Qatar National Day
Encyclopedia
Qatar National Day In commemoration of the historic day in 1878 when Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani - the founder of the State of Qatar
- succeeded his father, Shaikh Mohammed bin Thani, as the ruler and led the country toward unity, Qatar celebrates its National Day on December 18 every year.
Qatar National Day emphasizes the identity and history of the esteemed country, embodies the ideals and visionary aspirations that this country was founded on and pays tribute to the great men and women who participated in building their nation.
remembers how their national unity was achieved and how they became a distinct and respected nation out of a society torn apart by conflicting tribal loyalties, devoid of security and order, and overrun by invaders.
On that day, the deepest expressions of affection and gratitude are conveyed to the people of Qatar
who cooperated in solidarity and vowed sincere allegiance and obedience to Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, trusting him as a father, brother, leader, and Imam. In him they found a man who had already distinguished himself in his youth as a pious, brave, self-sacrificing, as well as a wise leader. He successfully unified the Qatari Peninsula and safeguarded the interests of its people in the darkest of times ever witnessed by this part of the world.
and the decline of its power, and the growing influence of the British Empire
in the region. Interests and loyalties were shifting; conflicts and disorder were spreading anew in the Arabian Peninsula
and the Gulf region. But Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, with God’s help and the support of the Qatari people, withstood these storms and momentous changes. God helped him overcome the consecutive dangers, crises and horrors of the time, and navigate Qatar to a safe harbor.
The Qataris had proved they were faithful, cooperative and willing to sacrifice, as they struggled in pursuit of liberation for more than half a century. They cooperated and fought as one hand, to finally establish a homeland they could be proud of, Qatar.
Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, with only limited manpower and resources at his disposal, personally led his Qatari warriors to achieve the unimaginable in decisive battles with the major powers of the time. In the unforgettable Al Wajbah
Battle against the Ottoman Empire's forces, the Qataris distinguished themselves with their determination to be free from the oppression, and rescue their brothers and sons from captivity.
The battle also revealed the astonishing ingenuity and profound perception of Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani’s leadership in making decisions, managing the conflict and capitalizing on the ensuing victory for the benefit of the nation and its people. The wise leadership and the people’s steadfast stand enabled the Qataris to be victorious both in politics and war. The Al Wajbah Battle became an example of wisdom in leadership, greatness in bravery and loyalty in the face of magnificent odds.
Before the battle, Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani exerted sincere efforts to negotiate with the Ottoman Wali
(Governor) of the region, trying in various ways to avoid a military confrontation and spilling of blood amongst Muslims. But anticipating that tyrants would not usually respond to the voice of reason, Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, while trying to negotiate, was also getting ready for war. When the Wali persevered in his oppression, he found himself in the midst of a ruthless war and faced a crushing defeat, all by the grace and will of God.
Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani must also be credited for maintaining a close relationship with the Ottoman Caliphate
in Istanbul
, despite the events in Qatar. He regarded the Caliphate as a symbol of Islamic unity, and believed that this unity must be based on justice and solidarity, not on oppression and subjugation; and that it should mean fraternity and cooperation among Muslims, not despotism and exploitation.
– who led the country toward unity, had a deep understanding of humanitarian values and a solid conviction of the need to uphold justice and fight oppression, not just for his Qatari people, but for all oppressed, whoever and wherever they were. He believed that those persecuted in their own countries needed and were debased or struck by misfortunes of time, needed to be protected the most.
By his deeds, the founding father set an example that freeing the enslaved, feeding the hungry, and helping the needy were principles to be applied and not mere lip service. He spent enormous sums of money to liberate great numbers of slaves, bestowed his generosity on countless destitute individuals, and allocated a large portion of his endowment to help the needy - from Qatar to Basra and from the towns of the Gulf
to the remote villages in Najd
.
Since his boyhood, Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani was an enthusiast for knowledge, learning and believed he had the obligation to encourage and promote these values. History credits him with establishing Doha
during his reign as a beacon for those seeking knowledge and learning as well as a meeting place for the greatest scholars and judges of the Islamic World.
His devotion to knowledge prompted him to import from India
and Egypt
, and then print at his own expense, large numbers of copies of the most important books which were then distributed to scholars and their pupils in the region. Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani believed he and his country had a mission to maintain the religious and intellectual importance of the region. He believed that a coming together of religion and science would rally the justice and save society from the evils of injustice and fanaticism.
Their ancestors are the pioneering and inspiring role models whom they follow to spread freedom and justice. They kept this ideal alive in their minds, and ensured its influence on all future generations.
Qatar National Day strengthens the bond between their heritage, and adapting to modern times. The pride Qataris feel on that day strives to ensure progress, but without forsaking their Arab and Islamic identity. Qatar National Day spirit demands that they adopt the highest level of personal and collective responsibility. No nation can advance unless its people uphold its foundational values, work together to build it, and fulfill the aspirations of its founders. Good, healthy citizenship implies responsibility and participation. Harmony and unity between people, who all fulfill their constructive roles in society, will bring all of them fortune and happiness, now and in the future.
Their pride in Qatar National Day requires that they develop and improve their relations with other countries, to enable their homeland to play an effective role in building a world of benevolence, goodwill, and peace among nations. The values Qataris have inherited from Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani and their early ancestors, reinforce keeping their country indomitable and strong, a proponent of reform, a defender of the oppressed, and a catalyst for resolving conflicts and spreading peace.
Qataris are confident that they can achieve these noble objectives because they – the leadership and the people – are in harmony, united in solidarity, and fully understand the local, Arab, Islamic and global legacy entrusted to them by the advent of Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani at the dawn of their united country.
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
- succeeded his father, Shaikh Mohammed bin Thani, as the ruler and led the country toward unity, Qatar celebrates its National Day on December 18 every year.
Qatar National Day emphasizes the identity and history of the esteemed country, embodies the ideals and visionary aspirations that this country was founded on and pays tribute to the great men and women who participated in building their nation.
Commemoration
December 18 is the day QatarQatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
remembers how their national unity was achieved and how they became a distinct and respected nation out of a society torn apart by conflicting tribal loyalties, devoid of security and order, and overrun by invaders.
On that day, the deepest expressions of affection and gratitude are conveyed to the people of Qatar
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
who cooperated in solidarity and vowed sincere allegiance and obedience to Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, trusting him as a father, brother, leader, and Imam. In him they found a man who had already distinguished himself in his youth as a pious, brave, self-sacrificing, as well as a wise leader. He successfully unified the Qatari Peninsula and safeguarded the interests of its people in the darkest of times ever witnessed by this part of the world.
History
It was a time of tribal wars on land, piracy and pillage at sea. Furthermore, Qataris had witnessed the retreat of the Ottoman EmpireOttoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
and the decline of its power, and the growing influence of the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
in the region. Interests and loyalties were shifting; conflicts and disorder were spreading anew in the Arabian Peninsula
Arabian Peninsula
The Arabian Peninsula is a land mass situated north-east of Africa. Also known as Arabia or the Arabian subcontinent, it is the world's largest peninsula and covers 3,237,500 km2...
and the Gulf region. But Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, with God’s help and the support of the Qatari people, withstood these storms and momentous changes. God helped him overcome the consecutive dangers, crises and horrors of the time, and navigate Qatar to a safe harbor.
Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, with only limited manpower and resources at his disposal, personally led his Qatari warriors to achieve the unimaginable in decisive battles with the major powers of the time. In the unforgettable Al Wajbah
Al Wajbah
Al Wajbah is one of the oldest forts in Qatar. Located in southwestern Doha, the fort was built in 1882 by al Rayyan and was the location of an important battle when the army of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani defeated the Ottoman army in 1893....
Battle against the Ottoman Empire's forces, the Qataris distinguished themselves with their determination to be free from the oppression, and rescue their brothers and sons from captivity.
The battle also revealed the astonishing ingenuity and profound perception of Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani’s leadership in making decisions, managing the conflict and capitalizing on the ensuing victory for the benefit of the nation and its people. The wise leadership and the people’s steadfast stand enabled the Qataris to be victorious both in politics and war. The Al Wajbah Battle became an example of wisdom in leadership, greatness in bravery and loyalty in the face of magnificent odds.
Before the battle, Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani exerted sincere efforts to negotiate with the Ottoman Wali
Wali
Walī , is an Arabic word meaning "custodian", "protector", "sponsor", or authority as denoted by its definition "crown". "Wali" is someone who has "Walayah" over somebody else. For example, in Fiqh the father is wali of his children. In Islam, the phrase ولي الله walīyu 'llāh...
(Governor) of the region, trying in various ways to avoid a military confrontation and spilling of blood amongst Muslims. But anticipating that tyrants would not usually respond to the voice of reason, Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, while trying to negotiate, was also getting ready for war. When the Wali persevered in his oppression, he found himself in the midst of a ruthless war and faced a crushing defeat, all by the grace and will of God.
Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani must also be credited for maintaining a close relationship with the Ottoman Caliphate
Ottoman Caliphate
The Ottoman Caliphate, under the Ottoman Dynasty of the Ottoman Empire inherited the responsibility of the Caliphate from the Mamluks of Egypt....
in Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
, despite the events in Qatar. He regarded the Caliphate as a symbol of Islamic unity, and believed that this unity must be based on justice and solidarity, not on oppression and subjugation; and that it should mean fraternity and cooperation among Muslims, not despotism and exploitation.
Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani
Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani - the founder of the State of QatarQatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
– who led the country toward unity, had a deep understanding of humanitarian values and a solid conviction of the need to uphold justice and fight oppression, not just for his Qatari people, but for all oppressed, whoever and wherever they were. He believed that those persecuted in their own countries needed and were debased or struck by misfortunes of time, needed to be protected the most.
By his deeds, the founding father set an example that freeing the enslaved, feeding the hungry, and helping the needy were principles to be applied and not mere lip service. He spent enormous sums of money to liberate great numbers of slaves, bestowed his generosity on countless destitute individuals, and allocated a large portion of his endowment to help the needy - from Qatar to Basra and from the towns of the Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
to the remote villages in Najd
Najd
Najd or Nejd , literally Highland, is the central region of the Arabian Peninsula.-Boundaries :The Arabic word nejd literally means "upland" and was once applied to a variety of regions within the Arabian Peninsula...
.
Since his boyhood, Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani was an enthusiast for knowledge, learning and believed he had the obligation to encourage and promote these values. History credits him with establishing Doha
Doha
Doha is the capital city of the state of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf, it had a population of 998,651 in 2008, and is also one of the municipalities of Qatar...
during his reign as a beacon for those seeking knowledge and learning as well as a meeting place for the greatest scholars and judges of the Islamic World.
His devotion to knowledge prompted him to import from India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, and then print at his own expense, large numbers of copies of the most important books which were then distributed to scholars and their pupils in the region. Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani believed he and his country had a mission to maintain the religious and intellectual importance of the region. He believed that a coming together of religion and science would rally the justice and save society from the evils of injustice and fanaticism.
Why Qatar National Day?
In the light of history, Qataris of today regard the message of heroic forefathers who endured severe hardships and paid a dear price for the unity of their nation. They feel they owe it to them to push forward in their quest to turn themselves, their institutions, universities and media into guiding beacons of knowledge and righteousness, and bring well-being to all humanity.Their ancestors are the pioneering and inspiring role models whom they follow to spread freedom and justice. They kept this ideal alive in their minds, and ensured its influence on all future generations.
Qatar National Day strengthens the bond between their heritage, and adapting to modern times. The pride Qataris feel on that day strives to ensure progress, but without forsaking their Arab and Islamic identity. Qatar National Day spirit demands that they adopt the highest level of personal and collective responsibility. No nation can advance unless its people uphold its foundational values, work together to build it, and fulfill the aspirations of its founders. Good, healthy citizenship implies responsibility and participation. Harmony and unity between people, who all fulfill their constructive roles in society, will bring all of them fortune and happiness, now and in the future.
Their pride in Qatar National Day requires that they develop and improve their relations with other countries, to enable their homeland to play an effective role in building a world of benevolence, goodwill, and peace among nations. The values Qataris have inherited from Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani and their early ancestors, reinforce keeping their country indomitable and strong, a proponent of reform, a defender of the oppressed, and a catalyst for resolving conflicts and spreading peace.
Qataris are confident that they can achieve these noble objectives because they – the leadership and the people – are in harmony, united in solidarity, and fully understand the local, Arab, Islamic and global legacy entrusted to them by the advent of Shaikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani at the dawn of their united country.