The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) in Clonskeagh, Dublin has accused a “radicalised” section of the Muslim community of trying to intimidate and “silence” one of its prominent members. The dispute over control of the centre escalated when the ICCI condemned the social media attacks against Dr Eid Zaher, who had called for a resolution earlier in the week. In a letter shared on Muslim-community WhatsApp groups last Wednesday, Dr Zaher, the secretary to ICCI imam Sheikh Hussein Halawa, urged an unnamed “senior official” at the ICCI to step down in the interest of the public and to prevent further harm. He also called on the “wise and thoughtful members of the Muslim community in Ireland to kindly encourage this senior official to step down.”
The ICCI has been shut down since an alleged physical altercation occurred at a meeting on April 19th, leading to the intervention of the police. The Al Maktoum Foundation, which constructed and finances the ICCI, has appointed an auditor to investigate claims of financial irregularities at the centre. Following the social media posts concerning Dr Zaher’s intervention, the ICCI expressed deep sadness over the radicalized behavior of certain individuals within the community. The centre denounced the attacks, intimidation, harassment, insults, and defamation directed towards Dr Sheikh Eid (Dr Zaher), who is a member of the religious Dawah department of the mosque. The ICCI described the attempts to silence dissenting voices as unacceptable and condemned the extremist tendencies of certain elements within the community.
“Freedom of expression is a deeply valued principle and an integral part of the shared norms firmly established in Irish society,” the ICCI stated. The centre prayed for the enlightenment and reform of these radical elements to facilitate the reopening of the mosque and centre in a peaceful and secure environment for employees, children, and the community. Despite prioritizing the safety and security of staff and the public, the ICCI made the challenging decision to close the mosque and centre until further notice.
A group of Muslims gathered at a press conference in Dublin on Friday, pleading for the reopening of the mosque at the ICCI, which they described as “the heartbeat of our community.” The Muslim Community Ireland group, a grassroots, community-led initiative advocating for the mosque’s reopening, emphasized that their presence was not a protest but an expression of pain and hope. The group’s chair, Abdul Haseeb, stressed the importance of reopening the Masjid (mosque) at the ICCI for the community’s well-being.
Not really sure why this matters, but the ongoing dispute at the ICCI highlights the challenges faced by Muslim communities in Ireland and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. With tensions running high and allegations of financial irregularities, the closure of the mosque and centre has left many community members feeling unsettled and anxious about the future. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like this situation could have been handled better to prevent further division and animosity among community members.
In conclusion, the ICCI’s accusations against a radicalized wing of the Muslim community and the subsequent closure of the mosque and centre have sparked a heated debate within the community. The need for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect is crucial in resolving the conflict and reopening the ICCI for the benefit of all involved. As the investigation into financial irregularities continues, the future of the ICCI remains uncertain, leaving many community members in limbo.
