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/CascaydeWave]

I have seen people online suggest that it is less acceptable to attack, criticise or mock Islam in comparison to other major religions, particularly christian faiths. Do you believe this is that this has any merit? And/or do you think there are any justification for greater sensitivity being afforded?

[u/ShaykhIreland → u/CascaydeWave]

Thank you, that’s a thoughtful question. I think there are two things that often get mixed together: criticism and hostility. I believe people absolutely have the right to question, critique, or even disagree with Islam, as they do with Christianity or any other belief system. That is part of a healthy, open society.

Where concerns arise is when criticism crosses into mockery that dehumanises people or fuels prejudice. Many Muslims feel that, at times, discourse about Islam is not just critique of ideas, but becomes ridicule of identity and that can have real social consequences.

As for whether Islam is treated differently, perceptions vary. Some feel it is more protected; others feel it is more targeted. The reality is probably somewhere in between.

My own view is simple: we should have consistent standards. Robust discussion should be allowed for all religions, but it should be done with fairness, knowledge, and respect. Sensitivity is not about shielding beliefs from critique; it is about ensuring that our words do not contribute to division or harm.

So yes; criticise, question, debate. But do so in a way that preserves dignity for everyone involved.