Muslim Expat from UK

I have been in Qatar for around 7 months, I only graduated out of University last year and so found it quite hard adjusting, however I would recommend you do take the offer if its right for you and your family. You will adjust and find that its fairly easy to live by a Sharia law, as obviously all the food is halal, friday is a universal day off, and there are little things that you just notice by living here like you hear the Azzan everywhere, and you can pop into a mosque as theres one almost on every corner! Also during Ramadam, most companies give shorter hours, and when its Iftar time, say your stuck in trafic their are people who hand out dates and water, like I said little things.

However the hardest thing is finding fellow western Muslims, I have found a few but very little and was planning on starting a society/organization to try to find others..but its in the planning stage!

Aneway feel free to contact me, and I will try to help you.

WS

Asif

Assalaam o Alaikum.
We have taraweeh for women in most of the mosques here in Qatar. You can also go there for iftar but usually people iftar their fast at home then go to masjid for maghrib prayer. Some stay there till taraweeh others come back home and go again for Taraweeh as masjids are everywhere, at walking distances. Qiyam al-layil is another wonderful experience. You will find atmosphere during ramadan totally changed and very enjoyable.
Welcome to Qatar. I moved here 7 months back. I came from UAE, so the ramadan is more or less the same here.
Wassalaam

ASA,

Ash where are you all from in Houston. We are from Houston also. We have been here almost one year. We miss the community iftars also but you get used to it. The taraweeh prayers are lovely though. You can email us through the site. If you need any information or help in getting settled.

Act your age not your shoe size

Dear ALL
Al Salam Alekom
I'm Arab Muslim, when I read your posts, I remembered when my uncle (whom living in Canada) wondering about Muslims in Arab World and outside !!!, you are waiting Ramdan / Taraweh and asking about it from now while here only few (compared to the majority) keep doing it in Mosques.
How you know each other in your community and of course provides assistance and helps to whom it needed. While here may be two neighbors praying in the same mosque and didn't know each other name,

You deserve the biggest Thawab

Ameen

Assalamu Alaikum,

From all the comments posted in reply to my original question, I see alot of interest in the formation of an expat group.

As I am not in Qatar yet, InshaAllah I am inclined to agree to the offer of a job in Qatar.

As you can see from the subject of this comment, I am suggesting the above name for an expat organisation. If you have alternative suggestions please feel free.

stormy786 - I will contact you directly.

Wa-salaam

salam,

We're from the Sugarland area and go to Masjid as-Sabireen off of Dulles and highway 90, sounds familiar??

Where did you guys live???

Yeah, Inshallah, we'll adjust to the routines there, however, for Ramadan, what I'm really really looking forward to perhaps a week long stay in Makkah/Madinah....nothing can beat that!! Does anyone do that??

Another question for western-muslim families:
For those who were sending there children to Islamic schools in the UK/US....what schools would you recommend in Qatar??? So far, on QL I've heard all the praises for ASD (American school) and DESS (British School) for their curriculum and activities, but I dont think they'll be providing any Islamic education. Any schools that excel in both???

Excited to hear about MEOQ!

qd06: We'll definitely email you with questions, we have a lot!!!!!

W'salam

You are right. Doha college and DESS don't provide Islamic education. Qatar international school has Islamic studies as a subject and from next year InshaAllah Qatar Academy will also start it for non Arab students. I don't know about other schools. You can check their curriculum on net.

Ash,

Qatar Academy provides education from K-12. I just visited their campus. The program is taught in English but their is special emphasis on Arabic and Islamic Studies.

Their is a waiting list though; my daguther just turned 1 and the receptionist told me resigster her in January '08 in order for her to begin in September '09.

You can check out www.qataracademy.edu....

Salam,
Amar

Salam,

Sorry for disappearing had a busy few days. Well the name MEOQ is a great name, not as catchy as it could be, but still a great name.

I live in Al-Saad area, near the sports round-about, does anyone else live around there?

The way I found out about the Islamic event, with Hamza Yousaf and co, was by listening to the radio, QBS and a stand in the Landmark Mall, if I wasnt listening to the radio or went to Landmark, then I would never have known, and it highlights the problems that exist in Qatar, there were plenty of people there yet it was almost all word of mouth from what I could tell.

I am a single guy here in Qatar, and thats another problem, for single brothers or sisters, its EXTRA hard to meet fellow expat muslims, and this was confirmed at the Islamic event, when people told me, until im married it would be near impossible to be involved in any event.

I find that a great shame however hopefully with the start of MEOQ we can solve these problems.

Ws

You can find me on:
www.stormy786.blogsp...
and facebook: Sheikh Asif Mahmood

From what I gather.. through very close friends

Is that education should be kept in the british/american curric. schools if you are serious about education for the kids

the influence of being in a muslim country and making muslim friends as well as the access to arabic and Islamic studies will help the children grow up with both an educated mind as well as an Islamic outlook on life.

Our friend who has lived and grown up all over the world.. does not reccommend putting the children in a state school in qatar or anywhere else in the middle east because they have different standards of discipline and academics. 

 I have never been to Qatar myself though. I have lived in Makkah saudi arabia where my nieces attended a private saudi school. And they enjoyed it very much.. and memorized sooooo much Quran MashAllah la quwatta illa billah

Dear, I saw msot of the repply u got are same and accurate, actually i was in UK during last year and i had bad experinece since i am muslim

It was very difficult to have hala food and very hard life, if u r getting a oofer from good company u are wellcome to accept and u will ahve good life in Qatar

Specially, all food are halal,very safe life ven a woman can go around the doha at any time without any hesiatation,u will get good people and good culture,

As far i know for a religious it is far better than europe

Assalam.

Warm greetings to all..

Here the people are trying to change Qatar as Europ or America.
First thing is the dress code of Ladies and girls.
While looking out we cant keep our eyes from haram..

Y it happends here?
Y not all arab ladies are not following the islamic dress code?some of them are trying to become western girls..!!

I am a converted Muslim and have lived in Qatar for the past 17 years. I love it here. I love hearing the adhan everywhere you go, even on the radio & local TV. I love Ramadan.
The best way to get to know other muslims is thru the schools of your kids and the islamic programs. There are a lot of programs available here. Yes Dr Bilal lives here with his wives & teaches & gives lots of speaches & courses.We also get a lot of other visiting muslims on a regular basis.
Regarding schools with islamic teachings, there are Qatar Academy, Al Jazeera, Al Maha and Choeifat schools that have islamic influence & classes. Dess & Doha College & ADS definately do not have any of it. Unfortunately I can not access some of the sites that I will pass on to you in another reply as I can not access them now. Computer is being silly. I am sure that all of you muslims that come to Qatar will love being here as it will give you an opportunity to get to breath & live in a muslim world.
If any of you want more info you can PM me or on this site. I will try to answer all of your questions.
Aisha-Taweela

My husband has finally landed in Qatar and he has found it amazing compared to the uk.

The masjid is 30 seconds from his door and he can hear the adhan and go to prayer. The overwhelming feeling of joy comes though in his voice.

No one stares at him! In the uk we always felt slightly uncomfortable when walking on the street (not at work) or when entering a shopping establishment. He has felt completely comfortable in Qatar as no one is bogging at him!

Life seems to be cheaper there than in the uk. He got 40 passport photos for less then 5 pounds. Which would have cost how much back home? And he filled up his rental car for only 4 pounds.

Negatives so far have been all the beaurocracy. Took him a whole day just to get his driving license.

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

People are trying to make Qatar like Europe?!!what a ridiculous statement.......Actually Qatar isn't it is just getting in tune with 21st century living yet keeping its culture........get out of the dark ages mate...

Dear UK Expat, the life here will seem boring to you once you come from UK. UK has a big cities (not very modern) and also its weather is colder. It rains a lot there.

Here you will feel desert all around you (very differnt environment). Some part of the Qatar is developed like a modern city and other is not that developed. The social activity for the family may be too less and that is why you and your family will need at least three months to settle here. The atmosphere here is not that concservative (religiously). On the other hand the saving here in Qatar is much more than in Briain as there are no taxes on salary here (if you getting a good package).

Good luck but do think a lot about about your preferences.

I am sorry to hear that.. Where did you actually live ?

I lived amongst a very large Asian Muslim community in Lancashire for a few years. There was racism on both sides, but not as overt as you describe..

I live in London now and there are many many Muslims around. In fact there is a young lady , who wears a hijab and drives a double decker bus in my area.

This is why I find your experience very alarming..

As for your last sentence. I whole heartedly agree with you..

Brit expat I live in mostly white communities. I tend to stay away from large muslim populations because of the Yobo muslims!

I have lived in London though and you are quite right that it is much more open and understanding. Women would not feel alien in london. Then again who speaks English in london anymore. Last time I asked a question to a white person they ended up being polish.

Lancashire is probably the closest to areas I would have experienced. As they do have overt racism there which is probably why the muslims there are also overtly racist. Again Huge Yobo culture on both sides! I found it interesting in britian that that biggest drug dealers were pakistanis. Talk about giving Islam a bad name!

No I tended to stay away from all those things and learn more about the british! So I stuck with less populated asian areas where a mosque exists or is within driving distance. The truth is that I never ever felt comfortable with asians over there because I found them uneducated and well strange in their thinking and culture. Because I was white they were often racist and overly sensitive against me as well despite being a practicing muslim. The people who became my very best friends were british non muslims, british born arabs, and English converts. And they all accepted me despite being a staunch muslim!

The only thing that really concerned me about the british is that they "tolerated" other cultures rather then embracing them! And the classicsm! (spell check)

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

I'm sorry to hear about your treatment in the UK. I am a British born Muslim i wear Hijab and work in the civil service, My hubby is a convert to Islam. I must admit i have never experieced racisim to the extent that you mention, in the rougher parts of England there may be a problem..but then every country has its racists.After 9/11 i did experience some racism on the buses but equally i met people in the street who were sympathetic and kind knowing that muslims were being stigtamised after 9/11. WE travel the country extensively duringthe holidays and i get very warm smiles from people. The UK no doubt has a yob culture that needs to be deallt with on both side asain and white.

Assalamu3alaykum,
Just wanted to ask you guys if there is a place where my 5 year old girl can start learning quran i asked around but had no luck.
So if anyone has an idea I would appreciate sharing the information

Thank you

No one gives a rat's a$$ about you Pakis up in here. Soon enough BNP will be in power and you so called Muslim expatriates from the UK ("British Asian") bla bla bla will be out the UK for good. Now, is I waiting for that day, God yeah.

/-a-t-/ you dumb UkEngQatar. I bet youz a Paki too, or a Paki Sympathizer. Filthy Pakis. True Brits my ass. Taking away jobs from real British people, living on tax payer money, hard earned British money is just handed away to filthy Paki scums.

Pakis have invaded UK and all chipped in together and bought out all of the corner shops and properties. in some areas white people are a small minority, they have taken what belongs to the local people. they hunt in packs and rape and kill white women and are raping UK. THAT'S WHAT THEY MEAN WHEN they CALL YOU PAKI - fuck off back home, even the ones born here, immigrate just as your past generations did but back home!! BNP will rule & rid UK of all Paki Scum one day!!!!! That day is upon us, just a matter of time.

There have been some morons on QL, but you must take the cake.
How dare you spout your filth at people you probably know nothing about. I thin k the mederators should take action against you..

Are you actually agreeing with his sentiments ???

mmmm no not entirely but its certainly not the first time I've heard those issues and attitudes from many a British person!

The sad thing is that its "stories" like this that give our country a bad name. What is the overall immigrant population and how many of those are on welfare. You will probably find that there are more "whites" on welfare than the ethnikc minorities.

Most of the low paid jobs are carried out by ethnic minorities and the majority are law abiding.

Lastly, the BNP would probably have Mr Playa for breakfast if he showed up. I grew up with skinheads in the 70's and they're nothing to shout about..

Remeber the poor Qatari who was racially absued and killed by these kind of people. Although his death was regretful. But People like Playa would say that they should have not be allowed in the country.

Our country benefits for students and other visitors and without immigrants We would not be where we are..

-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS

Playa07, Good God you are a faggot... It is really a shame your mother wasn't smart enough to abort the likes of you... Don't they have tests nowadays to test for mental deficiencies in the womb.... Poor woman.... Having to put up with such a repugnant child....

They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin

I left Britain 6 years ago to come to qatar. Of course the boat was abit rocky in the beginning but all is well now By the grace of Allah. I took the leap 6 years ago and brought all my family here, they too have settled down and like it here. My parents have applauded my decision to take My children away and bring to a muslim country where they would be raised according to Muslim if not islamic principles. It is not perfect here but compared to most Arab countries it is best so far.
My advice bro if you have a family, do 2 rakats salat, make duah and come over, take me as one of the ansar if I can help you as a muhajir.
Insha Allah Allah will put khair in that decision

I think playa07 is taking the michael abit........no one in their right mind would post all that!

NO problem with the guy.

But cannot tolerate racism in any form. Especially when in Britain are find it so hard to over come the National Front of the 70's and the menace of the BNP. Every one has a view and we should respect it but racism and facism should never be entertained. All the hard work of the communities will go down the drain if ppl like him get their way..

-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS

thanx nadt..

If we dont speak up..Them ppl having facing hatred will get their way, either it be Hitler, Mosolini, or Sadam Hussain.. will rule us we will have to suffer.

-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS

First off i came here to follow my dreams of moving to a islamic country where i may settle but found racism and arrogance..i cant believe it being born and living my whole life in the UK and being indian..actually no im Muslim first and then im british....

I want to ask all of you dear respected elders and brothers and sisters how hard is it finding a job in qatar i have worked 3 years as a security agent at stansted airport checking documents profiling passengers and bodyguarding celebrities alongside guarding aircraft...do you think theres any opportunity in qatar for a guy like me?

Could someone please point me to the right way? i know for sure its my dream to relocate to qatar preferbly doha.

May you all be in great health, iman and you're families are successful in all they do..

also im looking for friends in the middle east so feel free to talk to me as i dont live in a muslim friendly place..

w'salam

Majid

Sorry i have been born and raised here my dream is to go to the middle east to settle yeah i've led a team of 150 agents on world premier airlines such as Eos airlines Maxjet and Harrods aviation im not looking for a security guard job anyone can get that aviation security is totally different being a SECURITY AGENT..but i guess you could be right here at the moment im on £1500 in the UK per month pretty crap yep but my lifestyles cheap...i personally find you racist myself and my post was actually a test maybe it was me mentioning being of indian descent??

Well Playao7 dont no what to say matey.. You really make me laught and angry at the same time..

Just feel sorry for you and your type. I am active member of the anti nazi league..ANL, with all repect to you as person can never and have never accepted facist and racist views..

Yep mate you wanna deport me to where Germany? or maybe Austria so I can lead my campaign out there..

BNP is nothing but a new face of the Natinal Front.. Been there mate and seen the hate and misery these guys cause.. Convert me to BNP.. Have never found any positive thing about the maniacs.

You guys are racist through and through you hate every one, Jews, Arabs, balcks, Indians and even the whites that dont agree with your views.. So shut the crap up and realise mate the world has moved on from the days of the Facism.. Barack Obama is your shining example..I bet you hate him too..

-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS

Good Luck Majid..

I hope your interview goes well. If you need any further advice do not hesitate to contact me through PM.

Yep Playa07 is a minority voice of the Great British Nation and these kinda ppl can find easy excuses for their own failings. Thank God majority of us British do not think like that. I hope he understand that his facist view have no place in the modern society. It easy to see other people fault. He is exploiting the wrong doing of some indiviuals and try to minupilate that and using it for his Nazi propoganda. The bottom line he is a Racist Facist through and through and flith of this earth. But again we have to tolerate these kind of people in our society as we are a free society and these idiots are really exploiting it..

-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS