Fireworks during the celebration at Doha Corniche, February 2, 2019. Abdul Basit © The Peninsula
UPDATE: When we contacted the lyricist Ayed bin Ghayda about the true meaning of the word "Shoomilah" as he meant in the song, he sent us a note with more details saying that it meant “adorn yourself and make him a target of your love. Leave the bad people and choose the good people.”
According to the poet, he used this as a metaphor for Qatar.
Doha: During the celebrations of Asian Cup victory by the Qatar football team the song ‘Shoomilah Shoomilah’ has gone viral among all – players and fans alike. Everyone – Arabs and non Arabs – were singing or playing the song on a loop during the past few days as the whole nation erupted in joy marking the historic victory of the Al Annabi.
The song, written by Ayed bin Ghayda and composed by Abdullah Al Manai, has been in existence even before the Asian Cup, but it got a new life as the Qatari players were seen singing it after their thumping victory over UAE. In a small video posted on social media, the players were singing ‘Shoomilah Shoomilah’ inside their locker room. This video was shared widely and it became like an anthem for the team and its celebrations.
Even though the song has gone viral, not many people understood what the words meant. So what does the word ‘Shoomilah’ actually mean? We did a little digging and it was not that easy as many Arabic-speaking people were also not very sure about the meaning. The word is from old Arabic and is not that commonly used in the modern lexicon.
The lyrics by Ayed bin Ghayda describes Qatar and the people of Qatar. The song begins with Qatari folk music and a joyful melody. After which two words are repeated: "Shoomilah Shoomilah", which can be roughly translated to mean that “leave the bad people and choose the good people.”
The Qatar football players sang it after the win against UAE, asking the Asian Cup trophy to choose the right people.
"Shoomilah" was explained by Ayed bin Ghayda on the Al Majlis programme on Al Kass TV as a word sometimes used to advise brides to select the noble person. This song, originally sung by Qatari singers ‘Al Majmoua’, is also played regularly at weddings and other such gatherings.
Many people started posting edited videos of the song to celebrate the journey of the Qatari team at the 2019 Asian Cup. Even some of the international football stars in Qatar like the Dutch legend Sneijder who plays for Al Gharafa has posted a clip of him singing ‘Shoomilah Shoomilah’.
The lyrics of the song, made after the illegal blockade was imposed, also talks about connections between generations and how all generations are close to Qatar and also warns the enemies “that nothing will help you if you touch our land.”
The song goes on to describe the loyalty and sincerity of the people of Qatar.
The official video of the song:
Qatar on Friday stunned Japan 3-1 to win the Asian Cup and cap a commanding run of form that saw the young side remain undefeated in seven matches.
Feared striker Almoez Ali produced a breath-taking overhead kick for his team's opening goal in the 12th minute before team-mate Abdulaziz Hatim made it 2-0 with a spectacular left-footed during shot from outside the box close to the half-hour mark.
Japan reduced the deficit with a neat effort from Takumi Minamino in the 69th minute but young Qatar star Akram Afif converted a penalty kick (83) to seal Qatar's title triumph in their maiden final appearance. After the final whistle, captain Hassan Al Haydos received the winner's trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the company of AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.
Thousands of jubilant citizens and expatriates welcomed Qatar National Football Team, the champion of 2019 AFC Asian Cup, by chanting slogans of victory and carrying Qatari flags at main podium of celebration on the Doha Corniche on Saturday.
