Ghanim Al-Muftah is a young man from Qatar who has accomplished a great deal in his short life despite facing significant challenges. Born on May 5, 2002 with a rare condition called ABC that caused the lower half of his body not to grow, Al-Muftah has had to learn to walk on his hands. Despite this disability, he has pursued a wide range of interests and activities, including sports like scuba diving, rock climbing, football, and swimming, and he even climbed the Jebel Shams mountain, which is 9,827 feet tall.
Al-Muftah’s determination and resilience have allowed him to achieve things that many people with fully functioning bodies might not have even attempted. He has pushed himself to the limits, and has proven that no matter what obstacles we may face, we can still achieve great things if we set our minds to it.
In addition to his physical pursuits, Al-Muftah has also been active in advocacy for people with disabilities. He has traveled around the Middle East to visit a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon and speak at the Paralympics in Qatar in 2015. He has also given TED talks and has a large social media following on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok. In these talks and posts, Al-Muftah has shared his experiences and insights about living with a disability, and has encouraged others to embrace their differences and strive to reach their full potential.
One of Al-Muftah’s most high-profile appearances was at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he participated in a memorable conversation with Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman. In their intro, Al-Muftah said: “We sent out the call because everyone is welcome. This is an invitation to the whole world,” while dressed in a thobe and walking to the stage with the use of his hands. He then recited a verse from the Quran, saying: “We were raised to believe that we were scattered on this earth as nations and tribes, so we could learn from each other and find beauty in our differences.”
Freeman replied: “I can see it. What unites us here, in this moment, is so much greater than what divides us. How can we make it last longer than just today?”
To which Al-Muftah responded: “With tolerance and respect, we can live together under one big home.”
This exchange was a powerful moment, showcasing not only the dialogue between Al-Muftah and Freeman, but also the connection Al-Muftah made with the Quran. It was a reminder that despite our differences, we can come together and find common ground. Al-Muftah’s words were particularly poignant in the context of the FIFA World Cup, which is a global event that brings people from all over the world together to celebrate the beautiful game.
In addition to his public speaking and social media presence, Al-Muftah has also written several books with his mother. These books share his personal story and offer guidance and inspiration for others facing challenges in their own lives. Al-Muftah’s ability to communicate his experiences and insights in a compelling and engaging way has made him a role model for people of all ages.
In conclusion, Ghanim Al-Muftah is a truly remarkable young man who has overcome numerous challenges and has used his platform to inspire and empower others. He is a role model for people of all ages. His message of tolerance and respect is one that the world desperately needs to hear. His determination, resilience, and positive attitude serve as a reminder that no matter what obstacles we may face, we can always strive to reach our full potential.
غانم المفتاح في افتتاح بطولة كأس العالم ٢٠٢٢
Official FIFA World Cup Opening 2022#غانم_المفتاح#GhanimAlMuftah pic.twitter.com/nqpRdxiNqD— غانم المفتاح | Ghanim Al-Muftah (@g_almuftah) November 20, 2022
In addition to his advocacy work, Al-Muftah has also excelled in his academic pursuits. Despite the challenges he has faced due to his disability, he has consistently excelled in school and has achieved excellent grades. His dedication to his studies and his ability to overcome obstacles in order to succeed are further testament to his determination and resilience.
Outside of his academic and advocacy work, Al-Muftah is also an avid sports enthusiast. As mentioned before, he has participated in a variety of sports, including scuba diving, rock climbing, football, and swimming. He has even climbed the Jebel Shams mountain, which is 9,827 feet tall. These sports not only provide physical challenges that help him stay active and healthy, but they also provide a sense of accomplishment and a way for him to push himself to his limits.
In addition to his physical pursuits, Al-Muftah is also a talented musician. He plays the oud, a stringed instrument that is popular in many parts of the Middle East. He has even performed in front of large audiences, showcasing his musical skills and his confidence in his abilities.
Overall, Ghanim Al-Muftah is a truly remarkable young man who has achieved a great deal in his short life. His determination, resilience, and positive attitude are an inspiration to people of all ages. His message of tolerance and respect is one that the world desperately needs to hear. He is a role model for people with disabilities. And his example shows that no matter what challenges we may face, we can always strive to reach our full potential and make a positive impact on the world.