Muslims to form umbrella bodyto deal with State
The news follows this week’s public clash between the Islamic groups and a small number of Muslim leaders and individuals.
The plan to set up an umbrella body has been going on for some time and brings together several of the more established organisations, including the two main mosques.
There have been calls from many quarters for such a representative body, which could, among other things, act as a focal point in responding to crises — such as terrorist acts in Britain — and to society integration.
“It would be a good idea and there are steps towards that, but it has not yet been finalised,” said Imam Yayha Al Hussein of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland, based on the South Circular Road in Dublin.
His said his mosque had been in discussions with the second main mosque in Ireland, in Clonskeagh, Dublin, about the matter.
Summayah Kenna, spokesperson of the Islamic Cultural Centre in Clonskeagh, confirmed that the body was in the process of being established.
“It’s an attempt to set up a body representing all Muslims, but it has to be by consensus,” said Ms Kenna.
She said the general aim was to set up something similar to the Council of Imams in Birmingham.
Muslim leader Sheikh Shaheed Satardien, who launched a scathing attack on the main Muslim organisations earlier this week, will not form part of the umbrella group.
