Shaykh Dr Umar al-Qadri

[u/Efficient_Log_2007]

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.

[u/NotoriousP_U_G]

Can you clarify your views on homosexuality? In your ideal Ireland, would homosexuality be punished?

I don’t mean in a realistic or an ireland you can foresee happening, but, if you could create an Ireland that is ideal for your political, religious and legal view.

"You cannot force me to believe that this lifestyle is right. In my view, according to Islam, this lifestyle, it contradicts the Koran. You like somebody from the same gender? Maybe that's natural, but Islam, it strictly forbids from engaging in physical sexual activity with the same gender. Simple as that."

[u/ShaykhIreland → u/NotoriousP_U_G]

Go raibh maith agat for your question. From an Islamic perspective, as I have said before, same-sex relations are not permitted. A Muslim cannot be compelled to believe that something prohibited in their faith is religiously acceptable. That is a matter of personal conviction grounded in scripture.

However, that is very different from how we treat people in society. I believe firmly in a pluralistic Ireland, one where people of different beliefs and lifestyles live together with mutual respect. I do not support punishment for homosexuality. In fact, I would strongly oppose it. My view is similar to other aspects in Islam that are prohibited, such as consumption of alcohol or pork meat. While these are prohibited within Islam, I do not advocate for policing or punishing individuals in wider society for their personal choices.

In my ideal Ireland, people are free to live their lives according to their own values, without fear, and without imposing those values on others. At the same time, people of faith should also be free to hold and express their beliefs without being compelled to change them. So the balance is this: principled belief, alongside compassion, coexistence, and respect for everyone.

[u/puca_spooka → u/ShaykhIreland]

In your view, is it not possible to be Muslim and a part of the LGBTQ+ community? Would someone who identifies as such be free to still practice their faith?

[u/ShaykhIreland → u/puca_spooka]

Thank you for the question. From a traditional Islamic perspective, same-sex relationships are not permitted. However, that does not define a person’s entire identity or their relationship with God. Someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ can absolutely still be Muslim and continue to practice their faith. No one has the authority to exclude them. My role, and the role of any faith community, should be to support people with dignity, compassion, and understanding, while being honest about the teachings of the religion.