GREETINGS
Greetings are an important part of Qatari culture. Even when you do not know someone, it is recommended to greet him. The standard greeting in Arabic is Assalamu Alaikum (“Peace be upon you”). Refer to chapter 18, Quick Arabic, for useful everyday expressions.
HANDSHAKING
Generally, all business introductions begin with a handshake as you find in the West. It is important for female businesswomen to note that not all men shake hands with women; they should be aware of it and not take offence.
NOSE TOUCHING
Men greet one another by having the tips of their noses touch. If one is higher in rank than the other, the lower in rank tries to go up to reach the nose of the higher one in rank. There are exceptions in the greetings, though, when age is a factor or if a religious leader such as an imam or a shari’ah scholar is involved. In that case, the rank does not really matter as much as showing respect towards the other person. Both men would move their noses up to reach the other and might kiss on the lips.
RELIGION: ISLAM
The State of Qatar is a Muslim Nation, whose religion is Islam, based on the Holy Qur’an.
The Shari’ah – Islamic Law – is the source of legislation in the Country.
All Muslim traditions and holidays are strictly observed. Friday, the equivalent of Sundays in Christian countries, is the most religious day of the week when Muslims go to the mosque to pray.
It is forbidden for a devoted Muslim to eat pork and drink alcohol (see below for more information on Islam).
You will realize that some expressions that are used daily are very much part of this culture, and God the Almighty is frequently mentioned. For instance, Al-hamdulillah (“Thank God for everything”) is often heard when asked about one’s health, business, the well-being of the family, etc. Insha’Allah (“God willing”) implies that no one else but God has the power of making things happen.
THE WOMAN IN ISLAM
Islam does recognize women’s rights within the social, legal and commercial context, and the Qataris are proud of the way they respect and protect their women. In this part of the world, it is the duty of the man to be the breadwinner and the provider for his family; however, this is not a task imposed on women and should not be interpreted that women do not work.
A woman:
• has the right to own her home and her business within reason. She is allowed to keep her earnings if she works and does not have to hand it to her husband;
• has the right to education and to choose her husband, and she has the freedom to refuse who is proposed to her;
• is permitted to ask for divorce if the husband is abusive and/or cannot bear children – but of course, as in any other religion, this can happen after the attempt to work things out.
In Islam, inheritance rights were granted to women fourteen centuries ago. When inheritance is concerned and in case of the husband’s death, for legitimate reasons the wife is entitled to a smaller percentage of the wealth compared to her children. The inheritance is broken down between the male and the female children. A greater percentage would go to the male heirs, as their duty is to take care of their mother and sisters, and provide for them; they are the distributors of the funds. Women are not obligated to use their funds for their family according to Islamic Rule; however, as in all world cultures, the mother will provide for her children whatever they need. Children are expected to obey and respect their mothers.
MOSQUES
Mosques are an integral part of life in Qatar. There are five calls to prayer every day and times vary from day to day according to sunrise and sunset. You can check the local newspapers or internet for the right times.
There are over 1,400 mosques throughout the State of Qatar. Depending on where you live in town, you may hear upwards of four mosques announcing the call to prayer. People tend to congregate at the ones that are closest to their dwellings or workplaces. The most notable mosque is the one at the Fanar Building, the iconic building located next to Souq Waqif. They host Friday prayers in English for men and women at 11:30 a.m.
CALENDAR OF ISLAMIC HOLIDAYS
The religious holidays of Islam are based on the lunar calendar, which changes every year; therefore it is not uncommon to find out about a holiday the eve before it occurs. The general rule of thumb for religious holidays is to deduct eleven days from the previous year’s dates, as the lunar year is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar and it is also one of the four months of the year when fighting is prohibited. The word Muharram comes from the Arabic word haram, which means “forbidden.” Sometimes Muslims fast during Muharram, specifically on the day of Ashurah, which falls on the tenth day of Muharram. The fasting on this day is voluntary. Ashurah is derived from the word ashra, which means 10 in Arabic, although religious scholars have different interpretations as to what this day is known for.
RAMADAN
The Holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims are expected to fast during daylight hours, always falls on the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. It represents the month when the Holy Qur’an was first handed down to Prophet Mohammed.
One of the characteristics of the Holy Month of Ramadan is to have Muslims realize their good fortune and be generous with those who do not share the same privileges. In fact, if one cannot fast or is excused from fasting (if sick, pregnant or travelling), he or she should donate the equivalent of a meal in monetary terms to charity.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan eating, drinking, and chewing gum in public, in the privacy of your own car or on public transport are seen as serious punishable offences. Expatriates are however allowed business lunches, as some restaurants in hotels are allowed to be opened during the day. A curtain is drawn, surrounding the eating area, in order not to offend the people who are fasting. Swearing in public and playing music are also prohibited. Smoking in public is also prohibited. Most offices in Doha have non-smoking policies whether it is Ramadan or not. Alcohol is not served to anyone until the fasting period of the day is over. Please note that alcohol is also not served during iftar (breaking of the fast) or suhoor buffets.
In a nutshell it is culturally considered insensitive and disrespectful not to abide by the traditions, and you can expect to be punished if you are caught breaking the rules; since it is not illegal, you will not be jailed for it, but rather looked upon in a negative way.
The main focus of the month is religion and charity to help those less fortunate. Acting in a conservative manner is a must. It is considered offensive if a female co-worker shows up in a mini skirt or low-cut blouse in the office, or a male aggressively uses foul language in the company of colleagues, especially when most Muslims are focused on their religious obligations.
Invitations to iftars are numerous. Being the main meal of the day, it is traditionally a happy time, the more people, the merrier. It is a time to feast and have people from all walks of life join for a meal; the perfect time to cook larger portions, share it with friends, family, and the less fortunate. Many families will donate large bags of rice, cook huge rice and meat dishes and send them to the closest mosque. Neighbours will send food to one another or to workers who may be working in the area.
Prior to the fasting month schools circulate a form where parents indicate whether their child will be fasting or not.