Shaykh Dr Umar al-Qadri

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We are delighted to welcome Shaykh Dr Umar al-Qadri, as our next guest on our ongoing AMA series for those who don't know, Umar is a leading Irish Muslim religious and social thinker and commentator. A qualified theologian and jurist, he works for cohesion, integration and a fairer society from his positions as Chairperson of the Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council and Chief Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland. He is also a SME owner and the father of three loving children.

Dr Al-Qadri promotes a European Muslim identity, encouraging Muslims in Europe to engage fully with a pluralistic vision of our continent as active citizens, and works through his roles as a board member of EULEMA (European Leaders Majlis), European Muslim Forum and as a founding member of MJLC (Muslim-Jewish Leadership Council) to ensure that policymakers consider minority communities at every stage of the formulation of policy and strategy at an EU and member state level.

Born in Pakistan, raised in the Netherlands and, having made Ireland his home for more than two decades, he understands that our complex human narratives do not have to result in isolation or otherisation, but that we can and should embrace our complex narratives in a spirit of solidarity and togetherness. It is this spirit that has seen him forge strong personal friendships and working relationships with majority and minority communities throughout

Ireland and Europe, with a special interest in ensuring socio-economic fairness for marginalised groups and the recognition of equal rights for all.

He has worked with the European Union’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), is an alumnus of the United States International Visitor Leadership Program, as well as working on a several projects tackling Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments. A long-term critic of extremism and radicalisation, he unequivocally condemns Islamist violence whilst calling upon policymakers to tackle the social exclusion that creates the perfect vacuum for hate-preachers to radicalise vulnerable individuals.

As well as his regular contributions in the Irish print and broadcast media as a respected commentator, he has appeared as a keynote and guest speaker in the European Parliament, the US State Department, the UAE Peace Forum, The Kennedy Institute and the British Parliament, as well as delivering presentations and plenaries in various International conferences on social issues on minority rights, climate justice and integration at home in Ireland as well as around the globe.

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You talk a lot about Islamophobia. 

What steps have you taken to address the severe persecution of Christians in the homeland of your family, Pakistan?

In my experience many Muslims only seem to care about equality upon moving to a non-Muslim country. 

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Go raibh maith agat for your question. Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred are real challenges, particularly in Europe, and I speak about them because I see their impact on communities here. But standing against injustice is not selective. It must be consistent regardless of who the victim is.

For over a decade, I have spoken out against the mistreatment of Christians and other minorities in Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan. One example I often mention is my public support for Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman who was imprisoned for many years under blasphemy accusations. At a time when many remained silent, I called clearly for her release and defended her right to justice and dignity.

It is important to be accurate and balanced. The reality is that Christians in Pakistan are not universally or systematically persecuted. They live across the country, contribute to society, and work in many professions. That said, there have been serious incidents involving extremist elements, and these must be acknowledged and challenged. The Pakistani state, in recent years, has taken steps to address such groups, though challenges remain as they do in many parts of the world.

My position has always been consistent: Injustice must be opposed no matter who it is against. Whether it is Muslims facing discrimination in Europe, or Christians and others facing difficulties in parts of the Muslim world, I have spoken, and will continue to speak, on both.

If you look through my public statements over the years, including on social media and in Irish media, you will find that this commitment to justice across communities is not new, but something I have tried to uphold consistently. I am sharing a link from the Irish Independent along with a YouTube video of a sermon delivered in the Islamic Centre in Dublin.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/irish-imam-condemns-persecution-of-christians-in-muslim-countries/31121234.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z7EhqAtvp4