The Qatar Blog: The Moorman's Experiences in Qatar

Andy Fishman's response to the Arabic statement I posted on March 19 makes me want to talk a little more about Islam. The very conservative highly modest values reflected in women covering and in being highly protected is not universal in the Arab world. It actually appears to be more recent, probably in the last 200 years according to a friend here. Certainly the predominantly black abayas (robes) and shalas (head coverings) are recent in Qatar. And it is much less conservative here than in other Islamic countries, notably Saudia Arabia and Iran. Many women here, both Muslims and others, never cover or wear traditional robes.

The prophet Muhammed lived from 570 to 632 AD. Islam traces its roots through both Judaeism and Christianity. Most Muslims are familiar with both old and new testament writings, and both the nativity and crucifixition from Christianity. Most will follow the spoken word "Jesus" with "blessed be his name." He is considered a prophet. I've found most Muslims peace loving and highly hospitable, a part of Islamic teachings and tradition they say. They are also extemely devout; they pray five times a day. Islamic communities are marked by the "call to prayer", a chant or song that comes (in modern times through loudspeakers) from the mosque. The first call is around 4 a.m. and is sometimes not well received by non-believers.

For those of you who are really into literacy, the first word in the Qu'ran, the Islamic holy text, is READ, a command to Muhammed from Allah, delivered through the Angel Gabriel. Interestingly, he never learned to read and write.