Khabib’s Impact On Me, and The World
In October of 2018, Khabib fought Conor McGregor in a highly anticipated showdown between two of the sports biggest stars.
Building up to the fight, heated exchanges in the media and during press conferences raged. Conor insulted Khabib viciously, even attacking his family and his faith.
Khabib prepared for the fight, not allowing himself to be mentally weakened, waiting to get his chance to fight back in the octagon.
He displayed patience and confidence, representing the ideals of Islam, a shining example for millions of Muslim kids around the world.
I have a personal story about Khabib that I will carry with me the rest of my life.
Prior to his fight with Conor, I had just launched an Islamic clothing brand (www.ihsancompany.com). I had released my first T-shirt design and was selling them amongst my friends.
With Khabib’s fight coming up and him being one of my heroes, I wanted to send him a free T-shirt.
I tried reaching out to him on social media as well as everyone around him to no avail. I sent messages to his brothers, manager, friends, and more, but I couldn’t get in touch with anybody.
I suddenly had an idea to reach out to the gym that he was working out at in preparation for the fight.
I emailed the front desk, and asked if I could send a package and have the receptionist deliver it to him. They said to send it.
I packaged up a T-shirt, wrote a quick note, and sent it.
Having no way to communicate with Khabib, I patiently waited to see what would happen.
A few days later, a video surfaced online where several young Muslims visited Khabib at the gym in a meet and greet event prior to the fight. As I looked closer, I noticed Khabib was wearing the shirt I sent him! I took screenshots and sent it to my friends. I was ecstatic.
The next day, an ESPN interview with Khabib was posted on YouTube. In the video, Khabib was wearing the shirt.
At this point, I was overjoyed. I couldn’t believe he was wearing it on an ESPN interview that went viral. Not only that, I realized that with no communication, Khabib decided that he wanted to wear it. I knew he must like the design that I created.
This special moment will always be treasured by me, and I hope to meet him one day and tell him that it was me who sent the shirt.
As his career comes to a close, we remember him for his unwavering and unapologetic representation of Islam at the highest level.
Khabib is a special person, a once in a lifetime talent who fueled his platform with his identity, rather than doing what would get him richer and more famous.
He was a warrior who did not fear any man, and who treated his opponents with respect and humility.
He showed young Muslims how to be proud of their religion instead of trying to hide it to fit in.
He showed the world what Islam was truly about, rather then letting the media define it.
He treated his parents with ultimate respect, to the point where he felt his career could not go on without his father by his side and he left millions on the table to be with his widowed mother.
He carried the banner of Islam in a world where Muslims are being subjugated and silenced around the world.
We pray for his continued success in whatever he decides to do next, and for his beloved father to be granted the highest level of paradise. Ameen.
