History

Qatar has many goods imported and produces little things influenced by Islam. There is a Religious Studies Institute in Doha, Qatar focusing on Islamic affairs and studying the religion of Islam. The institution is similarly set up/looking as your typical college or university. Some cultural features influenced by Islam in Qatar include an Islamic art museum dedicated to Islamic art. There is a museum in Doha the Qatar Foundation (QF) which promotes cultural richness and preservation of the country’s heritage. Libraries, magnificent collections of Arabic writings, calligraphy and art, are all being made available for research and public appreciate through QF. When people are in Qatar there are some cultural practices that guests need to follow. Traditional dresses are evident throughout Qatar with the men wearing a long flowing white garment called the dishdha or thobe with a headdress called the gutra. Women in public wear a black Abaya, a long loose black robe which covers the clothes worn underneath. Some women wear a thin black veil over there face, while some a burka, which sometimes can cover the cheek, bones and leave only the eyes open. Pork is outlawed in Qatar and cannot be found anywhere- it is also illegal to bring it into the country. Muslims are forbidden to eat any meat that is not slaughtered in accordance to the Islamic code; this is referred to as halaal. Consumption of alcohol is frowned upon by Qataris. It is not required but recommended that woman should cover their whole bodies and leave only their eyes showing. Other than dressing with the “code,” Islam is overall not that of a heavy influence on Qatar.