Change of heart towards Qatar

Assalamu Alikom!

Subhan Allah, I just need to say that I really feel like I've started to settle down in Qatar. 2 years now, and I have a feeling that I might be able to call Qatar my home alhamdulillah.

I've realised that by Allah's help your future lays in your own hands. What you do with your days and your attitude towards life has a great effect on how you feel over here.

It is hard to find your fitting social group, but keep looking. Try researching, try looking up social home pages where people usually gather. Go to www.Qatarliving.com or www.iloveqatar.qa. Maybe you will find some friends there and you will feel less of a loner.

Being new and lonely in Qatar can really tear you up and lead you into depression. Ouch, I've been there and it's hard getting out of that stage once you have fallen in. Especially if you have no driving license or no car to take you out of home and get you to crowded places. Don't get me started on the Taxi transport system *sigh*.. But hey, it's not as bad as it looks.

There is also the weather which limits you from going out, and makes you feel locked up inside all day long. You know the drill, from home to car, from car to the mall and other way around again. But subhan Allah, October, November and December are beautiful and chilly months where you will get the chance to actually discover the beauty of Qatar. Visit the beach, go to parks, have a picnic somewhere outside.. And don't stop there..

When the weather becomes hotter find yourself other interesting things to do. Plan on getting a license. Get involved with people. Plan your days and fill them with ibadah, hobbies and joyful things that will keep you going.

I've written about Rawnaq by Fanar :  RAWNAQ POST. If you got crafty hands you don't want to miss that place. they got EVERYTHING from beads and jewelry supplies to sowing supplies. So get busy being creative.

Use this time to do lot's of ibadah. I often remember the stories of scholars who wished they could go to jail only for the sake of the free time they would get to do ibadah in. Alhamdulillah unlikeother contries in Europe or the west, Qatar really allows the woman to fulfill her obligations propperly as a housewife and a mu'mina.

Ever since I started this group on Facebook for expat sisters:  Sisters in Qatar, things have just been different for me. It has made such a difference subhan Allah. With the events that we are hosting on here it just seems to really work out for all of us in there.

Recently we had a picnic where we got to meet up and just hang out for the sake of Allah swt. It really fills the heart with joy and calmness. One realizes that you are not alone. There are other women in your exact same position. You realize that you have kind and warm hearted friends who will do fun things with you, who will understand you and who will be there for you... having just one such friend by your side is a happiness completed.... not to mention more than that :)