[Dublin, 25 February 2024] – The Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council (IMPIC) expresses deep concern over the ongoing campaign by a small number of individuals who continue to spread misleading information about Islam and Muslims in Ireland, inciting hatred and division within our society.
We are particularly alarmed by the recent attack on our chairperson, Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, amidst the current rise of Islamophobic and divisive rhetoric online. Such targeted attacks not only threaten the safety of individuals but also undermine the principles of tolerance and inclusivity that our society stands for.
The impact of this divisive rhetoric is evident in the increasing number of angry calls received by the Council on a weekly basis, a trend that was previously unheard of. Most recently, an individual known for previous anti-Muslim comments has tweeted a picture of a sticker posted with the website of our organisation, falsely implying that IMPIC advocates for Shariah Law in Ireland.
We strongly condemn this propaganda and wish to clarify that the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council has never advocated for Shariah Law in Ireland. In fact, we advocate for upholding the Irish constitution and believe it to be our religious and moral duty as citizens of Ireland. Furthermore, the sticker displayed a distorted shamrock with a crescent, falsely implying a replacement of Christian symbols with Islamic ones. Our actual logo was not printed on it and even the Arabic text purportedly advocating for “Shariah Ireland” was clearly produced by a non-Muslim and non-Arabic speaking individual, as it contained spelling errors and inaccuracies. We will be reporting this matter to the Gardai and believe that those behind this systematic campaign of inciting hatred against Muslims should be brought to justice.
It is important to recognise that Muslims have been an integral part of Irish society for over 50 years, and we deeply cherish and respect Irish culture and tradition, which we believe align with the values of Islam. IMPIC has been actively engaged in bridge-building efforts for the past 9 years, fostering strong and friendly relations with all faith communities.
In light of these developments, we urge the public not to fall into the trap of those who seek to divide our society. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we stand together against hate and intolerance, and work towards building a more inclusive and harmonious society for all.
We also extend an open invitation to the public to engage with Muslims and visit a local mosque or Islamic Centre if they wish to learn more about Islam and engage in constructive dialogue. Together, let us strive for understanding, empathy, and unity in our diverse community.
For media inquiries, please contact: info@irishmuslimcouncil.ie
: Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council Condemns Campaign Inciting Hatred-End-
About Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council:
The Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council (IMPIC) is a non-profit All-Ireland organisation dedicated to promoting peace, understanding, and integration within Irish society. IMPIC works towards fostering dialogue and collaboration among people of all faiths and backgrounds, with a focus on promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and social cohesion. Established in 2016, IMPIC has been actively involved in various community initiatives aimed at promoting interfaith harmony and addressing issues of social injustice and discrimination. For more information, please visit www.irishmuslimcouncil.ie .