I am proud to say I’m a Muslim like Mo Salah... my friends understand more about Islam now
As the last light of day fades from the Liverpool skyline, the congregation at England’s first mosque breaks its daily Ramadan fast.
Between mouthfuls of samosa, talk turns to the Champions League Final and there is one name on everyone’s lips, local hero Mo Salah.
The Egyptian is worshipped at Anfield after scoring 44 goals during his first season.
But this year’s PFA Footballer of the Year’s performance off the pitch is proving just as inspirational.
For Salah is breaking down barriers around his faith.
At the mosque, Abdul Hadeya, 14, says: “I’m proud to say I’m a Muslim like Mo. He has made a big difference. My friends understand a lot more about Islam now. That makes me happy.”
And Mo’s influence is reaching way beyond Merseyside.
His lastminute penalty against Congo put Egypt through to next month’s World Cup – their first in almost 30 years. That accounts for a million Egyptians writing his name on ballot papers in the recent General Election, even though he wasn’t standing. And, if he can guide Liverpool to victory over Real Madrid tonight in Kiev, Salah’s status as football’s first Muslim superstar will be sealed.
His remarkable year has given rise to a unique chant at Anfield. “If he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too.”
Salah is no preacher, preferring to let his feet do the talking.
But his attendance at the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, just outside the city centre, has attracted more than 100 youngsters to prayers this season. Friday evening prayers are now so popular the 500-strong congregation fills every room.
Alongside the British-born Muslims are those from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, including refugees from Afghanistan and Syria.
Many conversations and prayers at the mosque – the nation’s first, which opened in 1896 – are held in English rather than Arabic, because it is the only common language.
Anas Hussein, six, moved to Liverpool from Al Fayoum in Egypt with his family 18 months ago and regularly comes to the mosque with his father Oscar.
Like many young boys, Anas dreams of being a famous footballer.
Until recently the idea of watching a fellow Egyptian do that was unthinkable.
“I support Mo Salah,” he says, a bright red scarf draped