The Price of Faith (A Look at Khabib Nurmagomedov's Victory)

“Islam is the only religion acceptable to Allah.” [Al-Imran, 19]. “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.” [Al-Imran, 85]. In the hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Islam is high and nothing surpasses its height. Islam clearly and concisely presents itself as a religion and belief. It is neither skeptical nor sophist.

As a religion, Islam guides its adherents to believe in the truth and to oppose all forms of falsehood or anything that contradicts that truth. To challenge does not mean to oppose, but to defend one's beliefs.

Because, when he defends his beliefs, he is defending the truth. A truth born of his conviction about his religion, Islam. In truth, that is the attitude of a true Muslim. Faith will make him brave, not afraid to challenge death. Undaunted, even in a fight.

Undoubtedly, the UFC, operated by William Morris Endeavor, has been broadcasting a major fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia and Conor McGregor of Ireland. In fact, the buzz surrounding the fight between these two fighters had been reverberating for months.

Analysts made predictions about who would win the match, both Gregor and Khabib's camps. Khabib Nurmagomedov emerged victorious. Khabib secured his victory with rear naked choke or victory by locking the enemy's neck in the 4th round. The victory over Gregor extended Khabib's fighting career with an undefeated record.

Despite Khabib's victory, something unexpected happened after the match ended. Khabib suddenly jumped out of the ring. octagon  Flying to attack McGregor's coaching staff. A very brave action by Khabib. Of course, this action received a lot of criticism. negative response from the elite who call themselves 'professionals.

International and national media outlets immediately covered Khabib's actions in a frenzy. UFC fighter Tony Ferguson commented, "They should be professionals," adding, "McGregor's pre-fight taunts about religion, country, and Khabib's father are no excuse for the Russian fighter to be so brutal."

UFC president Dana White also issued equally harsh criticism, saying, "Nurmagomedove should have controlled his temper." He also said, "Khabib is ridiculous." He also made several other sharp comments that cornered Khabib.

If we look clearly at the root of the problem behind Khabib Nurmagomedov's actions, of course these actions are more... “professional” from what they accuse. Why do they just casually say, "Khabib is unprofessional!" "You are unprofessional!" To the point that the word "professional" becomes a defense even for violating religious norms, and they claim that their actions are unprofessional.

It's truly naive, and therein lies the trap. Because the very meaning of the word "professional" is problematic and full of pitfalls. Fortunately, Khabib didn't fall for the word "professional"; instead, he acted very professionally in defending his religion, family, and country.

A Muslim will be considered unprofessional if he defends his beliefs and religion. Muslims will be accused of being unprofessional, (extremist), and radical if he still brings religion into competition. Muslims will be stamp it's not “professional” if you don't have a glass of beer or something. alcohol. Under the pretext of being "professional" they also force Muslim women to remove their headscarves and expose their private parts in a games or competition event.

A rotten and evil trap. Isn't this a dangerous trap for the Muslim faith? We will be silenced when our religion or beliefs are abused or mocked. Muslims will be insulted if religion is brought into any contestation, including politics, economics, social issues, culture, and so on.

The Western world defines the word "professional" arbitrarily, and many Muslims fall prey to this trap. Khabib's actions represent a defense of his religion.

The word "professional" comes from the word 'profession' in English which was then absorbed into Indonesian to become 'profession'. In Latin it is called 'Profecus' which means to acknowledge, be capable of, or be skilled at doing a job. So, the word "professional" should be an advantage for Khabib because he is a "martial arts expert," more skilled than Tony Ferguson or other UFC fighters. Therefore, Tony Ferguson incorrectly used the phrase "They [Khabib] should be professional," because Khabib is the only undefeated fighter.

Passion Or Khabib's jealousy of his religion boiled over when his beliefs were insulted and demeaned. Should Muslims be professional when Islam is insulted? Should we be professional when our families are reviled? Should we be professional when Muslim women are forced to remove their headscarves or hijabs?

If our hearts are not called to defend it, then our attitude towards the religious beliefs that you hold may be problematic and should be questioned. It could be that the beliefs we hold are worthless. The beliefs we hold have no value or honor. Isn't this contrary to the beliefs that have been fought for by the ulama and the ambiya.

The price of a belief is important. Never underestimate it. Fight to defend him. Not fighting to let it happen, or fighting not to enforce it. If we are able to defend it then that is the best. Rather than being torn apart in humiliation and lowliness. In his book "Ghirah" Buya Hamka explains the meaning of Ghirah being jealous because of Allah;

"If the Indonesian people no longer possess passion, this nation will undoubtedly be easily colonized by foreigners in all aspects. If passion is lost from the heart, there is only one substitute: a shroud. Because, losing passion is the same as death!"

Buya Hamka's statement above opens our eyes and hearts. This is the challenge that Western nations struggle to face. They clearly want to unleash the passion within Muslims, but unfortunately, they instead accuse them of being unprofessional.

Perhaps the "professional" elites see this as ridiculous or a barbaric act. However, know that it's more civilized than they claim, because it's a form of justice. And justice means putting something in its rightful place. Khabib Normagomedove has proven that. civilized and more professional.

Because Khabib has taught the world the true meaning of professionalism: showing passion and refusing to allow one's chosen religion to be insulted or disrespected. It's worth noting that, in the Western world, insulting a religion or belief is not a violation. It's not even an insult. So it's no wonder they have no regard for their own beliefs. Naive!

As of the time of this article's publication, no media outlet has supported Khabib's actions. We've been unwittingly fooled by the trap of professionalism. However, Khabib has once again proven that he's not easily fooled or defeated.

He proved that his religious beliefs were greater than a mere title. Presidents, coaches, Muslims around the world, and his family were proud of his defense of racism from his opponents and those who supported him.

"Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah.. Allahuakbar" That's the phrase Khabib always shouts every time he wins a match in the Octagon. @BravoKhabib!