Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri

Had a wonderful experience meeting the amazing former Irish President Mary McAleese today at a fundraiser for Al Ahli hospital in Gaza. Reminded me of our first meeting in 2010 at Aras. Both the previous and current President (President Michael D Higgins) embody the best of Ireland.

Let's uphold the standard and maintain the dignity of the Irish presidency and respectfully avoid the suggestions circulating on X today about Conor McGregor.

Uniting Against Division: A Call for Solidarity in the Wake of Tragedy

It is with a heavy heart that I pen down my thoughts in the aftermath of the tragic and horrific attack on innocent children and childcare worker in Dublin. First and foremost, my deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families, wishing them a swift recovery from this unimaginable ordeal.

In the face of such heart-wrenching events, one would hope for a nation to come together in mourning and solidarity. However, it is disheartening to witness that some have chosen to exploit this tragedy to incite hatred against the migrant community, using the attack as an opportunity to push a divisive agenda. This is not the Ireland I came to call home, and the recent events serve as a wake-up call.

Having moved from the Netherlands in 2003, I have seen Ireland transform into a multicultural society. At that time, alt-right and xenophobic rhetoric were not prevalent in the Netherlands, and no one could have foreseen the rise of a xenophobic alt-right political party, as witnessed in the 2023 Dutch general elections with Geert Wilders.

The turning point for Ireland came on the day of Wilders' victory, marking a moment that shook the foundations of unity. Dublin City witnessed riots instigated by xenophobic, far-right, and anti-migrant sentiments circulated online. While acknowledging the safety and policing issues in Dublin, including violent attacks on various groups, the aftermath of the tragic incident saw an alarming failure in policing.

Videos circulating online calling for violence against migrants solely based on the nationality of the attacker demonstrated the ugly underbelly of divisive rhetoric. The Muslim community, a diverse representation of migrants from all nationalities, felt unsafe and concerned about their well-being. Attendees at Friday prayers significantly decreased, and many Muslim children hesitated to attend school, especially those relying on public transport in Dublin. In response, our organisation held an emergency meeting, advising members to stay vigilant and avoid traveling to Dublin City during that weekend.

The pressing issue at hand is the lack of resources and an effective strategy for the Gardai to combat the growing threat of the far right and address policing challenges in Dublin. However, the challenges facing our country go beyond safety concerns. A housing crisis, healthcare crisis, cost of living crisis, and refugee crisis have contributed to mounting anger among the masses. Tragically, this anger is often misdirected towards migrants, who become scapegoats for far-right fascists.

It is crucial to recognise a disenfranchised group that feels the country is heading downhill. Opening channels of communication and providing support for their challenges is the needed response to prevent the far right from recruiting these individuals.

I want to emphasise that the minority spreading division is not the majority in Ireland. My inbox is filled with messages of solidarity, and I consider myself truly blessed to call Ireland my home, to be part of a community that embraces diversity and strives for a more inclusive society. Together, we can stand united against the rising tide of divisive rhetoric and far-right ideologies that seek to sow discord and division within our communities.

Dr. Umar Al-Qadri,
Chairperson Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council. Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪

IZ RA-ELL is a country that has been built upon acts of terror and war crimes , and it continues to thrive through the perpetuation of terror and war crimes without facing any repercussions.

Highly recommended video to understand the injustices to the Palestinian people by the global community.

1948: Creation & Catastrophe | Full Movie | Avi Shlaim | Benny Morris | Ilan Pappe Through riveting and moving personal recollections of both Palestinians and Israelis,1948: Creation & Catastrophe reveals the shocking events during the most...

Had a wonderful meeting today with Brothers Khalid, Daithí, Fred Rooney, Imam Anwar, Shafqat and Sister Kath.

Farewell dinner with Brother Fred Rooney, a human rights champion and lawyer who worked in Gaza, Pakistan and many other countries. He travelled whole the way from the US to support Brother Khalid with support.

Brother Khalid is a true example of resilience and steadfastness in Imaan amidst the tragedies that have befallen on him. He lost his beloved wife, mother, brother and uncle while his children are in Gaza right now.

Daithí is an amazing and wonderful human being. He was in Istanbul on holidays and coincidentally in the same plane of Brother Khalid to Dublin. I connected them both while they were in the plane.

Also in the plane were many other brothers from Happy Muslim Family of Ireland especially Brother Adnan who also provided comfort to our Palestinian brother.

Brothers Shafqat, Dr Ibraheem and Imam Anwar Shah all have been crucial also in providing much needed support to our Brother Khalid and Brother Fred and his daughter Kath.

May Allah reward everyone who has played a role in providing comfort to our brother Khalid and unite him with his children.

Our Palestinian-Irish brother Khalid was working in Saudi Arabia. Amidst the ongoing massacre in Ga-za, 4 immediate members from his members died in the past two weeks including his wife. We received him from the airport after which he spoke to the Irish Media to share his story very bravely about human loss and suffering and the extraordinary resilience by Pales tinians.

May Allah unite our brother with his children that are in Gaza, accept among Shuhada those who were killed by I s r helli state terrorism, grant Sabr and strength to all in this difficult time, Ameen.

Amidst of the ongoing genocide and unimaginable suffering taking place in Gaza, it is crucial for us to prioritise spending time in prayer, reflection, and deep contemplation.

The devastating circumstances faced by our Palestinian brothers and sisters will surely be written in history as one of the most challenging times they have experienced.

It becomes difficult for me to understand how some individuals within the Ummah can continue to celebrate birthdays or share their holiday experiences while such immense pain and injustice persist!

We must remember the importance of empathy, solidarity, and the power of collective support during these critical times.

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri's Visit to Norway: Promoting Unity and Resilience

Date: Sun Oct 29 2023

We are pleased to share with you the recent visit of Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri to Norway, particularly his visit to Asker. The purpose of his visit was to provide guidance to the Muslim community in response to a planned Quran desecration event by the extremist organisation SIAN. The Shaykh's presence and his insightful guidance proved to be highly appreciated and had a positive impact on the community. The Shaykh was invited by Syed Hussain Gillani, young energetic scholar and Imam of Masjid Quba along with other leaders of the Muslim community in Asker.

Jummah Khutbah:
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri commenced his visit with the delivery of the Jummah Khutbah in Masjid Quba, where the Mayor of Asker and the Archbishop were also present as guests. The topic of his speech revolved around the Quran and Hadith-based approaches to tackling such attempts to sow division in the community. The Shaykh emphasised a multidimensional approach:

1. Ignoring extremists: The Shaykh advised the community to avoid giving extremists the attention they crave. By choosing not to respond and depriving them of the attention, such individuals eventually lose their influence. This approach aligns with the Prophetic tradition, as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ignored those who referred to him as muzammam.

2. Cooperation: The Shaykh stressed the importance of collaborating with the municipality, law enforcement, other faith communities, and anti-racist groups in order to promote peace, understanding, and create an alliance of peacemakers.

3. Organising events: He encouraged the community to hold events aimed at promoting understanding of Islam among the Norwegian community and sharing the true message of the Holy Quran.

4. Quran memorisation: The Shaykh emphasised the significance of increasing the memorisation of the Holy Quran. By committing the Holy Quran to memory, its message persists regardless of attempts to desecrate it. He drew attention to the historical noble practice of preserving the Holy Quran through memorisation.

5. Lobbying for legislation: The Shaykh highlighted the importance of collaborating with other faith communities in advocating for legislation that would make it illegal to desecrate or burn any religious text. He mentioned the progress being made in Denmark, where the government is consulting with the Muslim community and others to pass a bill which will make it illegal to burn any religious text.

Keynote Speech at the Church:
The Bishop of Asker invited Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri and representatives from various faith communities to engage in dialogue regarding the attempt by SIAN to incite hatred. The Shaykh delivered a keynote speech, emphasising the importance of multifaith cooperation in promoting intercultural understanding. He encouraged the establishment of a multi-faith platform and shared ideas for potential activities, such as scriptural reasoning, open day events at places of worship, and quarterly meetings. The speech was well-received, fostering greater unity and understanding among different religious groups.

Interaction with Muslim Youth:
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri also addressed the Muslim youth of Asker, engaging in an interactive session where he answered their questions. The event was successful in providing guidance to the youth and encouraging them to actively participate in public life. The Shaykh inspired them to pursue professional roles as public representatives, thereby serving the country and contributing to the establishment of a pluralistic society.

Failure of SIAN’s Extremist Event:
Despite Siyan's efforts to incite hatred through their extremist event, their motives were thwarted. Only two representatives showed up at the town hall, where they failed to garner attention or achieve their divisive intentions.

We express our gratitude to Allah for the successful events and the community's resilience against SIAN’s divisive agenda.

Conclusion:
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri's visit to Norway, particularly his engagement with the Muslims in Asker, proved to be a significant and impactful experience. His guidance on responding to extremism, promoting unity, and fostering interfaith cooperation was highly appreciated and welcomed by all the communities in Asker especially the Muslim community.

We thank Almighty Allah for successful engagement of the Shaykh in Norway.

As Muslims, it is becoming increasingly evident that we cannot rely on anyone to provide us with justice.

Most Western government’s have remained silent in the face of the ethnic cleansing of Muslims worldwide and have not taken decisive actions to prevent genocides against Muslims. Their expressions of support and charity only come after the destruction and displacement has taken place. Srebrenica, Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq serve as significant examples of this.

The outcry for Uyghur Muslims by the US is primarily motivated by its animosity towards China rather than genuine concern. Islamophobia is deeply entrenched within institutions and society.

In order to effect real change, it is imperative that Muslims actively engage in policy-making and advocacy efforts. We need representation within national governments, European parliaments, governments, and policy-making bodies.

The interview is truly outstanding and definitely worth a watch! It is one of the most impressive interviews I have ever witnessed, showcasing a brilliant approach in answering questions regarding the occupation in Palestine.

🇵🇸

Israel-Hamas War: Piers Morgan vs Bassem Youssef On Palestine's Treatment | The Full Interview WARNING: This video contains strong languagePiers Morgan Uncensored is joined by Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef and later on by co-founder of the Daily Wir...

The notion that Arabs or Muslims advocate for the complete elimination of Jews is entirely untrue. History shows that Jews and Muslims have lived harmoniously together, even flourishing together. I am currently in Seville, where Jews experienced a golden era under Muslim rule. They were active participants in public life, and the Caliph even had a Jewish minister. Religious freedom was granted to them during that time.

It is important to note that the conflict in the Middle East stems primarily from the occupation of Palestinian territory by Zionist Jews and the establishment of Israel with the support of European nations. However, this does not justify the recent attacks on innocent civilians in Israel. These attacks are not isolated incidents, but rather connected to the ongoing occupation and mistreatment of Palestinians, which breeds hatred, extremism, and radicalisation.

Had Palestinians been treated with human dignity, these events would not have occurred. The seizure of their homes by settlers and their confinement in what is effectively the largest open-air prison have fueled resentment. The continued violence can be attributed to the mistreatment of Palestine and the failure to adhere to UN resolutions by Israel.

It is imperative for the global community to intervene and put an end to the current justifications employed by Israel to attack Gaza.

Simultaneously, it is crucial to denounce both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, which have unfortunately increased during this conflict.

As a Muslim, I support Palestine, but that does not mean I harbor hostility towards Jews. While I proudly wave the Palestinian flag, it does not imply an anti-Jewish sentiment. The notion that supporting Palestine equates to being anti-Jew is erroneous.

We must condemn any violence or hatred directed at the Jewish community as they are not accountable for the actions of Israel. We must also denounce the notion that support for Palestine equates to supporting killing innocent people.

Additionally, we must denounce the hypocrisy displayed by some individuals and nations during this crisis, as they happily supported Ukraine against aggression and occupation but do not extend the same support to Palestine.

We must also criticise those leaders who, in the guise of defending Israel, allow for ongoing war crimes to be committed.

Sadly, unless we tackle and halt the fundamental causes of the conflict, namely oppression, partition, and occupation, and guarantee the fulfillment of Palestinians' basic human rights, this ongoing conflict will persist.

The EuleMa assembly, underway this weekend in Seville, brings together 15 Muslim leaders from across European nations to address the current challenges in this difficult time.

We explored the historical city of Seville this morning just before the first session of the Assembly and it become evident that this region played a significant role in the enlightenment of Western Europe, being the capital of Andalusia with a rich Muslim history.

An important symbol of this history is the largest Masjid built 800 years ago, which underwent a transformation into a Cathedral following the inquisition. Despite this, the assembly of Muslim leaders emphasises the importance of unity and dialogue in overcoming the challenges faced by European Muslims today.

President of European Commission and her Friendshii with Israel tweet. My response.

Disgraceful interventions by President of European Commission amidst the war crimes in Gaza by Israel.
My response to her.

https://irishmuslimcouncil.ie/2023/10/13/urgent-appeal-for-irish-government-action-on-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/

It appears that I have been shadow banned on this platform for quite some time. Could you kindly visit my page and interact with my posts to reset the algorithm?

Let us come together and offer prayers for the people in Palestine, as well as for peace in the Holy Land.

The ongoing occupation and oppression faced by the Palestinians have contributed to the current situation, which sadly appears to be leading to further occupation of Palestine and continued segregation.

It is unfortunate that many people around the world fail to acknowledge the underlying issues and instead place blame on the Palestinians, while portraying Israel as the victim.

May Allah bring about Peace and Justice in the Holy Land, Ameen.

It is quite intriguing how some individuals criticise gatherings that aim to remember and honor the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ without having a proper understanding of the classification of Bidah, or innovations. They mistakenly label such gatherings as Bidah, while overlooking the fact that there are other practices that fall under the same categorization.

To comprehend this illogical thinking, one must first understand the concept of Bidah. In Islamic terminology, Bidah refers to any innovation or addition to the religion that did not exist during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions. It is classified into two categories: praiseworthy innovation (Bidah Hasanah) and blameworthy innovation (Bidah Sayyiah).

Now, let's analyse the scenario. Some individuals argue that gathering to remember the Holy Prophet ﷺ or to praise him is Bidah. However, this viewpoint lacks logical consistency. If gathering to remember and honour the Prophet ﷺ is classified as Bidah, then it falls under the category of praiseworthy innovation. According to the scholars, praiseworthy innovation refers to actions that do not contradict any Islamic principles and bring about beneficial outcomes. Hence, such gatherings should be considered praiseworthy rather than criticised.

Nevertheless, these same individuals ignore other practices involving the dissemination of Islamic knowledge and teachings that can also be classified as Bidah. Sharing Hadith online through social media platforms, such as Facebook or other platforms, or live transmissions of religious gatherings are all forms of innovation in the sense that they didn't exist during the Prophet's time. However, they are often not labeled as Bidah by these critics.

TikTok videos or other creative means of teaching the Seerah, or the biography of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are also innovative methods of imparting knowledge. They too are not typically criticized or categorized as Bidah by these individuals.
This inconsistency in the understanding and application of the classification of Bidah points towards a lack of in-depth knowledge and a tendency to focus on certain practices while ignoring others. It is important to adopt a balanced and comprehensive approach, based on sound scholarly knowledge, in assessing the legitimacy of any practice or gathering.

In conclusion, while some individuals criticise gatherings aimed at remembering and honoring the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as Bidah, their critique lacks logical consistency and overlooks the existence of other practices that can also fall under the same classification. It is crucial to deepen one's understanding of Bidah and not single out certain practices for criticism without considering the wider perspective.

Last night I was invited at the residence of Nizamuddin Owaisi sahib, along with the other brothers of the renowned Madani South African Indian scholar Shaykh Fakhruddin Owaisi sahib. The Owaisi family is an influential religious and political family in Hyderabad, India. Notably, Asaduddin Owaisi sahib, the President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), is also a prominent member of this family.

Hyderabad holds a special place in my heart, and it's not just because of the delicious biryani. Although I do love the Hyderabad biryani! It's because I have read books written by scholars from this region, such as Bahr Ul Uloom Abdul Qadeer Siddiqi sahib and Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah. When I started teaching Hadith and Fiqh in Dublin in 2005, some of my first students were from Hyderabad Deccan. They were not only eager to learn but also exhibited admirable conduct.

The Muslim community in this region is not only knowledgeable in religious sciences but is also renowned for their polite demeanor and ethical values.

I’m pleased to share I will be visiting Heydrabad Deccan and others cities in India 🇮🇳 next year during Rabi ul Awwal sharif, in Sha Allah !

LFC extends its sincerest wishes to all of its fans celebrating Prophet Muhammad's Birthday around the world 🙏

Yesterday at the Convert Care conference in Leicester, I had the privilege of meeting Shaykh Noor ul Aqtab Siddiqi sahib before he headed to Birmingham for a Mawlid conference. This kind visit from the respected Shaykh to meet me was greatly appreciated and humbling.

Shaykh Noor is one of the sons of Hadhrat Shaykh Abdul Wahhab Siddiqi (r.a.)Shaykh Abdul Wahhab Siddiqi (r.a.), who was a renowned spiritual leader, had played a significant role in bringing the teachings of Islam to the UK. He founded the esteemed Hijaz College in Coventry, which became a center for religious and spiritual education.

It was through Shaykh Abdul Wahhab Siddiqi's (r.a.) invitation that my beloved father, Hadhrat Shaykh Mehr Ali Qadri (r.a.), had the opportunity to become one of the first Ulema in the Netherlands. The impact of their efforts continues to be felt, and I pray that Allah blesses Shaykh Noor and his brothers in carrying on their father's legacy and further developing Hijaz College into an exceptional institution for religious and spiritual knowledge. Ameen.

During the discussion of the CTA agreement, my focus was on advocating for inclusivity and equality.
I emphasised that minority communities, who have the legal right to reside in the Isle of Ireland, should have the ability to travel without hindrance within the Emerald Isle and enjoy the same privileges as individuals holding Irish or British passports.

Thank You to the North West Migrants Forum for the invitation to speak on this significant topic.

Time to relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the Nile.

Exploring the intersection of Islamic ethics and cyberspace at the 34th International Conference of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Egypt.

Embracing modern methods of religious discourse brings both opportunities and challenges.

Masjid Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Egypt 🇪🇬

Thrilled to be welcomed to Cairo with open arms by the Ulema from the Awqaf Ministry in the VIP terminal. Among them is my good friend and colleague Shaykh Dr Khaled Sarhan.

The warmth and hospitality of Egypt always make me feel right at home.

Excited to participate in the 34th conference of the Supreme Islamic Council, where meaningful discussions and collaborations await, in sha Allah !

I am delighted every time I see the exclusive muslim prayer room (musalla) in the East Lounge at Dublin airport.

As someone who regularly travels and uses this lounge, I greatly appreciate this prayer facility, especially with its dedicated wudu area.

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the management at the Dublin Airport, who deserve a big shoutout for their efforts in making this prayer room a reality. Their commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a comfortable experience for all travellers is truly commendable. Also a big thanks to the staff members that keep this facility neat and clean.

I encourage all fellow travellers who have the opportunity to use this lounge to take advantage of this wonderful facility. It's heartening to see airports recognising the diverse needs of their passengers and taking steps to accommodate them.

Travelling to participate in the 34th Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Egypt 🇪🇬

Looking forward to meet beloved friends and colleagues.

Attending a wedding of family friends from Ireland and England in Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ unlike many contemporary religious leaders, would humbly sit among the people without an elevated seat or any decorations that would set him apart.

He would sit on the floor, at the same level as everyone, treating them all equally without any preferential treatment.

He would converse with and speak the language of all people, making himself accessible to everyone. There were no exclusive cults or special meetings.VIPs or influential figures did not receive preferential treatment in order to meet him or while meeting him.

He would discourage excessive praise and instead, teach that the best way to honour him was to refer to him as "the Servant and the Messenger of Allah".

Now compare this with your Peer, Shaykh or Imam…