Muslim cleric 'feeling much better' following alleged Dublin attack

Shaykh Muhammad Umar Al-Qadri, Founder and CEO of the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council. Photo: RollingNews.ie

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, chairperson of the Irish Muslim Council, is "feeling much better" following an alleged attack in Tallaght on Thursday.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Shaykh Al-Qadri said: "I am grateful to report that I am feeling much better, although eating remains a challenge."

Gardaí launched an investigation earlier this week, after the Muslim cleric said that he was the victim of a hate crime which he believed was pre-planned.

Shaykh Al-Qadri has also found his Secrid wallet which he believed "to be lost during the attack." The wallet contained photos of his "late beloved parents."

"Although my bank cards have been cancelled, the most precious items in my wallet – photos of my late beloved parents – were thankfully not lost. 

"I had informed gardaí that my wallet was missing, leading to the incident being classified as a robbery and assault. If any items are missing, they are treated as evidence of robbery. 

"This will now be treated as a serious assault case rather than a robbery and assault," he said.

Shaykh Al-Qadri went on to thank the "guardian angels who stepped in" during the alleged attack.

"If it weren't for the Irish woman who saw the attack and quickly came to help me alongside her partner, along with another Irish man, the situation would have turned out differently.

"The presence of the Irish lady likely prevented me from sustaining life-altering injuries and instead caused only temporary physical harm. I am incredibly thankful to her, her partner, and the other man for their assistance. 

They rescued an unconscious person, a brown Muslim man with a beard dressed in a thawb, and helped him into his vehicle. They swiftly contacted gardaí and ambulance and offered support until help arrived.

"This truly represents the spirit of Ireland - kindness, compassion, and eagerness to help others in need without prejudice and racism. It is these acts, rather than the actions of the attackers, that truly reflect the spirit of Ireland," he said.

Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating a robbery and assault that occurred in Tallaght on Thursday evening, and that a man required medical attention as a result.