Qatar is a Muslim-majority country with Islam as the state religion. Salafi version of Islam is the state sponsored brand of Sunni Islam in the country, making Qatar one of the many Salafi states in the Muslim world, along with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Sudan, Indonesia and Palestine.[1][2]
The local population, made up of Qataris, are all Muslims although there are high numbers of foreign workers in Qatar which varies the Muslim population. According to the CIA World Factbook, as of 2010 an estimated 67.7% of the population is Muslim, while 13.8% is Christian, another 13.8% Hindu, and 3.1% Buddhist.[3] Foreign workers, mainly from South Asia constitute most of the population of Qatar. In 2024, there is a total of 2,000 mosques[4] recorded in the country.[5]
History
Islam spread over the entire Arabian region in the 7th century in a string of widespread conflicts resulting in the Islamization of the native Arabian pagans. Muhammad sent his first military envoy, Al-Ala'a Al-Hadrami, to Munzir ibn Sawa Al Tamimi, the ruler of the region of Bahrain, which extended from the coast of Kuwait to the south of Qatar, in the year 628 AD inviting him to accept Islam as he had invited other kingdoms and empires of his time such as Byzantium and Persia. Munzir, responding to Muhammad, announced his acceptance of Islam, and most of the inhabitants of Qatar became Muslim, heralding the beginning of the Islamic era in Qatar.[6]
It is likely that some settled populations in Qatar did not immediately convert to Islam. Isaac of Nineveh, a 7th-century Syriac Christian bishop regarded as a saint in some churches, was born in Qatar.[7][8] Other notable Christian scholars dating to this period who hailed from Beth Qatraye include Dadisho Qatraya, Gabriel of Qatar and Ahob of Qatar. By the end of the 7th century, however, most of the Christians had either converted to Islam or migrated elsewhere.[9]
During Islam's early years, Qatar's inhabitants are thought to have subscribed to the radical Khawarij ideology.[10] During the Second Fitna, a renowned Khariji commander named Qatari ibn al-Fuja'a, who was described as the most popular and powerful Khariji leader,[11] led the Azariqa, a sub-sect of the Khawarij, in to numerous battles.[12] He held the title of Amir al-Mu'minin and ruled over the radical Azariqa movement for more than 10 years.[13] Born in Al Khuwayr in Qatar,[14] he also minted the first known Kharjite coins, the earliest of which dated to 688 or 689.[12] The historic flag flown by Qatar was plain red, in correspondence with the red banner traditionally used by the Kharjite Muslims.[15]
At a tertiary level of education Islamic Studies is taught at Qatar University, and at Hamad Bin Khalifa University's (HBKU) Faculty of Islamic Studies where a master's degree is offered. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the consort of the Father Emir and mother of current Emir, is the most notable graduate.[16]
Islam's role in scientific discovery has also been an area of interest for the Qatar Foundation, and recently, the Society for Muslim Scientists was established with prominent members. In 2010, the joint venture between Bloomsbury Publishing and Qatar Foundation began, which saw them publish the book, ‘Science in Islam’.[18]
Qatar's religious ministry uses the Fanar, Qatar Islamic Cultural Center as an outreach center for Islam. Fanar Culture Center is involved in several social, religious and educational activities. In addition to housing one of the largest mosques in Qatar, the center also publishes religious studies and provides lessons in Arabic and Islam. Among Fanar's facilities is a library with Islamic literature and manuscripts.[19]
Islamic studies is a core class that all Qatari and Muslim citizens must take in most schools in Qatar. For example, one of many schools is Hamilton International School, who mention on their official website that “It is compulsory for all Muslim students to study Islamic Studies”.[20]
Demography
A typical indoor prayer hall in a Qatari mosque.
The constitution states Islam is the state religion and sharia shall be “a main source” of legislation. According to the constitution, the Emir must be Muslim. The constitution guarantees the freedom to practice religious rites in accordance with “the maintenance of public order and morality.” The law punishes “offending” Islam or any of its rites or beliefs or committing blasphemy against Islam, Christianity, or Judaism. Sunni and Shia Muslims and eight Christian denominations constitute the registered religious groups in the country. Unregistered religious groups are illegal, but authorities generally permitted them to practice their faith privately. Proselytizing for any faith other than Islam is prohibited.[21]
Shiites comprise around 10% of Qatar's Muslim population.[24] Several of Qatar's most notable merchant families have historically been Shia. Qatari Shiites are granted religious liberty and some have held government positions.[25] In contrast to the Shiites in nearby Bahrain, the Qatari Shiites have an identical dress, dialect and culture to Qatari Sunnis.[26] However, there have been a small amount of societal conflicts between Shiites and Sunnis within the country. One notable instance is the attempted demolition of a Shia cemetery near Doha in 2011 by a group of Wahhabi extremists allegedly affiliated with Qatar's Islamic ministry. Upon receiving news of this event, The Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa condemned the attempt and attended a Shia funeral as a sign of respect.[25]
Ramadan, the ninth and most revered month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. This period is characterized by the obligatory observation of fasting (sawm), wherein adherents abstain from consuming food and beverages from dawn until dusk. In Qatar, the commencement and culmination of Ramadan are determined by the Moon Sighting Committee within the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. This committee observes the crescent moon, signaling both the conclusion of Ramadan and the onset of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast. The cyclic nature of the lunar Islamic calendar, with months alternating between 29 and 30 days in length, shifts its start date approximately ten days earlier each year.[27]
Preceding the commencement of fasting, Qataris engage in preparatory rituals and communal gatherings, exemplified by the observance of Sha'ban, the month prior to Ramadan, with al naflah festivities. Families share traditional meals such as harees and tharid with neighbors and the less fortunate. During Ramadan, Qatar's cities are adorned with festive decorations and host several pre-fasting celebrations. Hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues hold special events and offer promotions.[27]
The daily fast commences at sunrise, following the consumption of suhur, the pre-dawn meal designed to sustain individuals throughout the day. Iftar is the meal marking the fast's conclusion at sunset and typically begins with the consumption of dates. This is accompanied by the traditional firing of a Ramadan cannon, a practice steeped in historical significance. This tradition, continuing to this day in Qatar, is broadcast live on national television and can be observed at various locations such as Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village and Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. In the hours following iftar, the city bustles with activity as businesses and cultural venues reopen after daytime closures. Tarawih prayers are held in mosques following the evening prayer (Isha) to complete the recitation of the Qur'an by the conclusion of Ramadan.[27]
In the past, al-musaharati roamed the farjan (neighborhoods) during the month of Ramadan, beating his drum to wake people up for suhur.[28] This drumming would be accompanied by Islamic chants, such as "Wake up sleeper to worship the creator." Once common in the country, this tradition is rarely practiced nowadays, though there has been a revival in recent years.[29]
Eid festivities in Qatar take place during significant dates in the Islamic lunar calendar. The two key holidays are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr, which means the "festivity of breaking the fast", takes place on the first day of the tenth month post-Ramadan. This event denotes the conclusion of fasting and promotes philanthropy, with Qatari households graciously donating to various causes. This nationwide holiday witnesses day-time closures of educational institutions, offices, and commercial establishments. Lively exhibitions and participatory happenings take place at shopping centers and public arenas.[30] The inaugural Eid Al-Fitr Festival, organized by Qatar Tourism, was launched on 4 May 2022 and lasted for three days. Celebrations were held on the Doha Corniche featuring performances from Qatari and Arab musicians. It is estimated that about 10,000 to 15,000 spectators attended the festivities each day.[31]
Eid al-Adha, known as the "celebration of sacrifice", aligns with the conclusion of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. This solemn event, observed on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijja, commemorates the narrative of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrificial act. Families convene for prayers and feasts, echoing the essence of unity and devotion portrayed in the Quranic narrative. Traditional customs entail the dispensation of meat from sacrificial beasts to kinfolk and the underprivileged.[30]
Throughout Eid festivities, children eagerly traverse neighborhoods, exuberantly exchanging greetings and collecting their "Eidiyah" – a customary monetary gift. This treasured practice heightens the festive ambiance as youngsters recite folk songs and phrases while going door to door. Eid salutations like "Eid Mubarak" and "Eid Saeed" impart blessings and joy, while "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair" extends wishes for robust health and prosperity.[30]
Islamic traditions
Haya Baya is a regional tradition dating back several centuries that is practiced by girls aged 8 to 12 years old on the Day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijja in the Islamic calendar, which precedes Eid al-Adha. It is named after Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as the snake plant in English and hayya bayya in Qatar,[32] alternatively spelled hia bia.[33] In Bedouin society, while young boys were traditionally engaged in manual labor and slaughtering animals in the months leading up to Eid al-Adha, such work was not expected of young girls; thus, they used their time to take care of and nurture plants, particularly the snake plant, but could also include grains like wheat and barley. These plants would be grown in small wicker baskets made of palm fronds. These baskets were nurtured and grown for about eight days or more, starting from the first day of Dhu al-Hijja. They would then be tossed into the sea at sunset on the Day of Arafah, symbolizing the larger sacrifices associated with Eid al-Adha.[32]
During this ceremonial sacrifice, the girls dress in traditional attire, such as the al bakhnaq embroidered with zari thread, and perform songs specific to the occasion, such as praying to God to make their Eid joyous and for the safe return of pilgrims from Hajj. This historically provided an alternative form of participation in the festive aspects of Eid al-Adha for girls. The practice continues to be promoted and practiced by cultural institutions.[32]
Clothing
People in Qatar dress in very traditional ways because it is an Islamic country. People who are visiting should dress in a way that respects the customs of the area, but they don’t have to dress like the locals. People who come to Qatar are not expected or forced to dress in traditional Qatari clothes or cover themselves completely. There isn't a strict dress code for outsiders, but everyone is asked to wear modest, conservative clothes that are comfortable and don't show too much skin. Ladies who come to visit should dress modestly and cover their shoulders to their knees. Women don't have to cover their heads. Women are allowed to wear shorts and skirts as long as they are not short or tight. As a male visitor, you should wear shirts, t-shirts or polo shirts with light slacks or cargo pants that are either full-length or three-quarter-length. If you want to wear shorts in the summer, make sure they reach your knees. Also avoid inappropriate slogans on clothing. [34]
Adhan
The Muslim call for prayer 5 times a day, also known as the adhan, is an important Islamic tradition in Qatar. The prayer call is a significant aspect of Islam in Qatar. All mosques in Qatar call for prayer 5 times daily (fajr, dhuhr, asr,maghrib, isha) at specific time, according to the position of the sun. Qatar prayer timings may vary depending on the time of year. through the microphones and the sound echoes through the whole area and is heard in all the streets and houses in Qatar. Many tourists have various opinions on the prayer call and it’s very surprising and unexpected to many. Prayer Time Qatar holds profound significance in Islam, serving as a reminder of faith and devotion to God. It is essential for Muslims as it fosters a direct connection with God, provides spiritual discipline, and structures the day around moments of reflection and peace[35]. Praying five times daily is a fundamental pillar of Islam, symbolizing obedience, submission, and a constant renewal of faith. These calls resound from mosques, delivered by a dedicated muezzin, the individual entrusted with this sacred role. When issuing the call to prayer, the muezzin chants the Takbir and the Kalimah. Historically, these calls were rendered from the minaret of the mosque without the aid of amplification. Nevertheless, in contemporary times, many mosques have embraced the use of loudspeakers to ensure that the faithful can hear the call with utmost clarity. In Doha, Qatar, prayer times hold great significance for the Muslim population, as they mark moments of spiritual connection and reflection throughout the day. The five daily prayers, known as Salat, are observed by Muslims as a fundamental part of their faith which is why it is the Islam law to have a mosque within walking distance of all Muslim people. [36]
Use of Language
It is common to hear Muslims use phrases such as “alhamdulillah”, which means “praise be to God” or “thank God,” and “Inshallah,” which means “if God wills it.” The traditional Arabic Muslim greeting of “as-salamu alaikum,” means “peace be upon you.” References to God, such “ya Allah” and “Allahu akhbar,” can be heard in times of tribulation or celebration.[37]
Islamic visitor attractions
Education City Mosque is renowned for its architecture which is adorned with Arabic calligraphy. It has a worshiper capacity of 1,800 in its main prayer hall and 1,000 in its courtyard.[38]
The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, built in 2008, was inspired by Islamic architecture.[39] The Museum of Islamic Art represents Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years.[40] Its collection includes metal work, ceramics, jewelry, wood work, textiles, and glass obtained from three continents and dating from the 7th to the 20th century.[41]
The Sheikh Abdullah Al Ansari Complex for the Holy Quran and Science was opened over a 5,000 square meter area in Hazm Al Markhiya, Doha in 2014. Containing many religious and literary works, the complex hosts the Qatari Calendar House, the Center for Islamic Studies, and the Sheikh Al-Ansari Library. It was named after the founder of the Qatari Almanac, which served as an important guide for Muslims all over the Persian Gulf since its first publication in the 1950s.[42]
↑ Zeidan, A. (2024, September 22). Salafi movement. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Salafi-movement
↑ "Qatar". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. 22 June 2022. Section: People and Society– Religions. Last updated 30May 2017. Retrieved 9June 2017.
↑ al-Aqlām. Vol.1. Wizārat al-Thaqāfah wa-al-Irshād. وذكر في وفيات الاعيان لابن خنكان ابو نعامة قطري بن الفجاءة واسمه جعونة ين مازن بن يزيد اين زياد ين حبتر بن مالك ين عمرو رين تهيم بن مر التميمي الثسيباني ولد في الجنوب الشرقي من قرية الخوير شمال قطر في
Eid al-Fitr is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar; this does not always fall on the same Gregorian day, as the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities. The holiday is known under various other names in different languages and countries around the world. The day is also known as the First Eid or as the Lesser Eid by some Muslim communities.
Eid al-Adha is the second of the two main holidays in Islam alongside Eid al-Fitr. It falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Celebrations and observances are generally carried forward to the three following days, known as the Tashreeq days.
Qatar observes several public holidays. The two weekend days are Friday and Saturday, similarly to other Islamic countries. Annual public holidays include:
Islam is the state religion in Bahrain. Due to an influx of immigrants and guest workers from non-Muslim countries, such as India, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, the overall percentage of Muslims in the country has declined since the late 20th century. Bahrain's 2010 census indicated that 90.2% of the population is Muslim. The last official census (1941) to include sectarian identification reported 55% as Shia and 45 per cent as Sunni of the Muslim population.
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It comes after Ramadan and before Dhu al-Qa'da.
There are two main holidays in Islam that are celebrated by Muslims worldwide: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The timing of both holidays are set by the lunar Islamic calendar, which is based upon the cycle of the moon, and so is different from the more common, European, solar-based Gregorian calendar. Every year, the Gregorian dates of the Islamic holidays change.
Eid Mubarak is an Arabic phrase that means "blessed feast or festival". The term is used by Muslims all over the world as a greeting to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This exchange of greetings is cultural tradition and not part of any religious obligation.
Eid prayers, also referred to as Salat al-Eid, are holy holiday prayers in the Islamic tradition. The literal translation of the word "Eid" in Arabic is "festival" or "feast" and is a time when Muslims congregate with family and the larger Muslim community to celebrate.
Jumu'atul-Wida is the last Friday in the month of Ramadan before Eid al-Fitr. This is a holy day for Muslims.
Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is a cultural organization in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is located close to Doha Corniche and is a prominent landmark in the city.
In Islam, Zakat al-Fitr, also known as Sadaqat al-Fitr or Zakat al-Fitrah, is a form of alms-giving which Islam considers required of every able Muslim at the end of Ramadan. The purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to enable poor people to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival to break the fast of Ramadan.
In Qatar, the Constitution, as well as certain laws, provide for freedom of association, public assembly, and worship in accordance with the requirements of public order and morality. Notwithstanding this, the law prohibits proselytizing by non-Muslims and places some restrictions on public worship. Islam is the state religion.
Dély Ibrahim is a suburb of the city of Algiers in northern Algeria. Here is located Serbian Military cemetery, created between 1916 and 1919. At the time in several coastal towns and villages in Algeria were more French military hospitals where the wounded and exhausted Serbian soldiers were treated. Those soldiers were from the island of Corfu and Vido transported for further treatment in the Allied military hospital in North Africa.
The culture of Qatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving from India, East Africa, and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. The peninsula's harsh climate has historically shaped the lifestyle of its inhabitants, driving a reliance on the sea for sustenance and fostering a distinct emphasis on maritime activities within local culture. Arts and literature themes are often related to sea-based activities. Qatari folklore and music best exemplify the state's marine tradition, with pearling trips serving as the main inspiration for music and traditional Qatari myths like May and Ghilân being centered around the sea.
Qatar is an Islamic state with multi-religious minorities like most of the Persian Gulf countries with waves of migration over the last 30 years. The official state religion is Sunni Islam. The community is made up of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and small groups of Buddhists and Baha’is. Muslims form 65.5% of the Qatari population, followed by Christians at 15.4%, Hindus at 14.2%, Buddhists at 3.3% and the rest 1.9% of the population follow other religions or are unaffiliated. Qatar is also home to numerous other religions mostly from the Middle East and Asia.
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