All photos by Chantelle D’mello
Three years after breaking ground, the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies has officially opened Education City’s first mosque.
Inaugural Friday prayer services were held last week, and were attended by several hundred students and Qatar Foundation Chairperson Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
The mosque, a large white cavernous structure with Quranic verses embossed into its large ceiling, is dotted with small lights reminiscent of twinkling stars, and has the capacity to hold some 1,800 people in its indoor prayer halls and outdoor courtyard.
The main (male) prayer room on the first floor features an in-house, as yet unstocked library, and a large gilded mehrab in a Qur’an verse-lined alcove.
Upstairs, a female gallery room complete with a separate seating area is sectioned off from the main prayer room by a high wall that separates the two genders.
The mosque rests on five structural pillars and is decorated with verses. Underneath, water flows from four streams originating from a garden that lines the perimeter of the building.
According to Art Scape, the project management company overseeing the construction, the gardens are based on an interpretation of paradise, with the streams representing the rivers of wine, milk, honey and water, and the pillars representing the five tenets of Islam.
Meanwhile, two large minarets jutt out of one side of the structure, rising some 90m in the air in the direction of Makkah.
Islamic calligraphy forms the heart of the building, inscribed on almost every element of the structure’s surface, from roofs to ceramic tiles to glass windows.
Faculty of Islamic Studies
In addition to the mosque, the building also serves some 114 students enrolled in the Faculty of Islamic Studies. There are 54 classrooms bordering small-scale courtyards with inscribed historical botanical and scientific texts, faculty offices and a first-floor library.
The latter, once stocked, is expected to hold some 100,000 titles.
Currently, the center confers Master’s degrees in Islamic Studies in contemporary fiqh, public policy in Islam, Islamic finance, contemporary Muslim thought and societies, urban design and architecture in Islamic societies and Islamic studies in comparative religions.
Three diploma programs in Islamic Finance, Public Policy in Islam, and Islamic Studies are also offered.
The building also houses five research centers – the Al Qaradawi Centre for Islamic Moderation and Renewal, the Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance, the Centre for the Study of Contemporary Muslim Societies and the Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani Centre for Muslim Contribution to Civilization, in addition to the Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics set up in 2011 to “address Islamic legislation and ethics.”
Thoughts?
It’s very pretty but education and religion shoud not be mixed.
Would you prefer an ignorant religious person or a learned religious one (consider ‘neither’ is not an option)?
What’s a learned religious person? One that accepts other religions and scientific facts like evolution? The catholic church had religious scientists but still persecuted Galileo when he dared suggest the earth revolved around the sun.
Education should contain a section to learn about all relgions and faiths as it is part of human history and culture but the beliefs of all faiths should not be presented as facts.
There are religious Catholics still today, they don’t burn scientists at stake anymore, because education. Islam is seven centuries younger than Christianity and growing. It needs education to let more and more believers know what is right and wrong in the light of changing world. Isn’t that what this region need right now?
Evolution is not a fact. That’s why it’s called the theory of evolution and not the law of evolution. It hasn’t been proven. And also Islam its responsible for the preservation of all Greek sciences. Get of your high horse and actually realise that religion has more to offer than you think. And stop comparing Islam with Catholicism. This is a big mistake that people keep making. Catholicism was unscientific so people think that Islam must be as well. Go read about the scientific facts in the Quran. The Muslim world achieved far greater scientific accomplishments in the earlier years when the religion was strong versus later on. This is the opposite for Catholicism.
Everything is a theory until proven otherwise, that’s how science works. If you can disprove evolution please present your evidence. Just saying so doesn’t make it so.
As for islam and catholism each person believes their OWN religion is the correct one. In an amazing coincidence that just happens to be the one they are born into.
But so long as it is still a theory you have no right to call it a fact. It’s arrogant, presumptuous and pompous. And frankly unscientific. And I wasn’t born Muslim. And neither were the Thousands of others who convert each year.
The thing is, you undermine your argument by continuing to display your ignorance on the difference between a theory, fact, and hypothesis – until you understand the way that they are used scientifically, you will remain confused. You are using them the way everyday laymen use the terms, which leads to all sorts of miscommunication. With research, you will see that scientifically evolution is considered to be both a fact and theory, but not a hypothesis. The National Academy of Science gives a very clear explanation http://www.nas.edu/evolution/TheoryOrFact.html
No it is a theory and not a fact. Even with what you are saying science has yet to find the links for all the species between monkey and man. And in addition in hundreds of years of science we have not ever seen anything evolve. Ultimately the argument goes much further than just evolution to something deeper, which is belief in a creator vs there not being one and the fact that things can simply come into existence without cause. Which it must do at some point
Nope, it is a fact – see the definition of fact in one of the comments below. There are no links between “monkey and man’ so naturally you won’t find any. Why would you expect to find links between monkey and man? As for examples, you do remember the education you received about the peppered moth in junior high school or middle school? There are dozens like that. How much clearer do you need?
We share 90% of our DNA with Chimpanzees. That’s a fact by the way.
Indeed we do. And? Evolution in no way says that we are descended from chimpanzees, monkeys,etc.
It’s closer to 98%.
96%
Facts are not arrogant or pompous, they just are. The universe does not do emotion, it just exists as per the laws of physics.
So just out of interest which God and religion do you think is the correct one?
Islam
Why that god and not some of the others available to you?
It’s logical. How many gods could there be? Same good God we all know and love.
Logically? Somewhere between zero and infinity?
So you think that believing in no creator is more logical than believing in a God(or some kind of creator, call Him what you will)?
Nope, I said no such thing. I asked why, out of all the gods and religions available to choose from, you made the choice that you did. The answer was that it was logical – yet I’ve seen nothing to show that it was any more logical than any other choice. Choice of a god seems to come down to a matter of personal preference. I’m okay with that, as long as a person acknowledges that that is what drove their choice. To claim ‘logic’ is a bit disingenuous I’d say.
This is a good question. You can watch hours of lectures and debate and read dozens of books from Muslims explaining “why Islam” vs other religions. You can even go down to Fanar opposite souq waqif and they’ll hapilly discuss.
Impossible to give all the answers here. Check out http://www.onereason.org/
And no I don’t think that saying it’s logical is disingenuous, It’s you who thinks that it is impossible that one religion can be logically more correct than another. But thousands believe so. Like I said go online and watch the debates. Read. It’s simple.
Anyway we are drifting from the subject. Education and religion should be separate. Religion is a personal choice and should not be imposed on children or for the children to be indoctrinated in one way of thinking. Religious studies is ok where children can learn about the multitudes of different faiths throughout human history but without pushing one as correct and all the others as wrong.
These students are master students, they do have a choice and choose to be in this program. Being religious is not a prerequisite to be in these programs. Children and religion is a whole different topic all together.
No, thank you. Done the Fanar centre – found the people distasteful, shan’t be back.
What about one of the other 6000 Gods and deities since the dawn of man? You are atheistic about everyone’s elses God, the only difference between me and you is I go one God more.
Well that’s one of the points that Islam speaks of, who is God, why believe in this One God and not others. I point you to the same site that I pointed ananymous to http://www.onereason.org/
Well what about becoming a Baha’i then. They have the last prophet and before you and Mohd was the last prophet and any others are imposters, that is exactly what the Christians said about Jesus. He was the last messenger from God and anyone else afterwards is an imposter.
So Baha’i it is then for our religion if we want to be up to date with Gods message.
Well then you would have to look into it. He could be a prophet or he could be an imposter. You would have to look back at all the religions study them and decide. You seem to be over simplify things.
Well I took a look at that website and didn’t have to get very far to realise it was nonsense. Under the ‘do we need evidence God exists’ was this gem.
“I believe we have many good arguments which support a belief in God. The point I am raising here, however, is that we don’t require any evidence for His existence: God is an axiomatic belief. In other words, God’s existence is self-evidently true. ”
My response is, “anything that can be proposed as fact without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.”
Ummm, no, it is perfectly scientific, to those who understand the scientific meaning of the words. It therefore follows that it is in no way arrogant or pompous. Your lifestyle choice and that of thousands of others should not prevent you from learning the meaning of the words that you use.
I give you the same advice I give Ugene above, be careful about word choice, you (probably unintentionally) perpetuate the misuse of the terms and contribute to the lack of clarity in the conversation – though I agree with the message that you are trying to get across.
OK I guess in English for some where it is not their first language they could get confused. Evolution is a fact, but science will accept if something comes along to disprove it.
Go look at science it ain’t reliable. Things have constantly come along that have disproved so called “facts”
Yes, exactly, thank you for summarizing the beauty and strength of science, you got it and are perfectly correct.
Correct.
However the many things in the Koran that has been disproved, does anyone rewrite the Koran the same as we rewrite scientific books when something is proved to be incorrect. Nope, they cling on in hope and people liked Harun try to fit a new narrative to make the Koran “true” again.
What’s been proven wrong?
The whole story of Adam and Eve for a start, that is why people like Harun attack evolution and why it was so controversial in the 19th century in the UK, it slaps you right in the face that what the bible and koran says cannot be true.
(How ever I do have to laugh at their sons Cain and Abel. First gay couple to have children.!?!.)
MIMH please explain your comments?
With regard to Adam and eve you claim that it “slaps you in the face?” How exactly.
As for Cain and Able? Gay ? Are you really that naiive about religion.
MIMH you post a lot of comments deriding religion but it seems you know nothing but what you perceive on the surface. You should really study this topic you so vehemently detest.
Yes, but I was referring more to the distressingly common habit of using the word ‘theory’ as synonymous with a hunch, when it is so much more than that. If I could change one thing about TV newsreaders, it would be their use of ‘theory’. If I hear another newsreader say ‘Authorities theorize that the co-pilot of GermanWings…” This misuse is so common that it makes these sorts of conversations needlessly difficult.
Interesting but very off-topic thread. Am deleting the rest of it because it started to devolve.
I won’t whine if you can promise to see that DN the staff doesn’t fall into the theory trap.
I think that you need to refresh yourself on the meaning of “theory” and distinguish it from hypothesis. You misuse the word above. See this link for a clearer understanding in the way that you misuse the word. http://ncse.com/evolution/education/theory-fact
I am intrigued by your belief. Name for me 3 accomplishments that you believe to be “scientific facts” in the Koran.
Haha the Quran mentions a number of scientific “facts” such as the formation of the human in a mothers womb plus others. You can read about them here http://www.islamreligion.com/category/34/
But Islam did not come to produce science but to reveal signs and to guide man to guidance and a better character. God says in the Quran that he will reveal knowledge to man when and where he wills. That is that science and the process of discovery will always exist on earth in one form or another. Even though man may ultimatelly believe that he is figuring these things out himself it is in fact God who choses when and where the knowledge will be placed. This is evidenced in the so called Eurekaa moments when scienticsts inexplainably find the solution they are looking for. While others Labour hard and do not find.
Not facts as they are scientifically understoon, but ummm, okay, why is that special? That was known for hundreds of years before Islam. It fails to convince me. The rest of what you say is interesting in the numerous logical fallacies you demonstrate in such a short bit of writing. The website is weak – it speaks of ‘scientists’ then doesn’t name them, give their qualifications, and hasn’t updated it in 20 years.
My anonomous friend. Don’t feel special because I may have said that man evolved from monkey. I was using a euphamism. We all know that evolutionists trace both the monkey and an back to a common ancestor from which they branch off. But nevertheless I suggest you read Harun yahya’a books regarding evolution.
Yes, but words and accuracy are important, and carelessness in their use perpetuates misunderstanding and inaccuracies in communication. I’ve read Mr. Oktar’s ‘works’ – they were required reading in grad school. As an ex-con and one of the biggest charlatans alive he is difficult to take seriously.
Seriously you didn’t just say Harun Yahya. This man is an idiot, the worst type of pseudoscience and only the naive, the ignorant or the desperate would want to believe what he produces.
Yes, as a failed interior design student his qualifications in science are truly impressive.
So someone who speaks against your viewpoint is an idiot and someone who supports your viewpoint becomes a genius. Typical immature MIMH.
No you are entitled to your opinion but this man is a fraud. What he is talking about and what I’m talking about is not a view point but a matter of scientific fact.
You can have your own opinions but not your own facts.
As a matter of error-correction, evolution is a ‘fact’ as fact is scientifically understood. From the National Academy of Science website referenced below hey say “In science, a “fact” typically refers to an observation, measurement, or other form of evidence that can be expected to occur the same way under similar circumstances. However, scientists also use the term “fact” to refer to a scientific explanation that has been tested and confirmed so many times that there is no longer a compelling reason to keep testing it or looking for additional examples. In that respect, the past and continuing occurrence of evolution is a scientific fact. Because the evidence supporting it is so strong, scientists no longer question whether biological evolution has occurred and is continuing to occur. Instead, they investigate the mechanisms of evolution, how rapidly evolution can take place, and related questions.”
“Evolution is a theory. It is also a fact. And facts and theories are different things, not rungs in a hierarchy of increasing certainty. Facts are the world’s data. Theories are structures of ideas that explain and interpret facts.” — Stephen Jay Gould
And Socrates would turn to you and say “What is a scientific fact?” You realise that you try to apply natural scientific epistemology to societal interpretation, ie. you apply an incompatible science as justification for not believing in God.
Science and religion do not have to be at odds. Maybe during the medieval times when the Church was making up all sorts of nonsense, yes. But not now. Even in the case of evolution, the Quran says (this is my own translation) “we created the human in the best form”. Considering that “best” is a relative term this can easily mean that there were previous forms that were not in the “best form”, i.e evolution.
I applaud such efforts by QF. We need intelligent people working in this domain so we can better understand religious scripture rather than sticking with traditional interpretations that may or may not be true.
Actually I agree on this point. Islam needs its own reformation, the same as Christianity went through hundreds of years ago to reform its image as a violent, misoganistic, intolerant faith. A more tolerant, reformed islam will bring greater peace among the various races and faiths of mankind.
Unless it’s Islamic education then there is no running away from that!
If you don’t like it, leave.
I’ve never been it in, so I can’t leave.
Deleting for attack.
well, I beg to differ. Still, it’s only my opinion.
So wrong.
I’m glad you agree it is so wrong. Brainwashing young minds into your chosen religion is child abuse of the worst kind.
Are non Muslims allowed to visit at any times? Would like to see it.
Yes of course. Do not hesitate to read a translated copy of the Qur’an as well. You would find it intriguing where they got the idea of the river.
Wow. Impressive
Masya Allah.. Is it open to public or just for the students and faculty?
Hopefully it’s open to everyone. I want to explore this building!
There’s a river of wine in paradise? Does the guy that banned the pasta sauce because it had (miniscule amounts of) wine in it or the lotion because it was named champagne know that? He’s gonna hate paradise!
Yes, paradise has virgins and wine but you can’t touch them when down on earth. If God was a woman heaven would be full of handbags, shoes and coffee shops.
You know Chilidog, if you want to know about it first you need to know the basics of the religion. Get hold of the book the three fundamental principles in Islaam. It’s available in English. Read the explanation to get the basic yet interesting facts. I am sure it would help you understand better.
Thank you Binthun, but I’ll pass. I do have a basic knowledge of the religion. My comment was less of an inquiry and more of a rhetorical question pointing out the glaring irony of the river of wine.
its not like the wine we have on earth its just called wine but IS NOT WINE !!
Wow, new revelation to me. What is it then? Faux-wine? Fwine? Have you tried it? Do you have the recipe?
dude what the f is wrong with you its just a name.
What “the f” is wrong with me? Nice way to keep the discussion on a mature level. You sound very sure of yourself typing in all caps making a statement that contradicts itself and makes zero logical sense: it’s wine but it’s not wine. I’m just curious since you’re so certain: Are you privy to the ingredients? How do you know? How are you so sure? If it’s not wine then why is it called something that has such an obvious negative connotation for Muslims on earth? Why try to deceive followers if that’s not really what it is?
I don’t know how much you’ve read buddy- but one thing is for sure, you’ve gotta read more.
For your information. The English language meaning of the word wine has changed over the years. Do your research and you find in biblical times fresh fruit juice was called wine. The English language later changed the meaning of wine to a mean an alcoholic fruit juice. Thus even the bible bans drinking but since the wording used is wine. Ignorant people believe that it allows alcohol.
wow beautiful, and magical, hope to visit this mosque one day 🙂
I think it would be nice at least to mention who are the architects of this building – Mangera Yvars Architects.
That is so beautiful! I actually wanna go check it out.
Beautiful … Indeed… The best Mosque ive seen so far …
Wow, just last week I was thinking that there really does seems to be a shortage of mosques around here, and then this is announced! How fortuitous!
Is the women’s area as nice as the men’s? I was disappointed with the national mosque.
The architecture is wonderful! Can’t wait to go there!
Most of the comments below seem frivolous and childish…I am interested in seeing what the women’s prayer space looks like. I have observed that no matter how fabulous the mosque, the design is intended for the perspective of the male worshippers.
A beautiful mosque with a beautiful prayer hall where women will never be allowed to pray — And instead put in a separate area on the second floor with high walls and no view.
Can I go into mazjid, even though I am not a student in the education city?