Freedom of religion in Qatar

Boston University’s 2020 World Religions Database states Muslims are 78.5% of the population, Christians 13.1%, Hindus 3%, atheists and agnostics 2.2%, and Buddhists 1.8%.

Accordingly, the Christian community includes Catholics (80,000), Eastern and Greek Orthodox, Anglicans (10,000), Copts (3,000), and other Protestants.

The Hindu community is almost exclusively Indian, while Buddhists include South, Southeast, and East Asians.

[3] While most Qataris are Sunni, Shi'a Muslims freely practice their faith, the nationality law does not impose any restrictions on religious identity.

The emir participates in public prayers during both Eid holiday periods and personally finances the Hajj for citizens and noncitizens pilgrims who cannot afford to travel to Mecca.

In matters involving religious issues, the new Family Law applies, which is not restricted to one branch of Islam.

[4] Qatar does not require non-Muslims to fast during Ramadan, but all restaurants are closed during daylight hours and no-one can drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.

Converting to another religion from Islam is considered apostasy and is technically a capital offense; however, since the country gained independence in 1971, there has been no recorded execution or other punishment for such an act.

Hindus, Buddhists, Baháʼís and members of other religious groups do not operate as freely as Christian congregations.

According to the Criminal Code, individuals caught proselytizing on behalf of an organization, society, or foundation, for any religion other than Islam, may be sentenced to a prison term of up to 10 years.

Individuals who possess written or recorded materials or items that support or promote missionary activity can be imprisoned for up to two years.

[6] While discrimination against expatriates in the areas of employment, education, housing, and health services occurred, nationality was usually the determinant rather than religion.

The Government assigned a coordinator in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to speed up and facilitate the process, although some restrictions have been imposed on the use of certain religious symbols on buildings.

Invitations were extended to the Catholic, Anglican, Coptic and other Orthodox denominations, as well as the Middle East Churches Council and Jewish rabbis, among others.

Its purpose will be to follow up on conference resolutions, papers, and studies, and engage local and international research centers and universities.