Eating in Public Facts

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I do not know the basic rule of respecting each other's rights and beliefs. Please can you tell me how you see that rule?

And nobody has the right to impose his opinion on others ;)

if u do not know the basic rule of respecting each others' rights and believes, u have no right to impose your opinion on others.

ELS teacher and TG....

I wish people would stop confusing religion tradition and politics...it gets quite tiresome......loads of muslim countries DO NOT have such laws which (with due respect)i find quite absurd(no insult intended)...but when it's not forbidden by religion it should not be forbidden by law....stuff like that only makes us look bad and gives people a chance to criticise.

And by the way ...it makes no difference to me at least that people are not fasting ....it's everyones right to do as they please....i won't crumble and cry when people eat infront of me and fasting is not that hard any way...kids do it....they do it and live their lives normally playing football etc

I used to play P.E..in school.. in June..IN QATAR...WHILE FASTING...it was exhausting but it felt good showing non muslims that it's no big deal.....they would eat infront of us in recess and think were all torn up inside...you know pretendig that the food is sooo good ...making faces and mmmms and yummms...pathetic....teenagers!!!.

i think the challenge is good for you...

No offence! .lili.

Amen to that starycat! ppl go get your freak on!

get laid more than they need to eat and drink in public.. People.. please prioritize your ranting!

Where do I go? Ppl what are you lookin' at :-P

My son and some of his friends had 'hidden' in the tunnel area in the Al Bida Park area during ramadan a few years ago. A qatari man saw them, and found them sharing a can of coca cola, so he called the police. Fortunately another resident here showed up and intervened, stopping the police from taking them all off to the police station.

They were made to apologize, even though they'd taken the precaution of 'hiding'.. in the tunnel, and gathering in a closed group so that no-one could see what they were doing... the Qatari man still called the police. He actually had to follow them into the tunnel (not the normal course of pathway for him) to find out what they were doing.

So I think our friend would do well to drink in public and see what the consequences will be. We are informed that eating and drinking is expressly not allowed, and even certain exceptions are expected to use discretion, so why push the limits.

Angel

in doha? impossible!

:-P

U need to get laid.

Saladin made peace with the "infidels"

I forgot to mention an Infidel as well.

I think he's kidding...or at least I hope he is.....

I think you are desperately seeking attnetion to be making such pronouncements.

Anyone who complains about Ramadan is a Zionist and Anti-Islam.

hello Helloqatar,

Now I understand your confusion. You are mixing up religion, government and culture. Which is fair because you may think that what ever a government of an Islamic country does is based on Islamic principles...not true. There are other factors that affect a government's rules and laws such as culture, money, etc.

Here I will address some of your points and hope to bring some clarity:

Pork in UAE and not in Qatar -Pork is Forbiden in Islam- and this rule does have everything to do with religion, now for instance if you take Israel which claims to be a Jewish state it has also forbidden the selling and consumption of pork for quite a number of decades; however, recently (and I mean in the past few years) it has removed the ban of pork because Israel is rapidly filling up with not-so orthodox Jews, thus the country is changing to fit these demands and it's new inhabitants. Yet the Orthodox community and many Rabbis in Israel are furious, because the it is still forbidden in Judaism regardless if the people want it or not.

That may give you some insight here, the ruling government of the UAE is not focused on religious preservation it is much more focused on development and business etc. They have been selling Pork since the 80's and maybe even before. Saudi is the focus of Islamic Hajj and is very near and dear to all Muslims and their faith thus this government is very focused on preserving as many aspects of the faith as possible. And as they attracts millions per year for Hajj they need to abide by such rules, it is in the government best interest. Qatar is obviously much more conservative than the UAE and I think it's pretty obvious that the Qataris themselves do not want pork on their land, in their grocery stores, or restaurants, similarly to Orthodox Jews. It is their land and country and we should respect their rules and sensitivities. The ideal for all Muslims would be no Pork anywhere because it highly forbidden in the religion and anything touched by pork needs to specially washed etc, (for those familiar with Kosher they will understand), but it is not always abiding Muslims making the laws here thus why you will have inconsistencies, and in no way do most of the governments reflect Islam...although to be honest Qatar is doing the best job.

Now women not driving--this my friend has absolutely NOTHING to do with Islam. And yet everything to do with culture. So it's like saying why can Homosexuals marry in Canada and not the U.S.= I don't know it's the country and their own laws. You would have to ask the individuals who make up the legislature. All in all it has nothing to do with Islam.

So you when you are asking why somethings are legal and others not, the governments are not all following the relgion here, sometimes there are other factors influencing the laws ie. culture, money, etc. So these are not Islamic governments in short just like in Canada (which is majority christian) is not run by a Christian government. However canada still caters to Christian needs over the rest of the population ie. Catholic schools are paid for by our (Canadian citizen's) taxes; however, we don't even get a tax break if we enroll our children in Jewish or Islamic schools, but we still pay to operate the catholic schools.

If you needs some more answers there is an excellent place here in Doha called the Qatar Guest Centre they have tons of info for expats who are arriving and have questions. No, they will not try to convert you! they just have tons of free panflits and books that answer popular questions that non-Muslims may have.

If there is no law, why can't I get a Starbucks at 13:00, they didn't close on their own. That is the only thing I am trying to say, why do certain eating places have to close during the day.

It still looks like the Government is forcing a religious idea on all people, muslim and non-muslim alike. I wonder why the Government can't trust the people to do the right religious thing and fast on their own.

I am all for the fast, I think people should do it if they want to, and I don't plan to eat in public during daylight hours when it might offend someone. I do plan to eat in the hotels if I want, assuming that any muslims that are there know what happens in the restaurants.

I still think a muslim that can fast in England, because of the temptation around him/her is stronger than a person that can fast in a country where the Government has removed the temptation.

This is not about the fasting, this is not about eating in public, it is about making everyone act according to one set of beliefs. It would be no differnet if we were all told to wear sandals because that is the religious belief of the country.

Why is it OK to buy pork in the UAE but not in Qatar? Why is it OK for woman to drive in Qatar but not Saudi? Why is it OK for Bars in UAE but not Saudi? Why can't women be trusted to vote and run for office in some countries but not others because of religion. Why are somethings OK and others not? Are some of these countries more religious than others or just different beliefs?

I am confused, but I sure do like it here and plan on staying if they let me.

The site is new, give it a chance to grow.

I did check out the other site and found it kinda boring, that's why I wanted to clarify.

Oops Novita I was refering to your first comment about not sounding encouraging to expats who want to come to Qatar.

I come from the biggest muslim country in the world and everything just the opposite of here... all of these down to the government really.

Yes the positive way:

- I am saving a fortune by starbuck-less for a month

- I have more time quality with my car Itraffic that is).

- hubby only working from 7-12 during ramadhan

- and i have to try harder to experiment in the kitchen (eat out alot and hate cooking).

No kidding Novita,I was thinking the same thing.

Well like I said I have never ever heard or read anything yet that states non-Muslims are forbidden to eat or drink in Public during Ramadan in any Islamic literature or lecture.

So, eat, drink, live. Muslims are abstaining willingly and the religion DOES NOT request anyone who's not Muslim to do anything. (fyi Helloqatar) and no I am not making a dig at you. I am just sincerely letting you know that the Islamic Faith generally does not make rules to impose the faith on non-Muslims. And if the government chooses to pass any such law (which I have still never heard of) then it's their country and they can do so...yet no one complains or at least show's any bit of positivity towards the law the cuts working hours during Ramadan???

so I guess we can always look for opportunities to complain, but how about we try to look at the bright side sometimes too.

they are very 'friendly', 'polite' and 'accomodating'. Dont u think?

very 'interesting' and 'exciting' site. Been in there and posting in there myself a couple of times. Just like other forums :-)

And you want to attract expat to settle in Doha (Qatar)???

I like the country and I like the people.

manages to take what I said out of context and put his/her own spin on it yet again. If your really dissatisfied and discontented with the way religion, acording to you, is enforced here and the way our govt does things why did you come? really u must have had a clue prior to coming here as to what you were getting urself in2 so I would really like to know why did you come here?

If I read your rant in the first of the two posts, first you have pre-judged me without knowing anything about me and yes you did- You told us that you were referred to this site by someone. How do you know for sure that people are not having fun on this website?? Everyone does not sound as bitter as you. Your obvious attempts at trying to pull me down amuses me. If you had responded to what I had written I could have tried a response but you wont get it anyway. Yawn!!

TG dont give yourself too much undeserved credit at least when it comes to knowing about other people's lives. i have no idea what friends of mine you are talking about nor do i recall telling you who my friends are. and in case you are referring to www.qatarblahblah.com - i visited it a couple of times and there are much more interesting discussions going on than here. at least people there talk and have fun even if its about pedicures and manicures. havent seen that one yet, so am off to check it out, thanks for the tip.

Alexia,

Since I know where you are coming from you wont understand it anyway. I have pointed out that its not the religion that needs to be examined for controlling behaviour but the governments- A reference to Helloqatar's statement. If you dont like what I write, counter it with your argument,not your obvious bitterness.Meanwhile you can carry on your lively discussions on pedicure and manicure on your friend's lively chatroom.

TG I decided not to follow the obvious trend and give you a benefit of a doubt but you dont strike me as a particularly smart person. you criticize everything and everyone and accuse everything and everyone. you rarely make any sense whatsoever and your ideas on the use of punctuation are amusing to say the least. now how in the world what you have just posted fits into the discussion?? your two cents are not worth sticking.

Helloqatar,

Though your post is addressed to Bajesus..I am adding my two cents worth...The sentence "I still say that a religion that needs the government to force people to believe or behave, should be examined" is not informed of the realities in the middle east...Its not religion but politics...Middle east is not democratic so Governments operate on emotive issues-religion,palestine etc while doing all sorts of deals which further their geo-political aims..and no one knows what people really want...If you take the hint from Aisha above...may be Qataris don't care if someone is fasting or not..

This is the statement made by Saudi Interior minister yesterday about Al-Q, "The devient group wrongly believes that a state founded on the principles of Islam can't be established and we are a living proof that it can (be)"..Now its clear that both use religion to further their political aims...So we should rather examine the governments and avoid bringing religion into this debate of controlling behaviour...I hope you get the drift..

The good thing about this discussion is I don't have to leave the country because Bajesus doesn't like me to have an idea that might be different than his. As stated elsewhere, it is a stronger and probably more reglious person than can fast when others are not. For the Govt to tell SOME eating establishments to close because it offends someone but let others operate is a little confusing. I don't chose to eat in public and offend anyone, but it should be my choice, not the government.

I still say that a religion that needs the government to force people to believe or behave, should be examined. Religion is a choice a person makes, religion forced on someone is the same as slavery.

Don't force me to believe in the fasting, if you want to believe, that is your business but if something is OK 11 months of the year, why should the 12th month be differnet, except that religion requires it of certain groups. I chose to do my religion on a volunteer basis, not forced by the GOVERNMENT.

Don't get mad because someone disagrees with you or your religion. You may be right but you could be wrong. How will you know?

Well well well…so it’s still not clear whether drinking or eating in public is forbidden or not. But one thing I know for sure, I will continue to drink my water in public if I absolutely need to, with discretion and without waving my bottle, just in case if someone feels that I am being disrespectful or purposely breaking the law.

It has been an interesting discussion. I always like to learn about how others live their religion. With Christianity, Islam and other religions you will undoubtedly always find the hypocrite and the true believer. I have seen that so many times. I really liked an earlier comment from Aisha who says that she really doesn’t mind about others not fasting in front of her. Personally I admire Aisha’s attitude and her devotion to God and her religion. I could easly see her enthusiasm about Ramadam and fasting. I choose to think that’s the spirit of the true believer, fasting is between the individual and God and what everyone else around does is irrelevant. To those who ask for respect by not eating or drinking in front of them, I really think you should re-address the reasons as to why you are fasting in the first place.

Also, I’d like to answer to a previous comment from Xinhuilt, who I have the pleasure to know in real life and I hope she doesn’t mind my comment, as I do appreciate her a lot. She said that you wouldn’t eat in front of someone who is fasting just as you wouldn’t do it in front of a hungry child. I found that comparison out of place. You cannot possibly compare a healthy adult who voluntarily fast for religious reasons with a hungry child that doesn’t eat because of poverty or other sad circumstances.

Please don’t think that I dislike Ramadam or that I am annoyed about the minor restrictions that I find during this month. It was just a discussion, that’s all :) . In fact I love the excitement, enthusiasm and devotion of the Muslim people during this month. So happy Ramadam everyone.

Oh, and Moments, I hope during this month you will be blessed with some wisdom. It will come handy.

you all have to be patient with another, there's misinformation everywhere apparantly and some ppl. are getting frusturated with one another because their sources of info are contradicting others. As a Muslim myself I am pretty much unaware of any huge penalty if a non-Muslim is eating. When ppl are saying be respectful...use your common sense...they are not asking you to fast with them...they are just saying be discreet if you are eating in front of ppl who are fasting. Ie. in Canada I would have friends who would be taking part in lent (which you have to abstain from something you really enjoy ie. chocolate sweets) they also do some sort of fast as well. anywho, we would try not indulge infront of the person if we were having what they were abstaining from. Not because I was forced too, but just out of respect of the person. that's all.

cheers and Happy Ramadan to those fasting and not. It's a charitable month in which we remember and thank God. It's a month with great food, friends/family and making extra time for prayer.

"If you don't like it then leave"?!

Now what kind of an attitude is that? Is that how you'd like Muslims in non-Muslim countries to be addressed?

This is just the problem; such retorts and reactions that prevent people from holding an open discussion.

If you don't like what's being said on this forum why don't YOU leave!

is not the point of such tests as fasting to show your strength of will? If temptation removed by laws then where is the show of strength. A muslim in another country must resist eating when other peoples near him are eating. Surely that is the greater test.

Listen, if your not willing to respect the religion or the laws of the country your living in, I suggest you should leave. I think people like you who say things like that are arrogant, and dont expect to be respected if your not willing to respect.

HaShMi

Thanks for giving realistic comments on this current issue, now i think this issue is resolved and non-muslims not to worry (feel free) in Doha, its up to them to respect of a relegion, off course we as a muslim respect for all the relegions.

is that means that single can't enjoy the park? And you wondering why they have this photographs session in each flowerfull roundabout during winter.

Just imagine. Ahhh this year I don't have to listen to jingle bells at work, in the mall, walking down the street, and in my sleep. I don't have to look like the outcast for not going to the Christmas party, or drinking at after work functions. To the people complaining please relax and understand no place is truly open and as tolerant as we would like to think.

We think they are that way only because we are in the majority. Ahhh the times I had during school trying to convince the cafeteria workers not to put pork in the green beans. Man vegetarians in America have made Muslims life easier in America but before.... tolerance. So enjoy the peace of Ramadhan, more time with the family and less stress, the same as you would Christmas, and Easter. Please don't mimic just respect use your mind and just be discreet, the same way I do in America when asked if I want some eggnog with alcohol or shake a ladies hand during a business meeting.

QD

Act your age not your shoe size

I cant agree more on how it can be unbelievably boring for singles. I go out of Qatar for 2 weeks and Im already a different person but when I come back here I gradually morph back in2 my old self again. It sucks 4 us singles to watch your life pass you by in slow motion here "sigh"

Singles can't go to the Bidda Park and Enjoy the nice winter Sun for example..I think I dont have to explain that..Read through the Singles complaining about it in every forum and you will know...

What's the difference between singles and families. What is there for families to do that singles cannot do?

Lets face it...Qatar is great for families..but singles Do get bored..and when you have access to the net at your office desk..most people would love to type their blues away complaining about every bit from food to maids...So now we have a long thread about "Eating in Public Facts".

qatar is much much better than SA!

However the latest edition of Marhaba says that it is ILLEGAL for non muslims to eat or drink in public. If this information is wrong, I think they should change it.

no it is not. Why do u think i last for 5 years in Qatar (maybe even more), there are other plus and minus in every country you living/visits.

How can you complain about country that have no crime? Very safe and very family orientated?

Sheraton is serving Buffet Breakfast from 0630 to 1030 and buffet lunch at the Shaheen also at the pool side.

Went there this morning. Surprised was I !!!!!

This is the first of what I know, walk-in guest are also allowed to dine.

Hey Bajesus,

Welcome back..You were the last person I would expect would ask people to leave...I agree with you people complain out of boredom..nothing else...Anyone who is in Qatar likes it here for the time being and adopts well according to local conditions...Qatar is much better(..and similar to UAE) than Saudi Arabia where only Muslims work for the lessor hours...Non-Muslims are supposed to work their usual timing..

All offices have their pantry open and every one is enjoying his tea or coffee..Canteens are open in certain places..So I dont really understand what this fuss about not able to carry your bottle is?? If you are seen trying to eat in your Car, I don't think anyone will complain...As Long as you are SEEN to be discreet..its OK...The bit about taking photos was funny..LOL...

If theres anything I learnt from travelling so much is that for everything we hate about Qatar, for everything done here that we despise. Its done 10 times worse in another country. I keep saying over and over again that Im all for constructive crticisim but the way opinions and emotions have been running around and displayed here lately you make it sound as if Qatar is the worst place on earth and its sickening to say the least. Complaining is easy and we do our share regularly but do we need a reminder to be grateful for the good things. I think to a great extent that a lot of ppl overreact and exaggerate with their comments because it stems from sheer and utter boredom.

Non taken. Infact Ive been to 26 countries to date. I know what Im talking about and once again what I said has been misconstrued for wanting you to give up your freedom of speech although I cant see how. I dont think I ever insinuated that. Theres a fine line between purposely insulting one's culture and freedom of speech. What purpose does it serve to say what HQatar said about us. Nothing and nowhere's perfect and thats something I live by and infact have mentioned at multiple times in this site but if you have lived here for a good chunk of ur life then you know just as much as I do that our govt doesnt "force" religion on us. If thats not an ignorant thing to say then I dont know what is since it couldnt be anymore farther from the truth.

You are so young, you need to travel more. And as for us expat ... we been living in somewhere else apart of Qatar, we have the right to compare places. We do our best to suit the local religion, doesnt mean we have to give up the right of free speech, or does it???

PS: No offence intended to you personally. :-)

Then by all means butterfly go back home since according to you they dont impose respect on others like we do here. Helloqatar I didnt say you have to believe what I believe U DID so dont go blaming me for something I didnt say. Im not that kind of person. What I wanted to point out was that what you said was ignorant and I quote "When the government has to enforce religion on the people because they can't resist, maybe something is wrong". You percieve what you want and then swallow it down like its a fact. You know this is a muslim state, you know we do things differently here, you know what ramadan means to us and yet we accomodate your needs and wishes as much as possible in accordance with what is appropriate and not offensive to us. IF YOU DONT LIKE IT THEN LEAVE. There are no "ifs" or "buts" because it really is that simple. If its really that unbearable for you here even if its just one month out of every year buy that plane ticket and go back where you came from. But by all means dont tarnish our reputation out of false accusations that you make yourself. You dont have to abide by things if you dont want but be ready to take responsibility for what your action may entail. Its infuriating that we have been put in a position where we have to prove something to you in our own country where we have our own culture and practice or own religion. I really dont have anything against you and HECK I dont even know you but dont for one second expect me to be silenced when you speak as if you know us because that is what I call ignorance.

PPL SERIOUSLY if you come here for the dough be ready to make adjustments and sacrificies and most importantly BE OBJECTIVE! If our lifestyle and way of doing things doesnt harm you then DONT BE A B*TCH ABOUT IT and whine and complain behind our backs. You knew what you were in for before and when you came here so DEAL WITH IT!

can not say better than that.

Hubby said we dont celebrate ramadhan, but if muslim come to 'our country' they can celebrate it as they wish :-)

i can't imagine trying to stuff an apple inside E's mouth.

What is ignorant about about wanting to have my beliefs and not yours. You believe what you want, but don't tell me I have to believe what you believe. I may think your beliefs are the work of the "devil" and I am right. If not eating in Doha during the day is a sign of respect, should I say that wearing a head scarf in New York at Christmas is a sign of disrespect.

I can be offended by a lot of things, I choose not to let you offend me.

I'm always amazed about how we are expected to do things out of respect. I've learnt that respect can mean lots of different things to different people. I've seen here that respect means to imitate other's values. At home, I was taught that respect means to accept other's values, but not necessarily imitate them. Respect, as I was taught it, is based on tolerance and diversity, and not mere imitation.

Been called many things, but a "seductive instrument of evil", that's the first time.

That was a very ignorant thing to say. It is something between a person and their god so ppl can get away with it if they want. Its been said before and Im going to say it again its all done out of respect.

Good one!

"The devil(s) made me do it, those seductive instruments of evil."

"What, brother, which devils?"

"Those 2 over there, the one with the camera and the one with the phone"

"Can you prove it?"

"I was eating an apple wan't I!"

lmao Butterfly :-)

and ill come running towards E, i push him and grab both the apple and the drink and run away spoiling ur whole scheme

You eat, Novita takes the pic, and I call the police.

There are places to eat lunch in Doha, visit any of the major hotels, I ate there this weekend for lunch.

When the government has to enforce religion on the people because they can't resist, maybe something is wrong. This should be between a person and their God, it is not the governments business.

many restaurants don't know they can start serving food at maghreb prayer time (breaking the fast). I called Great Wall and they said they start cooking at that time! Same with Beijing.

There were a couple of women smoking in the car next to mine outside my kids' school today. Talk about torture.

So which of you is going to hold the camera and which will click the button?

That's a new one. How many people does it take to take a picture? 2, in Doha during Ramadan.

Even I don't get it.

butterfly, let's go to CC together to take E pic together.

As a comparison in Indonesia, during fasting month everything just open like normal. Eateries all open normal hours (except they cover their restaurant with white clothing so people eating can't be seen from outside), you can eat and drink as you please.

Thats what i call tolerant.

2 days down of my starbucks-less day, 28 more to go, no long eh?

E,

you eat, I take the pics?

Well ain't that smart!

Now let's do the experiment.

Don't forget to note also that many places of emploment are "enforcing" it - ie heavy hints etc...

I was sure someone was going to write some think like this. I actually contact the police office. Where by the way were very helpful. You WILL NOT BE FINE OF PUNISH. But it is out of respect not to do in public, you would never eat in front of a pour and hungry kid would you? Or jump up and down in front of a handicap. Is just NOT right. As far restaurants of course they are close, people can't eat why would they waist time opening, is just like restaurants in Christmas or New Year they close due to small amount of people coming in. It just makes sense. About this happening to your friend if could be but again is for RESPECT. The police officers might tell you some think but that’s as far as it goes. Just in case you or anyone wants to make clear this point this s the Main Police Force Number 438-1381.

I still appreciate your comment. This is exactly why I created the topic so people won't have the wrong idea.

Let's do this:

Go to the City Center during the day. Sit on a bench, take out an apple and a bottle of water. I'll stand at a distance and take pictures as you eat and drink.

Let's see what happens.

that children can eat and drink in public as they please. This was discussed in the other Ramadan thread.

Xihuitl dont talk about what you dont know. Of course there are groups of muslim ppl that dont fast during ramadan. But you will be fined or even arrested if caught eating or drinking in public in qatar during ramadan. go eat at home all you like, not in public. my friends were told off yesterday by a policeman for walking around the souk with a bottle of water! he also explained to them that it is illegal to do so.

ppl living in this country have the idea that eating or drinking in public is prohibited are obviously better informed than you are. why else would the restaurants be closed if its perfectly ok to eat in public?