'Deliberate hate crime' leaves leading Muslim cleric in hospital in Dublin

As a result of the incident, Shaykh Al-Qadri said the left side of his face is severely swollen and his front teeth have been damaged

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri was hospitalised folowing the incident and had to undergo a CT scan. File picture: Mark Stedman

Gardaí have launched an investigation after a leading Irish Muslim cleric said that he was the victim of a hate crime in Dublin.

Founder and chairperson of the Irish Muslim Council Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri said the incident happened in Tallaght on Thursday evening. As a result of the incident, Shaykh Al-Qadri said that he was hospitalised and had to undergo a CT scan.

Thankfully, scans showed no brain injury and his jaw was not broken but he said the left side of his face is severely swollen and his front teeth have been damaged.

Shaykh Al-Qadri said he is unable to speak due to the pain in his mouth and face and cannot eat solid food.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Shaykh Al-Qadri said he believed the attack was pre-planned as he had arranged to meet two Irish people in Tallaght.

"The next thing I remember is feeling disoriented in my car, surrounded by helpful Irish neighbours of the area I was visiting, as the gardaí and ambulance arrived," he said.

I was injured and had lost consciousness, but my mobile phone was still with me, allowing me to contact my friends who arrived within 15 minutes.

He remained in hospital overnight but said that he is doing alright given the circumstances.

Shaykh Al-Qadri extended his gratitude to a man and a woman who came to his assistance and helped him to get to his car safely. He also thanked members of his community who immediately came to his aid and to those who have extended their well wishes in the hours since the attack.

Having lived in Ireland for the past 21 years, the Chief Iman and Mufti at the Islamic Centre of Ireland said an incident like this has never happened to him.

"This incident doesn’t change the fact that I deeply appreciate and cherish Ireland and its people. Is breá liom Éire," he said.

He reiterated his belief that the attack was premeditated and his attackers did not want to rob him saying they did not take his phone, watch, or car.

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

The Irish Muslim Council published a statement to X condemning the attack. It said the people involved are "cowards" who struck him from behind "causing him to lose consciousness".

The statement said that Shaykh Al-Qadri is currently being monitored for concussion and asked for prayers for his recovery.

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