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A Star on the Horizon
Hashim Amla Professional Cricketer
In a world where fame is all-pervading, it is heartening to come
across a young man who cares not for fame, a young man grounded in his
principles, a young man unassuming enough to just be himself. Meet Hashim Amla,
a young South African man who made headlines last year when he was selected to
play for the Proteas, the national cricket team.
Having his face splashed across the front page of every newspaper
did nothing to dent the wholesome modesty this young man possesses.
Born in a small town north of Durban, Natal, Amla grew up playing
outdoors under the South African sun "and getting sunburnt," he
laughs.
Sport played a huge role in these outdoor games. It was when he
moved to DHS a school renowned for its sporting and academic heritage that
Amla flourished. Sport was no longer just a childhood game it was evolving
into a career. Amla was chosen for the provincial team, Nashua Dolphins;
captained the U-19 South African team; and was finally selected for the Proteas
at the tender age of 21 a position lauded by the press as well
deserved.
But alas, after playing in only two test matches, he was dropped
from the squad. Cries of racism resounded through the country. Amla, mature for
his years and firm in his faith, succinctly says, "Although it was disappointing
for me not to do as well as I wanted to, it was taqdeer. I had worked
hard to get there, but Allah knows best. This belief helped me overcome the
disappointment."
It is this quality which makes Hashim Amla an inspiration. Most
people in his situation would lap up the fame, and blame other factors for their
performance. He continues to work hard at his game and seeks assistance from
Allah with patience and salah. Amla is grateful to also have the guidance
of the Ulema-e-Haq, of whom he says, "This association with learned and elderly
people keeps me grounded."
For Amla, success comes from balancing worldy activities with
deen.
Today, many Muslim youth are apologetic about their faith. Not
Hashim Amla. Together with his fellow Muslim Dolphin teammates, brother Ahmed
Amla, and Imraan Khan, they offer their salah on the field. Despite the
rigorous heat, they fasted in Ramadan even when playing. This has gained them
great respect from both Muslims and non-Muslims. When Amla was selected for the
SA squad, he asked that he be excused from wearing the logo of an alcoholic
beverage sponsor. "Al-hamdu lillah," smiles Amla, "this request was met
with consideration for my beliefs."
Questions about Islam and its practises were raised and thus, on
and off the field, Amla has had excellent opportunities for da`wah work.
Over the years, he has met with many curious enquiries, specifically from his
teammates. Of them, Amla remarks, "My teammates have begun to understand what
Islam is, what Muslims do and how we lead our lives."
Is Amla, then, both a role model for Islam and youth?
Humbly, he replies, "I don't have wings, so I'm no angel. But if people see me
as a role model, I am grateful, al-hamdu lillah." He is especially
thankful for the support and encouragement from young fans. "I see the boy I
once was in them," he says. "I see the dreams I once cherished, and am now
realising. I would love to see more Muslim youth involved in professional sport,
provided it doesn't interfere with them practising the beautiful teachings of
Islam. A conservative attitude that sport is not a stable career exists. If you
have faith, you cannot go wrong."
Amla adds that in a country ravaged by apartheid, youngsters
should avail themselves of the opportunities denied to their elders. His good
nature is exemplified when he comments, "And it is always pleasing in the heart
to see a fellow Muslim do well."
On friends and family, Amla urges youth to connect with
their parents. "I have learned so much from my parents by merely observing their
qualities, let alone the lessons and advice they have given me. Undoubtedly,
righteous friends are imperative. They play a huge role in molding us be it
positive or negative."
In his spare time, Amla pursues knowledge by reading Islamic
literature and sporting biographies. Spending time alone with his thoughts and
mentally visualising his game, are integral in helping him maintain a winning
streak. He reiterates that for success, youth should work hard, and use the
golden key salah and du`aa'.
Where does Amla see the future leading him? "I leave my fate
up to the Almighty," he says with true conviction. But he prays for a cricket
history which will place him in the record books. The conversation takes a
personal turn. At 22, Hashim Amla says that marriage is in the plans for the
future, but he's not sure how soon. The girl whom he chooses will be blessed to
have him as a husband.
Hashim Amla epitomises a rare breed in today's times a young man with
excellent character. May Allah bless him in all that he strives
for.
** Bibi Ayesha Wadvalla is a
Biomedical Science student, a freelance journalist and an active youth worker in
South Africa. She can be contacted at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
*************************************************************************** {Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.} (Holy Quran-16:125) {And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."} (Holy Quran-41:33) The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "By Allah, if Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you than the best types of camels." [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim] The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, "Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all." [Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- All views expressed herein belong to the individuals concerned and do not in any way reflect the official views of IslamCity unless sanctioned or approved otherwise. If your mailbox clogged with mails from IslamCity, you may wish to get a daily digest of emails by logging-on to http://www.yahoogroups.com to change your mail delivery settings or email the moderators at [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the title "change to daily digest". YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
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