Fazal Masood Malik and Farhan Khokhar, Canada
With the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games recently concluded on 11 August, and the Paralympic Games set to begin on 28 August, the world has once again witnessed a spectacle of human athleticism and international goodwill. Every four years, the Summer Olympic Games demand our national attention, purportedly to bring nations together in friendly competition. But do they really? A closer look suggests that beneath the semblance of unity lies a more complex reality.
Take the closing ceremony. What should be a celebration of global harmony instead becomes a parade of national distinctions. Teams march under separate flags, and their success is measured not in the bridges they build but in the medals they win. It’s less “we are the world” and more “we are the champions.”
This dichotomy extends beyond the stadium. The United Kingdom dazzles with its athletes while wrestling with the fallout from Brexit and recent race riots. The United States tops medal tables while its politics grow dangerously polarised. China flexes its sporting muscle even as questions about human rights persist at home. It is as if these nations are saying, “Look at our unity on the track, but don’t peek behind the curtain.”
The problem is not limited to the Olympics. In regional competitions, like the Asian Games and the Pan American Games, powerful nations like China and the United States often dominate, leaving smaller nations little more than bit players in a script written by the mighty.
The Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter” (Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”) appears to have lost its essence. Over the past century, the spirit of international unity through sport has eroded. Instead of bringing nations together, modern Olympics often seem to reinforce existing global power dynamics.
But if not sports, then what? How can we foster genuine global unity?
The Holy Quran, for example, offers this perspective: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognise one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you.” (Surah al-Hujurat, Ch.49: V.14)
The relentless pursuit of athletic excellence, while admirable, should not overshadow the fundamental humanity that connects all participants and spectators alike.
In his farewell sermon, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa stated:
“An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action.” (Musnad Ahmad, Ahadith rijalun min as-habi n-nabiyy)
These teachings point towards a more profound basis for unity than what international sporting events can offer. Our quest for global unity requires addressing the root causes of division and fostering a shared ethical framework that goes beyond any national boundaries.
One model of unity that deserves a closer look is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat under Khilafat. Rooted in the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, this system of spiritual leadership and ethical governance offers a vision of unity based on shared values rather than competition or national pride. While not universally accepted by all Muslims, it has proven effective in bridging divides, exemplifying an ideological framework that fosters unity more profoundly than sports alone.
Of course, transitioning from high-minded ideals of excellence in sports to practical realities is no small feat. The world is not about to abandon its beloved sporting events, nor should it. These games do have value, providing moments of genuine human connection and shared excitement among diverse communities.
But perhaps it is time to reconsider the role they play in uniting the increasingly disunited people. Rather than placing the burden of world peace on the shoulders of athletes, we should look to a spiritual framework that emphasises our shared humanity and ethical responsibilities.
The Holy Quran calls for a unity deeper than what can be achieved through temporary alliances, sporting or otherwise. “And hold fast, all together,” commands Allah in the Holy Quran, “by the rope of Allah and be not divided.” (Surah an-Nisa’, Ch.3: V.104) The guidance is that true global harmony comes from working together towards shared moral and ethical goals.
Interestingly, a practical example of such unity already exists. The Jalsa Salana, an annual gathering held by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, offers a complementary vision to competitive international events. Here, representatives from hundreds of nations come together to unite in prayer and praise of Allah. While there are flags, podiums, and awards (for academic excellence), the primary focus remains on spiritual growth and mutual understanding. It is living proof that true unity might be found not in proving our superiority over others but in recognising our shared humanity and common spiritual aspirations.
The race for true global unity is a desperate need of the hour, one that cannot be achieved without sacrifices at all levels. While sporting events will always have their place, perhaps it is time we looked to examples like the Jalsa Salana for inspiration. Perhaps, it is time for the world to look at Khilafat as the ultimate path to paradise.