Al Fanar or The Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is known for its stunning spiral minaret against the Doha skyline. Event venue, gallery and mosque are some of the roles the cultural center plays. People can also take classes in calligraphy, Islam and Arabic language at the cultural center. As a religious beacon, the center disseminates knowledge about Islam and offers insight into local customs and traditions. It hosts tours and allows visitors to enter promoting unity and harmony.
Al Fanar offers a stunning visage, with its breathtaking edifice shinning against the sky, when seen from the Doha Corniche. With its striking minaret, the mosque is one of the most distinguished features of the center. The mosque at the center is one of the biggest in the country, prior to 2009. Since then, the Iman Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab Mosque is said to the largest in Qatar.
The name Fanar was chosen to act as a mentor to entire mankind and help the non-Arabs have a broad understanding of Islam and culture of Qatar. The culture is portrayed through various exhibitions, a tour of the center and visiting the mosque and Arabic language courses.
Known for its islamically inspired architectural designs and ornaments with a stunning outlook of Doha, Fanar is known Qatar’s cultural milestone. The lighthouse is the ideal way of returning to land safely from the rich Qatari heritage of sailing at large.
Did you know Fanar was actually named Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre? However, it was changed to Fanar or Spiral Mosque.
Who is Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud?
If you haven’t heard to Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, then let’s shed some light on him, to tell you who he is. Known as a famous Qatari Islamic scholar and founder of the judicial system, Al Fanar Qatar was named after the sheikh by the Amir to honor his achievements.
Vision of The Cultural Centre
A state initiative, the Al-Fanar Islamic Cultural Center was developed to flaunt its beauty to the world. The themes and ideas of the community in Qatar is represented through several different mediums and promises to interact with tourists visiting the place in a dialogue of perceptions, whatever the religion. Tourists are given a view of Islam in several ways by rationalizing it.
What Is The Center Known For?
It is known to play host to several religious, education and social related activities along with being a mosque in Qatar.
Understanding Islam
Fanar is one of the most ideal places to visit in Qatar for those who are interested in learning about Islam and Islamic culture. Various workshops on Islam are held and tours to the Katara Mosque to learn about the religion of Islam, to see the mosque from the inside and see what happens. The center publishes several Islamic studies one can read about at the library and an exhibition offers details on the basics of Islam.
Friday Prayers And Sermon
The sermon on Friday is done just before the English prayers, for those who like listening to it. Tourists are welcomed to attend.
Learn Arabic
The ideal place to learn Arabic is Fanar which include learning the basic alphabets in Arabic to reading and writing in an engaging environment. It is a 5-level course that begins from the basics of the alphabets and move on to the stage where people learn how to speak, write and listen proficiently. Knowledge and the skills of a learner are built up with syllabus along with understanding the aspects of the language through various phases by observing conversations, verbs and; formation and vocabulary.
Suggested Read: National Symbols of Qatar To Understand The Rich Heritage And Culture
Understanding The Culture Of Qatar
Fanar is home to cultural center and mosque where women enjoy a cup of traditional Arabic coffee in the morning where the culture of Qatar along with its culture and heritage is discussed.
Put the Fanar Islamic culture center on the list of places to see for its Arabic culture and Islamic faith. Visitors are given a broad understanding the Islam pillar which include appreciating the prayers, universe, humankind and the oneness of Allah. It is one of the most stunning places in Qatar known for its spiral minaret.
Al Fanar Qatar - FAQs
The timings of Al Fanar Qatar are:
- Sun - Thu 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- Sun - Sat 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
It is suggested that people should book in advance to visit Al Fanar. One can even cancel 24 hours in advance if they don’t want to visit the place.
Al Fanar Islamic cultural center was created to flaunt its beauty to the world. Its theme is showcased on various medium and is said to interact with tourists visiting the place in a dialogue of perceptions, whatever the religion. Tourists are given a view of Islam in several ways by rationalizing it.
Al Fanar offers a stunning image of its breathtaking edifice shinning against the sky, when seen from the Doha Corniche. With its striking minaret, the mosque is one of the most distinguished features of the center. The mosque at the center is one of the biggest in the country, prior to 2009. Since then, the Iman Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab Mosque is said to the largest in Qatar.
The Sheikh is a famous Qatari Islamic scholar and founder of the judicial system.
Yes, people can learn how to speak and write Arabic at the center.
Al Fanar is known for its mosque and spiral minaret.
Yes, it is one of the most stunning places to visit in Qatar.
