Qatar
Qatar is more conservative than its Emirati neighbour and the government is working hard to make a future for Qatar by diversifying away from gas exports. One of the big areas of investment is being focused on education facilities and cultural organisations. Famous universities of the world are setting up campuses in Qatar and the government has many of its own establishments such as Aspire Academy (for sports) and the Qatar Foundation.
It is easy enough for Muhajireen for Allah to live well in Qatar so long as you are qualified professional and you don’t actually tell anyone you came to Qatar for hijrah – people will laugh and then be suspicious and keep you firmly under the microscope as a possible extremist. I myself was fired from my job for ‘my own protection’ because, I was told it was very easy to go to prison. I felt this to be ludicrous considering I was in an Islamic organisation and never spoke about politics. All I did regarding my religion while working with them was to be very serious in observing prayer and modest dress.
If a Muhajir does not have a highly paid professional job it is almost impossible to live in Qatar. Rent and daily expenses are ridiculously expensive. Westerners cannot get simple jobs as labourers, cleaners or drivers – it is just not acceptable to “them”. This is the case in most Hijrah destinations.
There are Islamic institutions and dawa operations. One such organisation is called ‘Fanar’, who specialise in dawa to non-Muslims and then to their credit follow up with help and Islamic instruction as well as free Arabic lessons. Abu Ameena Bilal Philips has an Islamic University in Doha where students study for a bachelors degree in Islamic studies, all done through English.
There are plenty of Muslim expats from the west living in Qatar and there are plenty of ways to socialise if you feel isolated.
In essence Qatar is a transient population and people are constantly coming and going as their contracts expire. It is a place to come and get money then go.
If you are someone who loves zuhud (simple life) Qatar will drive you crazy. Qatar is recommended as a stopover, cash flow solution and experience in an Arab country. It is very small and boring so...alhamdulillah for internet and cheap airfares.
Other articles about Qatar by Muhajireen on this blog - click on the Qatar tab.