In a special episode of Salt of Speech, journalist Huda Mohamed hosted Professor Dr. Hassan Abdulrahim Al-Sayed, former dean of the College of Law at Qatar University and member of the Qatar International Court Council, in an interview that had a legal and cultural dimension, shedding light on constitutional issues that affect every citizen.
The episode was an engaging intellectual journey into the depths of the constitutional text. Yet, it did not remain within the realm of theory; rather, it posed a critical question: How can we make the constitution a living, breathing part of our daily lives?
The discussion began by exploring Dr. Al-Sayed’s cultural initiative encapsulated in his book Constitutional Reflections (2008), which compiles a series of articles published over two decades in Al-Sharq newspaper under the title Three Minutes of Law.
This initiative, as Dr. Al-Sayed explained, is part of his commitment to community service—one of the core responsibilities of academic faculty members. It aims to simplify legal concepts in accessible language so that non-specialists can understand the foundations of constitutional systems.
When discussing the meaning of the word constitution, Dr. Al-Sayed clarified that it is not merely a document. He noted its Persian origin and how it has evolved into a term that refers to a set of legal rules that define the structure of the modern state, regulate public authorities, and safeguard rights and freedoms.
The discussion also touched on the rigidity of certain constitutional provisions—such as those concerning the system of governance and the state’s official religion—which enjoy special protection in some countries. He explained that amending these provisions requires more rigorous procedures than those needed to amend ordinary laws.
The episode also delved into Article 1 of the Qatari Constitution, which states that Islamic Sharia is a principal source of legislation. Dr. Al-Sayed clarified that this article is interpreted in line with the explanatory memorandum of the constitution to encompass legal principles that are definitive in both transmission and meaning. He emphasized that Qatar’s legal system draws from various sources, provided they do not contradict these foundational principles.
He stressed that respecting the law is a reflection of national sovereignty, and that every state has the right to establish its own legal framework. All who live within the state—citizens and residents alike—are obligated to abide by its laws.
One of the episode’s most compelling discussions revolved around the relationship between the Quran and the constitution. While some claim that “the Quran is our constitution,” Dr. Al-Sayed argued that the Quran is far broader and more comprehensive than any man-made constitution. It is a divine guide for life, encompassing belief, worship, and transactions, whereas a constitution—by legal definition—focuses on state structure, governance, and individual rights.
The episode also addressed the issue of women’s participation in the judiciary, referencing an earlier article by Dr. Al-Sayed titled Women’s Appointment to the Judiciary: Between Acceptance and Rejection. He confirmed that no legal provision prohibits women from being nominated or appointed to judicial positions, and that the barriers they face are primarily cultural and societal. He noted that the judicial system has become more institutionalized, paving the way for broader female participation.
In conclusion, Dr. Al-Sayed discussed the founding of the Qatari Lawyers Association and emphasized the need to move from individual law practices to collective legal firms. He advocated for the establishment of large, specialized legal firms that would enhance legal quality, ensure continuity, and potentially reduce costs for clients—unlike the common model of solo law offices.
“The constitution does not live in drawers; it lives in minds and behavior,” Dr. Al-Sayed concluded, urging every citizen to be an active participant in the application of the constitution—not merely a passive observer of laws enacted in their name.
The Salt of Speech episode was not just an academic discussion, but an open invitation to a deeper understanding of a fundamental document that shapes public life in Qatar.
