Muslim cleric says Eid in Croke Park is not ‘disrespectful to Bloody Sunday martyrs'
'These people that believe that we're undermining Christian or Irish values, they obviously have no clue'
The chairperson of the Irish Muslim Council in Ireland has defended the celebration of Eid al-Adha in Croke Park.
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri was speaking after protestors gathered outside the Dublin sporting ground earlier this month as attendees arrived.
More than 700 members of the Muslim community took part in the June 6 celebration of the feast of the sacrifice, regarded as the holiest festival in the Muslim calendar.
As the call to prayer began inside, a woman stood up holding rosary beads and began to recite the Hail Mary, RTE reported. She shouted "shame" as she was escorted away by security.
There was no reaction from members of the Muslim community in attendance, which included children.
Dr Al-Quadri said the tactics were "not nice or respectable" as he pointed out the doors of mosques are open for Irish people to visit.
Croke Park
News in 90 Seconds - June 19th
He has now posted a defence of the event in an online post where he argued that it is not 'disrespectful to the martyrs of Bloody Sunday'.
'Some people wonder why Muslims celebrate Eid in Croke Park,' he began. 'This is a genuine question (asked) out of sincerity, and there is no other bias or reason.
'Then there are also people that have the same question but they will add to that. 'Muslims disrespected Croke Park, and undermined Christian and Irish nationalist values by celebrating Eid in Croke Park.
'First of all, this did not happen for the first time, this was the sixth time that the Muslim community in Ireland celebrated the Eid prayers in Croke Park.
'Croke Park holds a significant place in the hearts of millions of Irish people and this is because of the tragedy that unfolded (there) more than 100 years ago.'
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri posts his message
Dr Al-Qadri relates the events of Bloody Sunday when 'British troops indiscriminately started shooting at the innocent spectators and the sportsman'.
'One of the very famous Irish sportsmen Michael Hogan also was one of the victims of this slaughter, so no wonder Croke Park holds a significant place and is sacred place in the hearts of millions of Irish people.
'And we, as Muslims understand that, we honour that and we respect that immensely, but it is important for you to understand that Croke Park, the venue, has been used for various different events.
'It has been used to accommodate musical events, it has been accommodating commercial events, it has also opened its doors for other faith communities.
'So, (to) these people that say the celebration of Eid in Croke Park undermines Christian value, I ask, when did they object to commercial events? When did they object to the musical events. When did they object to the events that take place in Croke Park that go against the Christian teachings?
'Did they ever object, did they ever protest? They did not. And the reason is not because these people want to defend Christian values.
'Most of these people do not even agree with the Christian faith leaders. Most of these people consider the Christian faith leaders, including the Pope, as traitors.
'Most of these people do not even attend Sunday Mass, most haven't studied the Christian faith (or) the Bible.
'Did they know that at many Eid events in Croke Park previously we have had as main guests the archbishops of the Catholic Church as well as of the Church of Ireland?
'If the Eid in Croke Park in any way undermines Christian values, why did the faith leaders attend?
'This is not just an event for Muslims in fact, as the organiser, I have always invited people of various different backgrounds.
'As I mentioned the archbishops have always been there, other faith leaders have attended including Rabbi Zalman Lent of the Jewish community.
'We also invited political leaders, and politicians have attended. We've had our very own president, the honourable Michael D Higgins send out an Eid message to the Muslim community.
'So, these people that believe that we're undermining Christian or Irish values, they obviously have no clue.'
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri also extended an invitation to anybody that is genuinely interested in dialogue or in understanding the Muslim faith and community 'and wants to build bridges to reach out to me and meet up'.
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