Why did Qatar’s Emir remove his “Agal” at Ismail Haniyeh’s funeral?

During the funeral service of Hamas political Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar's capital, Doha, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was seen at the Friday prayer, one notable aspect was the Emir’s decision to remove his traditional headdress, the “Agal,” which is usually worn with the "Ghutra" as part of the traditional Qatari attire.

Why Did Sheikh Tamim Remove the Agal at Ismail Haniyeh's Funeral?

Social media users suggested that the Emir's removal of the agal was a sign of mourning, indicating that he was in a state of grief and not just offering condolences.

This followed Haniyeh's assassination at his residence in Tehran on July 31, 2024, after attending the inauguration of President Masoud Bezhkishian.

Photos of the Emir without his agal were circulated, with some interpreting it as a sign of Arab tradition where the mourner does not wear the agal. Others noted that removing the agal is a customary practice among Arabs during times of grief or when honoring a loved one's departure.

The agal is a circular black cord used to secure the Ghutra and is sometimes referred to as "hajal" in Bedouin areas, or "isabah" or "ribaat."

Arab Tradition

Removing the agal at a funeral is a well-established Arab tradition symbolizing deep sorrow. In some Arab communities, it is believed that removing the Agal signifies shared mourning with the bereaved family, and those who do not follow this practice might face criticism.

This custom is prevalent in Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, where removing the agal is associated with somber or serious occasions. According to Al-Hayat newspaper, this practice is reserved for mourning or serious matters.

In some official ceremonies related to national mourning, attendees might be asked to remove their Agal as part of the traditions meant to express grief and solidarity with the victims' families.

According to Al-Riyadh newspaper, the agal also has other traditional uses. In older customs, a man would remove his Agal in a public setting if his pride was wounded and would not replace it until his honor was restored. He would also remove the agal when making a special request, putting it back on only if his requests were granted.

Furthermore, raising the Agal towards someone else is considered a serious insult that can lead to significant disputes. Removing or raising the agal is seen as a sign of mourning and respect for one's tribe.

In the Arabian Peninsula, the agal is a symbol of masculinity and authenticity and comes in various types and colors, with black being the most traditional.