By Abdullahi Yusuf

Manchester United has opened a prayer room at Old Trafford, to allow Muslim fans and others to enjoy matchdays along with their religious obligations.

A small portacabin has been painted red — the colour of the club — with a shoe rack, prayer mats, and a radiator to keep fans warm during those chilly Manchester match nights.

It was installed with the help of the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC) whose members were among the first to make use of the room.

“As the officially recognised Muslim supporters’ club of Manchester United, MUMSC has always worked to ensure that Muslim fans feel accommodated and valued at Old Trafford,” Asif Mahmud, Chairman of MUMSC told a source.

“The introduction of the multi-faith room is a significant step forward, and we are grateful to the club for working with us to make it a reality.”

Although Old Trafford previously had prayer spaces, they were often difficult or impossible for fans with tickets in different sections of the stadium to reach.

The new prayer facility is situated outside the legendary Stretford End stand, making it accessible to all fans on matchdays.

“Previously, those unable to access these rooms had to find quiet spaces around the stadium – near exits or stairwells – which was both inconvenient and a distraction to others,” he said.

“The new facility ensures that all fans, regardless of where they are seated, have a designated and respectful space to pray.”

The room can host 20 worshippers and was opened just in time for the club’s clash with Leicester, which the North West side went on to win 2-1. So far, fans have used it at every home game, complete with MUMSC embroidered prayer mats.

“The response from our members and the wider fanbase has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Mahmud.

“Having a dedicated space for prayer has made a real difference on matchdays, allowing Muslim fans to fulfil their religious obligations while continuing to support the team they love.”

The initiative has been welcomed by Manchester United fans, saying it is another step towards inclusivity and making Muslim supporters more welcome at matches, yet it has also started to attract some negative publicity.

One complaint, often by accounts pouring out right-wing messages, has been the presence of prayer mats and the shoe stand — associated with Muslim prayer — even though the club has stressed that people of all faiths are welcome to use the room.

“Unfortunately, there has also been unfair criticism and misrepresentation of the multi-faith room,” said Mahmud.

“Despite being a space designed for people of all faiths, some individuals — including United supporters — have deliberately mischaracterised it as a mosque, which it is not. The room is open to all fans, and we encourage everyone to use it as intended.”

Sadly, there have been threats on social media to “burn it down” and other hate comments hateful comments.

“These sentiments have no place in a modern, inclusive society where people from different backgrounds strive to integrate and contribute positively,” he said.

Fans have generally been united in their defence of the facility, slamming the cynical and dangerous politicisation of the prayer room. Others have pointed out that other Premier League clubs — such as arch-rivals Liverpool and Arsenal — have their own spaces for prayer.

One person on X had a succinct response to critics alleging that the room is catering to Muslims and not other faiths.

“Because the only people who bothered to push for a prayer room were Muslims. The prayer mats are even branded with the Muslim Man United Supporter initials. Invest in your religion if you care about it and you too can kit out the rooms with whatever you use. Really that simple,” they wrote.

Source – the New Arab

Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2347035616202 Email: thepeacemag@gmail.com

We represent Islamic advocacy and News Reporting. The primary objective is to use our platform to promote a better-informed society and the sanctity of the peaceful co-existence of man. It remains the flagship of Nigeria’s Islamic News magazines.
Kindly donate here;
PEACE MAGAZINE NIGERIA LIMITED,
TAJBank
0009931319