Qatar

Islam is the official religion of Qatar and plays a central role in its government, society, and culture. Here’s a detailed look at Islam in Qatar:

1. Muslim Population:

  • About 67-70% of Qatar’s total population is Muslim.
  • However, because Qatar has a large population of foreign workers (mostly from South and Southeast Asia), Muslims make up almost 100% of Qatari citizens.
  • The non-citizen population includes Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists, but Islam remains dominant in public and political life.

2. Sectarian Composition:

  • Sunni Islam is the predominant branch and officially recognized sect in Qatar.
  • The ruling family (Al Thani) and the majority of native Qataris are Sunni Muslims, primarily following the Hanbali school of jurisprudence, heavily influenced by Salafi interpretations.
  • A small Shi’a Muslim minority exists (mainly from the Al-Kuwari tribe and others), but they are quiet politically and socially.

3. Role of Islam in the State:

  • Qatar is an Islamic monarchy—its laws and governance are based on Sharia (Islamic law), particularly in matters like family law, inheritance, and moral conduct.
  • The Constitution declares Islam as the state religion, and legislation is inspired by Islamic principles.
  • However, Qatar also allows some freedom for other religions (e.g., churches for Christians) but public worship of non-Islamic faiths is restricted.

4. Islamic Institutions:

  • The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs oversees religious activities, mosques, and Islamic education.
  • State-funded mosques exist in every city and village; the Imams (prayer leaders) are often government-appointed.
  • Al-Qaradawi, a famous Egyptian Islamic scholar, lived in Qatar and greatly influenced Islamic thought there.

5. Islamic Culture & Society:

  • Islamic values deeply shape Qatari culture, including dress codes, social norms, family structure, and public holidays.
  • Ramadan is a significant event; working hours are reduced, and social life revolves around fasting and nightly prayers.
  • Public behavior is expected to reflect Islamic morals—for example, public drunkenness or disrespect toward Islam is strictly forbidden.

6. Islamic Education:

  • Islamic studies are mandatory in Qatari schools.
  • Islamic universities, like the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qatar University, offer higher education in Islamic disciplines.
  • Qatar is also home to the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, promoting research on Islamic civilization.

7. Political Islam and Foreign Policy:

  • Qatar has been an active supporter of Islamic movements abroad, including the Muslim Brotherhood in various countries, leading to tensions with other Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
  • Despite promoting conservative Islam domestically, Qatar portrays itself as relatively open-minded internationally, hosting Western universities and events like the FIFA World Cup 2022, with adjustments to local Islamic practices to accommodate global visitors.

8. Challenges and Criticisms:

  • Human rights groups criticize aspects of Qatar’s Sharia-based legal system, such as blasphemy laws, apostasy punishments, and restrictions on freedom of expression.
  • Women’s rights have seen gradual improvement, but remain framed within an Islamic context.

9. International Islamic Role:

  • Qatar funds Islamic charities and projects worldwide.
  • Through Al Jazeera and other media, Qatar has influenced Islamic discourse across the Muslim world.
  • The country positions itself as a mediator in Islamic conflicts, including hosting negotiations between rival Muslim factions (e.g., Taliban peace talks).

Qatar
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .qa
Country Code: +974