Faith and football converge at this Subang Jaya mosque

PETALING JAYA: On World Cup match nights, the dining hall at Masjid Al Falah in Subang Jaya fills with football fans eager to catch the action on screen.

But before kick-off, many of them gather for prayers.

The mosque has found an unusual way to channel football fever into something more meaningful, turning late-night match screenings into opportunities for worship, reflection and community building.

Through its “Jom Qiam & Layan Bola” initiative, football fans are invited not only to watch matches together but also to participate in “qiamullail” – voluntary late-night prayers performed before dawn – along with religious talks, congregational prayers and other spiritual activities.

Masjid Al Falah overseer Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Tahir said the idea came from observing how football fans often gather in large groups to watch matches.

An enthusiast himself, Syed Zainal Abidin saw the sport’s popularity among youths as an opportunity to make the mosque feel more welcoming and familiar to them.

“Rather than young people spending their nights elsewhere watching football, we decided to provide a space within the mosque where they can enjoy the matches while also engaging in acts of worship.

“Football is not the main focus; it just serves as a gateway to bring them closer to the mosque,” he told Bernama.

To avoid disturbing worshippers in the main prayer hall, matches are screened in the mosque’s dining hall, which has been transformed into a “World Cup Corner”.

Free food and drinks are provided, while quizzes add to the atmosphere, with prizes such as football jerseys and balls up for grabs.

Syed Zainal Abidin, who is also chairman of Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor, said the programme was designed to be light, accessible and youth-friendly.

The sessions begin about 30 minutes before kick-off with a short religious talk and prayers. Participants then watch the match together before gathering again for dawn prayers.

During half-time breaks, they take part in spiritual activities including solat sunat and interactive sessions.

To Syed Zainal Abidin, the encouraging response shows how sports-based programmes can help strengthen young people’s connection with mosques and their communities.

He hopes more mosques will explore creative approaches that reflect current community needs while preserving their core role as centres of worship and Muslim development.

“Mosques must remain relevant and serve as spaces that bring together people from all walks of life, including families and non-Muslims who wish to better understand its role as an active and inclusive community hub,” he said.