Doha is a lovely place to be and brings together people from different religions. There is a widespread belief that living in Muslim majority countries is difficult and freedom of religion is just but a mirage. This is not true in Doha and many other Muslim nations. Non-Muslims, just like the Muslims, have their rights enshrined in the constitution and enjoy freedom of religion like they would in any other liberal country. Non-Muslims living or visiting Doha enjoy freedom of association, worship and assembling in public just like the Muslims do. However, do not be mistaken, Doha is mostly comprised of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. Additionally, proselytization by non-Muslims is prohibited. So let’s see, are the existing laws adequate to protect non-Muslims living in Doha?
The nationality law places no restriction to religious identity irrespective of one’s religious affiliation. Although the ruling family and the larger government have inextricable link to Islam religion, many non-Muslims still serve in various government posts without any form of victimization. All religious groups are however required to make registration with the government, if they are to be legally recognized.
Among the religions which are already recognized in Doha and the larger Qatar are Anglican, Catholics, and Greek’s as well as Eastern Orthodox, and Coptic churches. The government therefore maintains an official register of all the approved religions in the country. However, the limitation requiring that for a religion to be recognized, it must have a membership above 1500. This discrimination against the minor religions was criticized to an extent. However, this is no different from many other nations which use such measures to regulate the number of religions springing up.
It is also worth mentioning that whilst evangelical groupings are not recognized by law due to lack of the necessary membership, they are still allowed to freely worship as long as they get the necessary physical security to facilitate smooth flow of their celebrations. Such security is obtained from the interior ministry.
Non-Muslims, just like Muslims, are subjected to trial under the unified court. This court incorporates secular and Sharia laws. However, there is an issue with convicted Muslims earning a sentence reduction of a number of months if they memorize the Qur’an. Litigants facing civil cases are also granted requests to have Sharia courts assume jurisdiction in their litigation. Non-Muslims are also not subjected to Islamic instruction in state-sponsored schools. However, many non-Muslim students have shown preference for secular private schools which are also recognized by the government. The government restricts publication, importation and distribution of religious materials. Nonetheless, in normal practice, individuals and religious institutions are not barred from importation of holy books and other religious items for individual or congregational use despite the constitution allowing the government to scrutinize the same.
In general, Government policies and practices in Doha have largely contributed to free practice of religion, despite a few restrictions being present, the most grave being conversion to other religion from Islam which is considered apostasy and considered as a capital offense. Nonetheless, despite this being constitutional, as back as 1971, there is no recorded execution or any form of punishment for this act. Religious services are also held without having to get prior authorization from the government. Christina clergy living in Doha experience no problems for wearing their religious clothing in public. Additionally, it is worth pointing out that despite the requirement for disclosure of religious affiliation on application for passport, this is not reflected in the issued documents.
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