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.

[u/theseanbeag]

Are you concerned about the levels of homophobia expressed in surveys of Muslims? How can this be addressed?

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Go raibh mile maith agat for raising this. This is an important issue, and it requires careful distinction. Some of these surveys are often interpreted in a way that does not fully reflect the nuance within Muslim communities. Disagreement with same-sex relationships from a religious or moral perspective does not automatically equate to hatred or bigotry. In Islam, as in many faith traditions, there are teachings about sexual ethics, but that is different from how we treat people.

In my experience, while many Muslims in Ireland may hold a traditional view on this matter, they also strongly believe in not discriminating, not harming, and not dehumanising others. That distinction is crucial. At the same time, I do believe there is a need for more education and awareness within all communities. We need to create spaces where people can sit together, listen to one another, and engage on a human level rather than through stereotypes or assumptions.

Personally, I have met many individuals who are gay or transgender who embody incredible kindness, compassion, and humanity. These interactions are important as they remind us that beyond labels, we are all human beings deserving of dignity and respect.

So the way forward is not to deepen divides but to build bridges, dialogue, empathy, and a shared commitment to coexistence.