevertheless, they have generated admiration among many Muslims who viewed the episode as a public demonstration of unwavering faith.
For Muslims, the Friday congregational prayer is not merely a recommendation but a religious obligation upon adult Muslim men who are able to attend. The Holy Qur’an commands:
“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you, if only you knew.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah 62:9).
The following verse continues by permitting believers to resume their worldly activities after the prayer has concluded:
“Then when the prayer has ended, disperse through the land and seek the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often so that you may succeed.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah 62:10).
Islamic tradition also places extraordinary importance on Jumu’ah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday.” (Sahih Muslim).
In another narration, he warned against neglecting the weekly congregational prayer without valid excuse, saying that Allah may seal the hearts of those who repeatedly abandon it (Sahih Muslim).
The reported actions of the Senegal squad have therefore been interpreted by many observers as reflecting the priority Islam places on worship over worldly pursuits, including sport and entertainment.
Senegal’s national team has long been recognised for openly expressing Islamic values, with communal prayers and acts of worship regularly accompanying its international campaigns.
The episode has also reignited discussion about the balance between elite sporting commitments and religious observance, highlighting the personal choices athletes make when faith intersects with professional obligations.
Whether the reported exchange is ultimately verified in full or not, the incident has become a powerful talking point, illustrating how deeply religious identity continues to shape the lives of many of the world’s leading athletes even on football’s biggest stage.
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