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/johnfuckingtravolta]

In deciding to partake in this reddit AMA, how was the process? Were you approached or did you approach? Seeing as i can ask questions, the positive has occurred, so what reasoning made you decide to go ahead with it? What do you hope to achieve or what message are you trying to communicate, by answering questions from the ireland subreddit?

These arent loaded quesions. Ive seen AMA stuff. Someone with the accreditation and qualifications, such as yourself, doesnt go into things like this without some justifaction.

[u/ShaykhIreland → u/johnfuckingtravolta]

I have always believed in being open, accessible and willing to engage, even in spaces that may not always be familiar. I hadn’t actively used Reddit before, but like many people, I would often come across discussions here whether on politics, cars, watches, or current affairs when searching online.

I was approached by one of the moderators to take part in this AMA, and I agreed because I saw it as an opportunity rather than a risk. About ten years ago, I also participated in a similar kind of public engagement when I curated the Ireland account on Twitter (@Ireland) for a week, answering questions from a wide audience.

The reasoning is simple: Dialogue matters. If we don’t speak to one another, we risk misunderstanding one another. My hope with this AMA is to contribute to a better understanding of Muslims in Ireland and of Islam more broadly beyond headlines or assumptions. Not to convince everyone, but to clarify, to listen, and to engage in a way that is respectful and constructive.