Morgan Freeman Did Not Announce Converting to Islam
The Claim
The American actor Morgan Freeman has converted to Islam during the opening of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
News posted on
Emerging story
Social media users are circulating news that the Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman has converted to Islam. According to the claim, Freeman converted during his participation in the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.
Misbarโs Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be fake. The actor did not announce converting to Islam and no reliable media outlet reported on the news.
Morgan Freeman kicks off the 2022 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Qatar
The FIFA World Cup Qatar kicked off in Dohaโs Al Bayt Stadium on 20 November 2022 with an opening ceremony that included Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman. Famous for his iconic deep voice, the actor narrated the lines: โWe gather here as one big tribe and Earth is the tent we all live in.โ
During the ceremony, Freeman was joined on stage by the 22-year-old Qatari disability activist and motivational speaker Ghanim Al Muftah. Together, they opened the ceremony with an exchange about unity, tolerance, and respect that included the recitation of a verse from the Quran.
Speaking to Freeman and to the audience, Al Muftah recited, โOh mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.โ This is the first time a verse from the Quran opens the FIFA World Cup.
Images and videos of Freeman and Al Muftah went viral on social media.
Fake News About Morgan Freemanโs Religion
This is not the first time Freeman has been subject to fake news regarding his religious beliefs. Online claims that Freeman has converted to Islam date back to at least 2015. Freeman previously presented โThe Story of God with Morgan Freeman,โ a National Geographic show that dived into various religions, including Islam. This has led to some speculation regarding his religious affiliations.
A 2019 Hollywood Reporter article previously mentioned that the formerly agnostic Freeman adheres to Zoroastrianism.
Morgan Freeman
Born in 1937, Morgan Freeman is an American actor, producer, and director. The iconic star has been in the film industry since 1964. He is well-known for his impeccable performances in various film genres.
Throughout his five-decade career, Morgan Freeman has earned several awards and accolades.
In 2005, Freeman won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood's film โMillion Dollar Baby.โ
Who is Ghanim Al Muftah?
Ghanim Al Muftah is a young Qatari born with Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare disorder that impairs the development of the lower spine.
Al Muftah has thrived despite his illness. He is a brand ambassador, a goodwill ambassador, and entrepreneur.
As a motivational speaker, he is followed by millions on social media platforms.
Al Muftah was chosen as a FIFA ambassador for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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