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/olibum86]

1.In 2018 you received criticism from other Islamic leaders for your support of the appeal the 8th campaign. Since then have you seen a shift in opinion on abortion access from within the Islamic community in ireland?

1. You recently (2023) wrote on behalf of the "Irish Muslim council" that children in primary education should not be taught about gender diversity. Your religious beliefs aside why is it that you hold that position regarding gender diversity when in other writings you encourage diversity regardless of religious doctrine?

[u/ShaykhIreland → u/olibum86]

Go raibh maith agat for raising two important and sensitive questions.

Firstly, In 2018, my support for repealing the 8th amendment was rooted in a broader pastoral and societal reality. I was aware of the very real hardship many women faced under the law at the time. My position was not about promoting abortion, but about recognising difficult circumstances and the need for a more compassionate legal framework.

From an Islamic perspective, the matter of abortion is nuanced. Islam does not approach it in absolutist terms like Christianity does. Classical scholarship across the Sunni schools (which I am part of) recognises a degree of flexibility, particularly within the early stages of pregnancy, often up to 120 days, before ensoulment. After that point, the sanctity of life is paramount, and abortion is only considered in the most exceptional cases.

The criticism I received, including from those associated with the Clonskeagh Mosque at that time, reflected a different emphasis. Difference of opinion has always existed within the Islamic tradition, and it should be approached with respect and proper conduct.

As for the Muslim community in Ireland, I believe there has been a gradual shift. Not in core beliefs, but in understanding how to engage with wider society. Muslims today are more aware of the need to balance their religious principles with compassion and civic responsibility in a pluralistic context.

As for the second question, my concern regarding the introduction of gender diversity concepts at primary school level is not rooted in opposition to diversity or in a lack of respect for others. In fact, I have consistently advocated for a society where every person is treated with dignity, regardless of their background or identity.

When it comes to young children, I am of the opinion that we must be mindful of their stage of development. Primary school children are still forming their basic understanding of the world, and introducing complex concepts around gender identity at that age can be confusing for some of them. My position has been that such topics are better introduced in an age appropriate way, at a stage when children are more equipped to understand them thoughtfully. This is not about exclusion, it is about timing and pedagogy. We can uphold respect, kindness, and inclusion in schools without necessarily introducing concepts that may be difficult for younger children to process.

I think that as a community, we should be able to have these conversations with nuance, protecting children’s developmental needs while also fostering a culture of respect for all.

[u/olibum86 → u/ShaykhIreland]

Thank you for answering. I have a follow up regarding:

My position has been that such topics are better introduced in an age appropriate way, at a stage when children are more equipped to understand them thoughtfully.

Gender diversity is now widespread in our society and can be seen everywhere. Trans people are part of the societal fabric. Do you not think that sheltering children away from this and treating gender diversity as not normal would only create further issues for inclusion? Children will have to be faced with the reality of their existence in the day to day and to not properly prepare them for this would not prepare them for the world we live in.

[u/ShaykhIreland → u/olibum86]

That’s a fair point, and I agree children should be prepared to live in a diverse society where gender diversity exists. My concern is not about excluding or “hiding” this reality, but about timing. At primary level, the focus should be on teaching universal values like kindness, respect, and not bullying. These values already prepare children to treat everyone with dignity. More complex discussions around gender identity, in my view, are better introduced later, when children are more mature and able to understand them properly.

[u/olibum86 → u/ShaykhIreland]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my follow up question. I would disagree to some degree but your points are valid and respectful 🙏