Qatar is a Secular Country and Will Not Ban Alcohol in its World Cup
(Translated)

News:

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced that alcoholic beverages will not be sold in the eight stadiums that will host the 2022 World Cup matches in Qatar.

Alcoholic beverages were to be served “in designated areas within the stadiums,” although their sale is strictly controlled in the Muslim Gulf state.

Those who will be in the VIP areas of the stadiums at the tournament will still be able to purchase alcoholic beverages. (BBC, 11/18/2022)

Comment:

Qatar was, before the World Cup, and still is, a country that allows the sale and purchase of alcohol and there are ‘charming’ bars, according to the description of their visitors, just as there are many nightclubs in the capital and in the cities of Qatar, like other secular countries. Just as they allow juices, they allow wine, and just as they allow the building of masajid, they also allow the construction of churches and temples for the kuffar.

In fact, Qatar did not ban alcohol in the World Cup, as is rumored, and as its mouthpieces and image builders promote. Jaime Byrom, president of MATCH Hospitality, the World Cup sponsor, said, “Liquor will be available to fans in stadiums subject to the purchase of expensive cabin packages. But a decision has not yet been made on its availability in stadiums for regular ticket holders.”

On the other hand, if we assume that Qatar banned alcohol in its stadiums, then why do these mouthpieces measure it with double standards?! Some countries previously banned alcohol in their stadiums in order to preserve security, not out of concern for religion or because alcohol is forbidden, otherwise there would not be bars and wines scattered in their streets. A news piece was published years ago saying, “In order to ensure the security of the 2018 World Cup in football from June 14 to July 15 on its soil, the Russian authorities did not hesitate to take strict measures: from banning alcohol to barbecues, prohibitions that change the lives of Russians. The sale of alcoholic beverages and all kinds of glass bottles will be prohibited in Moscow and other cities on the eve and day of matches, in specific areas that include the vicinity of stadiums and training grounds, fan areas and other main places, such as stations and parks." Moscow, that kafir country, had previously banned alcohol in its stadiums, so where is the greatness and sophistication in Qatar banning alcohol from its stadiums?!

It is sad to hear some Muslims thank Qatar for this deed, and for hosting the daiees (dawah carriers) of Islam in its lands. However, we must remind Muslims that Qatar has also hosted Jewish rabbis and arranged their food, housing and prayers, and it was stated in Al-Shorouk Newspaper: “The Qatari higher authorities assured the Jewish football fans that they would not be subjected to any pressure or intimidation, during the organization of the World Cup competition in 2022. Qatar committed to providing temples of prayer for Jewish football fans, as well as food as stipulated in their law, in order to build bridges of cooperation and fraternity between Jews and the Gulf countries.

Here, O Muslims, the true face of Qatar is revealed through normalization with the Jews of the enemy of Islam and Muslims. This is the secular Qatar that spends Muslims' money, abilities and bounties to please the enemies of Allah (swt) and the enemies of Islam. So, this is enough for you to condemn Qatar and the agent rulers, for they are all brothers in treachery against you and your Deen.

Allah (swt) said,

(لَقَدِ ابْتَغَوُاْ الْفِتْنَةَ مِن قَبْلُ وَقَلَّبُواْ لَكَ الأُمُورَ حَتَّى جَاء الْحَقُّ وَظَهَرَ أَمْرُ الله وَهُمْ كَارِهُونَ) “They had already sought to spread discord before and devised every possible plot against you, until the truth came and Allah’s Will prevailed—much to their dismay.” [TMQ Surah At-Tawba 9:48]. Allah (swt) said,

(إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ لِيَصُدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ الله فَسَيُنفِقُونَهَا ثُمَّ تَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسْرَةً ثُمَّ يُغْلَبُونَ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ إِلَى جَهَنَّمَ يُحْشَرُونَ)

“Surely the disbelievers spend their wealth to hinder others from the Path of Allah. They will continue to spend to the point of regret. Then they will be defeated and the disbelievers will be driven into Hell.” [TMQ Surah Al-Anfal 9:36].

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Fatima Mahmoud