Qatar is a Muslim-majority country withIslam as the state religion. TheSalafi movement, in itsHanbali version ofIslam, is dominant in Qatar, making it one of the two Hanbali majority states in theMuslim world, along withSaudi Arabia. However, there is a largeShafi'i population,[1] with the country's most renowned Islamic scholarAli al-Qaradaghi belonging to the Shafi'i school.[2][3] Most South Asian Muslims in Qatar practice theHanafi school of Sunni Islam.[4]
The local population is mainly Muslim, but the massive population of migrant workers, far outnumbering the locals, comes from a variety of backgrounds. In 2010, 67.8% of the population was Muslim, 13.8% Christian, 13.8% Hindu and 3.1% Buddhist.[5] At the end of 2013, there were a total of 1,848 mosques operating in the country.[6] By 2024, the number was over 2,000.[7]
Islam spread over the Arabian region in the 7th century in a string of widespread conflicts resulting in theIslamization of the nativeArabian pagans.Muhammad sent his first military envoy,Al-Ala'a Al-Hadrami, toMunzir 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 to engage inda'wah and spread the teachings of Islam.[8] Munzir subsequently converted to Islam as did many of his subjects.[9]
Not all converted to Islam at this time.Isaac of Nineveh, a 7th-centurySyriac Christian bishop regarded as asaint, was born in Qatar.[10][11] Other notable Christian scholars dating to this period includeDadisho Qatraya,Gabriel of Qatar and Ahob of Qatar. By the end of the 7th century, however, most of the Christians in Qatar had converted to Islam or migrated elsewhere.[12]In the early years, Qatar's inhabitants subscribed to the radicalKhawarij ideology.[13] During theSecond Fitna, aKhariji commander namedQatari ibn al-Fuja'a, described as the most popular and powerful Khariji leader,[14] led the Azariqa, a sub-sect of the Khawarij, in to numerous battles.[15] He held the title ofAmir al-Mu'minin and ruled over the radical Azariqa movement for more than 12 years.[16] Born inAl Khuwayr in Qatar,[17] he also minted the first known Kharjite coins, the earliest of which dated to 688 or 689.[15] The historic flag flown by Qatar was plain red, in correspondence with the red banner traditionally used by the Kharjite Muslims.[18]
Islamic Studies is taught atQatar University, and at Hamad Bin Khalifa University's (HBKU) Faculty of Islamic Studies where a master's degree is offered.[19]
Education City is also home to the Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics [CILE], a think tank founded in 2012 and headed bySwiss political philosopher ProfessorTariq Ramadan, ofOxford University.[20]
Islam's role in scientific discovery has led to the establishment of the Society for Muslim Scientists and a joint venture of theBloomsbury Publishing and Qatar Foundation to publish a book on the subject,Science in Islam.[21]
TheFanar, Qatar Islamic Cultural Center is an outreach center for Islam that engages in social, religious and educational activities. In addition to housing some of the largest mosques in Qatar, the center publishes religious studies and offers courses inArabic andIslam. Among Fanar's facilities is a library with Islamic literature and manuscripts.[22]
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".[23]
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 to anyone 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.[24]
Sunnis account for the majority of Qatar's Muslim population at upwards of 90%.[25] Most Sunnis adhere to theHanbali school of Islam though the scenario is changing with state sponsorship of more moderate form of Islam, some leaning towards theShafi'i school. The country's state mosque isImam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, which was named in honor ofMuhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab of theNajd.[26] In 2017, there was a request published on the Saudi newspaperOkaz signed by 200 descendants of Ibn Abd al-Wahhab to change the name of the mosque, because according to their statement "it does not carry its true Salafi path".[27][28][29]
Shias comprise around 5% of Qatar's Muslim population.[30] Several of Qatar's most notable merchant families have historically been Shia. Qatari Shias are granted religious liberty and some have held government positions.[31] In contrast to the Shias in nearbyBahrain, the Qatari Shias have an identical dress, dialect and culture to Qatari Sunnis.[32] However, there have been a small amount of societal conflicts between Shias and Sunnis within the country. One notable instance is the attempted demolition of a Shia cemetery nearDoha in 2011 by a group of Wahhabi extremists allegedly affiliated with Qatar'sIslamic ministry. Upon receiving news of this event, The Emir of QatarHamad bin Khalifa condemned the attempt and attended a Shia funeral as a sign of respect.[31]
Ramadan, the ninth and most revered month of theIslamic calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. This period is characterized by the obligatory observation offasting (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 theMinistry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. This committee observes thecrescent moon, signaling both the conclusion of Ramadan and the onset ofEid 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.[33]
Preceding the commencement of fasting, Qataris engage in preparatory rituals and communal gatherings, exemplified by the observance ofSha'ban, the month prior to Ramadan, withAl-Nafla festivities. Families share traditional meals such asharees andtharid 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.[33]
The daily fast commences at sunrise, following the consumption ofsuhur, 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 ofdates. This is accompanied by the traditional firing of aRamadan cannon, a practice steeped in historical significance. This tradition, continuing to this day in Qatar, is broadcast live onnational television and can be observed at various locations such asSouq Waqif,Katara Cultural Village andImam 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.[33]
In the past,al-musaharati roamed thefarjan (neighborhoods) during the month of Ramadan, beating his drum to wake people up for suhur.[34] 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.[35]
Eid festivities in Qatar take place during significant dates in the Islamic lunar calendar. The two key holidays areEid al-Fitr andEid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr, which means the "festivity of breaking the fast", takes place on the first day of thetenth month post-Ramadan. This event denotes the conclusion of fasting and promotes philanthropy. 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.[36] Applyinghenna is customary for Qatari women during Eid al-Fitr.[37] The inaugural Eid Al-Fitr Festival, organized byQatar Tourism, was launched on 4 May 2022 and lasted for three days. Celebrations were held on theDoha Corniche featuring performances from Qatari and Arab musicians. It is estimated that about 10,000 to 15,000 spectators attended the festivities each day.[38]
Eid al-Adha, known as the "celebration of sacrifice", aligns with the conclusion ofHajj, thepilgrimage toMecca. This event, observed on the tenth day ofDhu al-Hijja, commemorates the narrative ofIbrahim's sacrificial act. Families convene for prayers and feasts during this event. Traditional customs entail the donation of meat from sacrificial livestock to kinfolk and the underprivileged.[36]
Throughout Eid festivities, children traverse neighborhoods, exchanging greetings and collecting theirEidiyah, a customary monetary gift. They recite folk songs and phrases while going door to door. Eid salutations like "Eid Mubarak" and "Eid Saeed" convey blessings and joy, while "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair" extends wishes for good health and prosperity.[36]
In Qatar, traditional attire is deeply influenced by the country's Islamic identity. Qatari nationals typically adhere to traditional forms of dress that reflect both their religious values and local customs. In some cases, a face covering such as theniqāb are worn by women to preserve their modesty.[39] Aburqa, an enveloping outer garment which fully covers the body and the face, is also sometimes worn.[40]
Visitors to Qatar, while not expected to wear traditional Qatari clothing, are encouraged to dress modestly out of respect for local customs and Islamic values. For women, this generally involves covering the shoulders and knees. For male visitors, shorts are acceptable as long as they are knee-length and modest. Clothing with inappropriate slogans or graphics is discouraged, as it may be seen as disrespectful. Although there is no formal legal dress code for non-Qataris, societal expectations favor modesty, especially in public places.[41]
Theadhan, or the Islamic call to prayer, is an important religious tradition in Qatar. Broadcast from mosques across the nation, the adhan is recited five times daily to announce the prescribed prayer times:Fajr (dawn),Duhr (midday),Asr (afternoon),Maghrib (sunset), andIsha (night). These times are determined by the position of the sun, and consequently, they vary throughout the year.[42]
The adhan is delivered by themuezzin, an individual designated to call the faithful to prayer. Traditionally, the call was recited from the mosque'sminaret without amplification, but in modern Qatar, loudspeakers are widely used, allowing the adhan to resonate through neighborhoods. The rhythmic chant begins with theTakbir ("Allahu Akbar," meaning "God is Great") and includes theKalimah (declaration of faith).[42]
Prayer, orSalat, is one of theFive Pillars of Islam and an expression of faith, obedience, and submission. The call to prayer reminds believers to pause from their daily activities and engage in worship. Qatar's urban planning reflects the importance of Salat, with mosques situated within walking distance of all residential areas to ensure accessibility for Muslims.[43]
Haya Baya is a regional tradition dating back several centuries that is practiced by girls aged 8 to 12 years old on theDay of Arafah, the ninth day ofDhu al-Hijja in theIslamic calendar, which precedesEid al-Adha. It is named afterDracaena trifasciata, commonly known as the snake plant in English andhayya bayya in Qatar,[44] alternatively spelledhia bia.[45] 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 likewheat andbarley. These plants would be grown in small wicker baskets made ofpalm 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.[44]
During this ceremonial sacrifice, the girls dress in traditional attire, such as theal bakhnaq embroidered withzari 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 fromHajj. 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.[44]
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.[46]
Education City Mosque is renowned for its architecture which is adorned withArabic calligraphy. It has a worshiper capacity of 1,800 in its main prayer hall and 1,000 in its courtyard.[47]
TheMuseum of Islamic Art, Doha, built in 2008, was inspired byIslamic architecture.[48] The Museum of Islamic Art represents Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years.[49] 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.[50]
The Sheikh Abdullah Al Ansari Complex for the Holy Quran and Science was opened over a 5,000 square meter area inHazm 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 theQatari Almanac, which served as an important guide for Muslims all over thePersian Gulf since its first publication in the 1950s.[51]
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
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