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Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre PhotoBy Davide Mauro

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Fanar- Qatar Islamic Cultural Center

Qatar Islamic Cultural Center is known for its stunning spiral minaret against the Doha skyline. The mosque is one of the most distinguished features of the centre due to its minaret design. The Fanar mosque at the centre was one of the biggest mosques prior to 2009 before it was replaced by Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque.

It is known for playing host to several religious, education-related, and social activities. It housed one of the largest mosques and is the tallest mosque in Qatar.

Fanar centre is open from 7.30 am to 10 pm but is good to note that the welcoming desk is only open from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm.

• Address: Abdullah Bin Jassim St, Doha, Qatar
• Phone: +974-44250250

1. Great Place to Learn the Arabic Language

For people interested in learning the Arabic language, Fanar is the best place to be. It offers different courses that range from learning the basic Arabic alphabet to reading and writing the language proficiently.

This Arabic course is divided into five levels basics of the alphabet are the first, progressing to a stage where the learner is proficient in speaking, reading, writing and listening.

This is one of the outstanding facts about Fanar since people can learn Arab which is a commonly used language in the country and ease his/her communication with people.

2. Gets to Learn and Understand Qatari Culture

Fanar is an Islamic Cultural Centre where people come here to learn more about Muslim culture, beliefs and their don’ts and dos. For non-Muslims who want to learn about Islam and Islamic culture, Fanar is the best place to go.

Fanar as well houses a cultural centre for women specifically as well. Women visit the place to enjoy Traditional Arabic coffee in the morning.

3. The Tallest Music in Qatar

Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center commonly known as Bin Zaid is located in Fanar. Before 2009, the Fanar mosque was the largest in Qatar.

However, it was overtaken by Imam Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab Mosque and it is now the largest but Fanar Islamic Culture Center has remained to be the tallest Mosque in the country.

4. The Naming of the Fanar Mosque

Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre PhotoBy Davide Mauro

 The mosque is known as Fanar/Qatar Islamic Culture Center, and Spiral Mosque however its name was changed from Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center.

Bin Zaid was a famous Qatari Islamic Scholar and the founder of the Qatari judicial system Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud. The mosque was named after him to commemorate the memory of his achievements during his tenure as the supreme judge of Qatar. The naming was done by the Emir of Qatar.

5. Activities Held in Fanar

The Fanar centre holds several activities on its premises. It is involved in several religious, social and educational activities.

Additionally, it houses one of the largest and tallest mosques in Qatar hence it publishes religious studies and provides lessons in Arabic and Islam.

6. Allows Entry for Non -Muslims

Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre PhotoBy Davide Mauro

It is amazing and one of the rare cases that non -Muslims are allowed to access Bin Zaid. Many Islamic premises never allows non-Muslims to access the places but Fanar is one of the exceptional ones and allows non-Muslims to enter.

This shows how the Fanar is welcoming and never judges anyone despite their religion and beliefs. It engages guests that visit the Centre in a dialogue of perceptions, without minding whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims.  This is a must-visit destination anytime you visit Qatar and I recommend it any day anytime.

7. The Mosque Architecture

The architecture of the Fanar Mosque is unique and amazing and contrary different from the other mosque. Traditional Qatari mosques were made of coral rock, mud and wood which was a different design from the 21st-century mosque which was built of brick and mortar.

The materials used now allow the construction of high domes, replacing the flat roofs. In addition, the traditional mosque featured courtyards, which are very rare to see in modern mosques.

Another form of amazing design is the traditional outdoor known as ‘Mothawaddah’ which is in form of a pool and has been replaced with wash basins and running water.

8. Fanar Mosque is One of the Largest Mosque

Qatar Islamic Cultural Center also known as Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is a cultural organization in Doha, the capital city of Qatar. It is a prominent landmark in the city and is situated close to Daho Corniche.

One of the amazing facts about this mosque is that, is one of the largest mosques in Qatar. Before the year 2009, when Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque was declared the largest Mosque in the country, Bin Zaid had been the largest Mosque in Qatar.

However, it is still counted as one of the largest Mosques in Qatar and is a major tourist attraction site, millions of people visit yearly.

9. The Vision of the Cultural Centre

Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre PhotoBy Davide Mauro

The Fanar was constructed with the aim and it has its vision. It was constructed so that the beauty of Qatari Culture can be shown to the world.

It presents a number of different themes and ideas to the community in Qatar through a number of different mediums and hopes to involve all guests that visit the centre in a dialogue of perceptions, despite their religion believe, Muslims and non -Muslims.

The tourist is given a view of Islam in several ways by rationalizing it in a number of different languages.

10. Ideal Place to Visit for those Interested in Learning about Islam

Fanar is the best place to visit for people who are interested in learning about Islam and Islamic culture. Several workshops to learn about Islamic are held here.

Additionally, Fanar organizes tours for its guest to the Katara Mosque to learn about the religion of Islam, see the mosque from the inside and what happens inside the mosque.

This Islamic cultural centre publishes several Islamic studies one can read about at the library and the exhibition offers details on the basics of Islam.