Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar Masjid)
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**Fanar Masjid** (also known as the **Qatar Islamic Cultural Center Masjid**) is one of Doha’s most prominent landmarks, not just for its religious significance, but also for its cultural and architectural importance. Located in the heart of the city, near Souq Waqif, it is a place of worship, education, and community engagement. The mosque is part of the larger **Fanar Center**, which aims to promote Islamic culture and education to both Muslims and non-Muslims in Qatar. ### 1. **Architectural Design:** The mosque’s design is an impressive fusion of traditional Islamic architecture and modern elements. It is known for its distinctive **spiral minaret**, inspired by the traditional design of mosques in North Africa, particularly those in Morocco. The spiral minaret is one of the most recognizable features of Fanar Masjid and gives the mosque its unique and striking appearance. The overall design is both beautiful and functional, with large, open spaces that create a peaceful atmosphere for worshipers. ### 2. **Location and Accessibility:** Fanar Masjid is centrally located, making it easily accessible to both locals and visitors. It is situated close to **Souq Waqif**, which is a popular cultural and tourist destination in Doha. The mosque is within walking distance from key areas of the city and is well-connected by road and public transport. This makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the area or looking to experience a traditional place of worship in the heart of Doha. ### 3. **Religious and Cultural Significance:** Fanar Masjid serves not only as a mosque for daily prayers but also as a center for learning and cultural exchange. The mosque is part of the **Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Center**, which offers a variety of programs for both Muslims and non-Muslims. These include educational lectures, Quranic studies, and courses on Islamic culture, history, and traditions. This makes Fanar not only a place for worship but also a key site for promoting cross-cultural understanding and dialogue in Qatar. ### 4. **Atmosphere and Worship:** Inside, Fanar Masjid is spacious and serene, with a calm and welcoming environment that encourages both prayer and reflection. The prayer hall is elegantly designed, with beautiful geometric patterns, stained-glass windows, and traditional Islamic calligraphy that adorns the walls. The mosque’s large capacity allows it to accommodate many worshippers, especially during significant prayers such as **Jumu’ah** (Friday prayers) and during the holy month of **Ramadan**. The atmosphere is peaceful and reflective, making it a perfect place for both spiritual connection and quiet contemplation. It’s also a welcoming space for visitors, with efforts to ensure that non-Muslims feel comfortable exploring the cultural and religious aspects of the mosque. ### 5. **Facilities and Services:** The mosque is well-equipped with all the necessary facilities, including ablution (wudu) areas, clean restrooms, and separate spaces for men and women for prayers. The Fanar Center also offers various services, such as **guided tours** for non-Muslim visitors who want to learn more about Islamic practices and culture. There is also a well-stocked **bookstore** within the Fanar Cultural Center, offering literature on Islam, Arabic language, and Qatari culture, as well as gifts and souvenirs. ### 6. **Community and Outreach:** Fanar Masjid and the Qatar Islamic Cultural Center are also highly involved in community outreach. They regularly organize events, lectures, and seminars that are aimed at fostering understanding and respect for Islam and its teachings. These programs are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, making it an inclusive and educational space for all visitors. ### Final Thoughts: **Fanar Masjid** is more than just a mosque; it is a key cultural and educational landmark in Doha. Its stunning architectural design, combined with its role as a center for Islamic learning and cultural exchange, makes it one of the most important places in the city for both
Saifuddin Ezzi
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The iconic spiral Mosque that can be seen from all over Doha. This is a fully functioning mosque that serves the local and wider community in Doha. This couldn't be more evident to us on our first visit. My wife and I visited just after the evening prayer and personally witnessed 2 people taking their Shahada (entering Islam) within the space of one hour. For those who don't know this is a very special moment for us Muslims to witness and my wife and I were very grateful. Although I still think that this is probably a rare event but it was obvious to the both of us the mosque's outreach program is extensive and tries to serve both Muslims and non-muslims alike. We also came across a poster advertising the Arabic language class for non-arabic speaker. The mosque also has a museum exhibit that works as a good introduction to those who are interested in the basic history of the religion and what it stands for. The prayer hall, ablution facilities ect are pretty standard with a modest understated but functional interior design. The hall is farely big and fecilities in the women's section is also good.
Inamul miah
00
I visited Fanar Masjid on a Friday morning specifically to attend the Fajr Salah, having been informed that they perform it in the Sunnah way (with the extended recitation). Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. I took a taxi from my hotel early in the morning only to find the mosque closed upon arrival. There was no signage or explanation given, and for someone coming from outside just to experience the Salah there, it was disheartening. Even more surprising was my experience just two days prior, when I tried to pray Asr around 5 PM. The security guard stopped me at the entrance and said the masjid was closed and would only open just before Maghrib. In an Islamic country, I was shocked that I couldn’t pray in a masjid during a regular prayer time. If it’s called a masjid, then it should be open for all five daily prayers — that’s a basic expectation. As a visitor who came with sincere intentions to pray and experience the spiritual atmosphere, I left very disappointed. I truly hope the management reconsiders how they operate and ensures better accessibility for worshippers in the future
mohammed uddin
00
I had a wonderful experience at the culture center where I learned a lot about Islamic beliefs. The host, Adam, was very helpful and friendly. He explained the basics of Islam, such as the five pillars, the Quran, and the prophet Muhammad. He also showed me how Muslims pray. The highlight of the visit was the virtual reality tour to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims. I felt like I was there, seeing the Kaaba, the mosque, and the pilgrims. It was an amazing and eye-opening experience that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about Islam and its culture. Highly recommend visiting this places. Building is beautiful and entry is free.
Tanel Tuuha
00
Qatar Islamic Cultural Center "Fanar" to introduce Islam in the most famous international languages. The center has several branches within Doha. Each branch include a number of "Fanar" preachers with experience in introducing non-Arabs to Islam through modern written, spoken and video advocacy means. The engineering design of the “Fanar Center” building was taken into account to highlight the authentic Islamic art, and it is distinguished by its twisted minaret in the form of a spiral, like the minaret of the Samarra Mosque in Iraq and the minaret of the Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo. Their contact number is +974 4444 7444 for any further info.
Hisham Sawi
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Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (commonly known simply as Bin Zaid, also known previously as Fanar or Qatar Islamic Culture Center and Spiral Mosque) is a cultural organization in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is located close to Doha Corniche and is a prominent landmark in the city. The center's most distinguished feature is its mosque which has a unique minaret design. Prior to 2009, Fanar's mosque was the largest in the country. It has since been over taken in this category by Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, however, it remains the tallest mosque in Qatar.
Bohemian Edeza
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Nearby Attractions Of Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar Masjid)
Souq Waqif
Museum of Islamic Art
The Pearl Monument
MIA Park
Mövenpick Doha
Plaza Inn Hotel
Msheireb Museums
Bandar Skyview Point
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli
Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital

Souq Waqif
4.7
(10.7K)
Click for details

Museum of Islamic Art
4.7
(5.9K)
Click for details

The Pearl Monument
4.5
(2.8K)
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MIA Park
4.7
(2.8K)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar Masjid)
Zaitoon Restaurant
Harrods Tea Room
Bandar Aden Restaurant
KROSSROADS CLUB
Damasca One Restaurant
Sarhad Premium Restaurant مطعم سرحد بريميم
Desert Rose Restaurant, Doha
Danat Al Bahar BBQ Fish
Parisa Souq Waqif
MRA Bakery & Restaurant

Zaitoon Restaurant
4.2
(2.3K)
Click for details

Harrods Tea Room
4.8
(1.6K)
$$$$
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Bandar Aden Restaurant
4.2
(1.5K)
Click for details

KROSSROADS CLUB
4.7
(1.3K)
$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
7GQP+H7V, Doha, Qatar
Map
Phone
+974 4444 7444
Call
Website
binzaid.gov.qa
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is a cultural organization in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is located close to Doha Corniche and is a prominent landmark in the city. The center's most distinguished feature is its mosque which has a unique minaret design.
attractions: Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, The Pearl Monument, MIA Park, Mövenpick Doha, Plaza Inn Hotel, Msheireb Museums, Bandar Skyview Point, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli, Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, restaurants: Zaitoon Restaurant, Harrods Tea Room, Bandar Aden Restaurant, KROSSROADS CLUB, Damasca One Restaurant, Sarhad Premium Restaurant مطعم سرحد بريميم, Desert Rose Restaurant, Doha, Danat Al Bahar BBQ Fish, Parisa Souq Waqif, MRA Bakery & Restaurant

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