A trip to Qatar can be considered almost incomplete without a tour and experience of a mosque.

Mosques play an integral part in the cultural values and religious beliefs of Qatar. In every street, nook and corner, you will sight a mosque; some compact & functional, some elaborate & extravagant.

If you are a non-worshipper looking to visit a mosque but want to ensure you do so the right way, the ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team is here with a guide just for you!

Adhering to the dress code

While dressing modestly is generally recommended across most places in Qatar, it is especially important when visiting a mosque.

For men, avoiding shorts and sleeveless t-shirts and opting for full-length trousers would be a safe option.

For women, conservative outfits would be recommended in the form of loose-fitted clothes with minimal skin show. Ensure your hair is covered with a shawl.

To make it even easier, you could simply throw on an abaya (traditionally worn robe) to blend in and get the full experience.

• If you would like to buy an abaya - here are some places to check out.

Choosing the right time

Based on what you are seeking from your mosque tour, the time you choose to visit is crucial.

If you are looking for some quiet time to appreciate the interiors and tour the mosque at your own time and pace, we suggest you avoid the typical prayer times, as this is when most people visit.

To help you know when to plan your trip, you could check out the prayer times online or even download applications such as Qatar Prayer for iOS or Salatuk for Android.

Alternatively, if you want to experience the spirituality of the prayers and witness how the rituals are conducted, you may visit during prayer time.

Note:

• On Fridays, visiting around 11:30 am would mean witnessing a Friday sermon followed by the congregational prayer.
• For those of you who might be interested in listening to an English sermon, you could visit the following mosques; Al Fanar Mosque, Aspire Mosque or even Costa Fanar Masjid at The Pearl-Qatar.

Segregated prayer areas

Even if you are visiting a mosque as a family or as a mixed-gender group, it is important to know that the prayer areas are strictly segregated for men and women.

As a visitor or tourist, you will not be allowed to enter or tour the section of the mosque reserved for the opposite gender.

Mosque visit etiquette

• Before heading to a mosque, wear clean clothes and maintain personal hygiene.
• For women, please ensure you are visiting the mosque when free from the monthly cycle.
• At the mosque entrance, you will notice stands for footwear, as shoes are not allowed to be worn inside. You can either be barefoot, or you may even wear socks.
• It is recommended that you maintain a low tone of voice, so you don't disturb the worshippers inside.
• Avoid consuming food within the mosque prayer areas to ensure no spillage or mess is created.
• While photography inside the mosques isn't strictly prohibited, and clicking images of the decorations or architecture might be allowed, please be mindful of not clicking photographs, especially with flash on or directing your cameras towards worshippers in the space.

Note: If you plan to visit other places on the same day, keeping the mosque at the start of your itinerary might be a good idea.

Mosque tours

If you prefer to be hand-held through your mosque visit, you could reach out to tour operators who will arrange for a guided tour.

One such tour operator is Murex Tours; they offer an experience named the 'Islamic Cultural Tour', which allows you to visit mosques like the Education City Mosque in Qatar Foundation, the Katara Masjid and others.

If you are particularly seeking to visit the Imam Muhammad Abdul Wahhab Mosque - Grand State Mosque, a booking well in advance would be required.

They also provide assistance and guidance with appropriate attire.

Alternatively, you could reach out to Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Al Fanar), which also offers mosque tours.

Murex Tours:

• Contact number: +974 3358 8899
• Instagram: @murexqatartours

Al Fanar:

• Contact number: +974 4444 7444
• Instagram: @binzaidqatar

RELATED:

• Ladies guide to mosques around Doha

Do you wish to visit a mosque in Qatar? Did you know of these guidelines before? Let us know in the comments section. And don't forget to like and share this article- it keeps us going!

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Fareeha Imtiaz

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