‘Leave no room for extremism and discord’ – Clonskeagh mosque officially reopens after controversial nine-month closure
The mosque was closed by its owners, the Al Maktoum Foundation, a Dubai-based charity which funds the centre to the tune of around €2.5 million annually
These troubles became publicised following what the centre said was a “deeply troubling” incident where a meeting about its future and governance descended into violence.The mosque was closed by its owners, the Al Maktoum Foundation, a Dubai-based charity which funds the centre to the tune of around €2.5 million annually.What followed was an arduous High Court battle which ultimately resulted in a settlement last month in which a former ICCI director, Dr Abdel Basset El-Sayed, was ordered to pay the legal fees of other directors whom he accused of corporate criminality.A reopening ceremony took place last night at the Clonskeagh mosque in south Dublin – opened by President Mary Robinson in 1996 – and was attended by various dignitaries from home and abroad to mark the return of worshippers in time for Ramadan, the holiest month is the Islamic calendar.Representatives of local and national government join leaders of Ireland's Islamic community at a ceremony marking the reopening of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland.In addition to Islamic community representatives from throughout Ireland, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, was in attendance along with Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.Today marks not just an opening, but a new chapterAlso present were the ambassadors of Morocco and the UAE, Lahcen Mahraoui and Mohammed Hmoud Al Shamsi, respectively.Formally commencing the ceremonial reopening of the mosque to worshippers, chairperson of the board of the ICCI, Ahmad Tahlak, reminded the congregation of its original purpose as “a home of faith that contributes positively to the society in which it stands”."Today marks not just an opening, but a new chapter,” Mr Tahlak said.“Clonskeagh mosque is part of Ireland’s social fabric – it belongs to this city, this neighbourhood and this country."Our commitment is clear: to ensure that this mosque continues to be a place that welcomes, educates and brings people together.”Speaking at the event, Mr Richmond said it was an “honour” to open the centre as a native of Clonskeagh given the importance of the Mosque “for so many people of all faiths and none”."I’d like to acknowledge the amazing contribution that the Islamic National School has made over the past number of years to our community,” he said.Zero tolerance should be maintained towards discrimination and hate speechMr Richmond directly addressed the Ambassador of the UAE to mark the “very deep and real” connection between both countries, remarking on the 15,000-strong Irish diaspora in the Middle Eastern country and extending a warm welcome to Emiratis wishing to visit Ireland.In recognition of the ideolological division that infiltrated the facility previously, which contributed to its closure, Ambassador Al Shamsi of the UAE said: “Leave no room for extremism nor discord. Zero tolerance should be maintained towards discrimination and hate speech."I wish the new board every success in running this wonderful institution and I extend my best wishes to the Dublin community.”Zahid Jamil, Dubai lawyer and board member of the ICCI, described last night’s event as a “seminal moment” in the history of the Irish Islamic community."It’s a great and happy moment for our community, and we tried as much as possible to meet the deadline so that it would be open and available for the community for Ramadan to conduct their prayers,” he told the Irish Independent.Mr Jamil also expressed his gratitude to the Irish government, Gardaí and the legal system.“I must particularly thank the Irish judiciary in making sure that the community is served, that the challenges we were facing have been dealt with and have been dealt with very well.”He added that there has been a “deluge” of interest shown by members of the Islamic community in Ireland in returning to the site, evidenced by oversubscriptions to the WhatsApp group set up by organisers.Chair of the Irish Muslim Council, Dr Umar Al-Qadri said the reopening of Ireland’s largest mosque was a “significant and joyful moment”."As we enter this sacred season of reflection, mercy, and renewal, it is our hope that this new chapter for the ICCI will be marked by wisdom, transparency, and service to the entire community,” he said."While I am not aware of the details regarding the forthcoming administration and leadership of the congregation, I pray that it will be a leadership grounded in unity, inclusivity, and a sincere commitment to fostering peace and harmony among all.”He added: “May this centre be a beacon of faith, knowledge, and compassion for generations to come.”The ICCI said in a statement that it is now “on a path to recovery” thanks to the continued support of Dubai donors and other members of the Islamic community. "We would also like to acknowledge and thank the various branches of the Government of the Republic of Ireland for their support in this regard.”
