Imam of Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre attends funeral of Irish victims of the ISIS attack in Tunisia
The CEO of Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council and Imam of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre Ireland, Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri , and members of the Council attended the funerals of Mr. Hayes & Ms. Hayes in Athlone and Mrs. Carty in Robinstown. Members from the Athlone Islamic Centre also attended the funeral in Athlone.
The three Irish citizens lost their life tragically during the ISIS attack in Tunisia this month. Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri said that it was important to express solidarity and sympathy to the families on behalf of the Muslim community in Ireland and attending the funeral highlights the strong disapproval of Muslim leadership to the terrorist attacks.
The presence of Muslim leadership was noted by the Christian clerics, relatives of the deceased and also the Irish Media.
Michael Hayes, brother of Ms Hayes, greeted the members of the Muslim community with the Arabic words âas-salamu alaykumâ (peace be upon you) and said that it is a difficult time for also the Muslim community as some will wrongly blame them for the actions of the terrorists. It was also mentioned how Muslim staff members of the hotel saved many tourists from the terrorist.
âThe massacre of innocents is always an abominable crime. When done in the name of God, it is also blasphemy.â
Fr Devine described during the funeral that Islam is a religion that reverences the sacredness of life. The Tunisian people too were a victim of the massacre, he reminded the congregation. He also mentioned that terrorism has no religion.
The presence of members of the Muslim community was highly appreciated.
Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council has organised a “Not in our Name” protest against ISIS as a reaction to the barbaric attacks in the name of Islam.
Media Reports :
http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0704/712575-tunisia-lorna-carty/
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/sinead-buries-parents-on-her-birthday-340637.html