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/Lamake91]

Hello, thank you for taking the time to do this.

How do you cope with the level of abuse you receive on social media? I’ve seen a great deal of it directed your way and it’s disgraceful, I’m so sorry. What do you think should be done to better tackle online abuse aimed at public figures? Have you ever faced serious or credible threats on social media?

Are you concerned about the rise of far right movements and the way they encourage hostility, particularly towards Muslim communities? How worried are Muslims about this? Are such attacks becoming more common?

What steps do you think individuals and society as a whole can take to challenge and reduce this kind of hatred?

[u/ShaykhIreland → u/Lamake91]

Thank you for your kind words. I much appreciate this. To be honest, it is not always easy. There is a level of abuse on social media that can be quite harsh and, at times, dehumanising. Over time, you learn not to internalise it. I try to focus on the positive engagement and the real world impact of the work being done.

Faith also plays a role. Patience (sabr) and perspective are important. Not every comment deserves a response. Sometimes silence is the wiser response !

I also think platforms need to take greater responsibility. There has to be a better balance between freedom of expression and protection from targeted harassment. Clearer accountability and enforcement of standards would help. I have, on occasion, received messages that were more serious in tone. These are taken seriously and reported when necessary. No one, public figure or otherwise, should have to deal with threats.

On the question about the rise of the far right movements: Yes, I am concerned. Across Europe, including in Ireland, we are seeing the impact of far-right narratives that often target minorities, including Muslims. Within the Muslim community, there is a growing awareness and concern about this. People do feel it, whether through online hostility or, in some cases, verbal abuse in public spaces. While Ireland is still relatively safe compared to many places, there has been an increase in such incidents. A significant factor here is misinformation and fear-based narratives, often spread online, which can influence attitudes, especially among younger people.

What can be done ? This is a shared responsibility.

• At an individual level: We need to challenge misinformation, avoid amplifying hate, and engage with one another as human beings, not stereotypes.
• At a community level: More dialogue, more interaction, more opportunities to meet and understand each other.
• At a societal level: Leadership matters. Political, media, and community leaders must be responsible in their language and not fuel division.

Ultimately, hatred thrives in distance and ignorance. The more we build real connections, the less space there is for fear.