Transcript Establishment of Islam in Ireland by Muslims from South Africa

Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Greetings - As-SalaamuAlaikum!
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
&
Salaam & Salawaat upon our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
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International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Establishment of Islam
in Ireland by Muslims from
South Africa
Ahmed Patel
Ireland
Email: [email protected]
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International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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• Thank many people:
Dr. Mohamed Coovadia, for the significant
historical background information of how
Muslim students arrived to study in Ireland
and how Islam firmly took root in Ireland.
Dr. Tazammul Hayat, Dr. Anver Amod &
Dr. Ismail Coovadia for their input &
encouragement.
Organizers of the symposium
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International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
First thing first: Acknowledgements
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Brief background history of Ireland
Background to early Contacts with Islam & Muslims in Ireland
Why South African students came to Ireland?
Demography & ethnic background
Recognition of Islam & Muslims in Ireland - Constitutional
changes
The evolution & activities of the Dublin Islamic Society (DIS)
Early main personalities involved in the DIS
Beyond the DIS, name change to Islamic Foundation of Ireland
Problems and challenges facing Muslims in Ireland
Conclusions
Recommendations for future symposia
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Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Outline of My Presentation
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The island of Ireland is politically divided into independent Republic of Ireland in the
south and Northern Ireland which is part of Britain.
First inhabited by humans about 6000 B.C.
Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. speaking an Indo-Germanic
language based German, Latin, Slavonic and Persian.
Followed by Vikings from Scandinavia (795-1014)
St. Patrick arrived mid-450s to converted the Irish to Christianity & to educate them.
Anglo-Norman began in the 12th century & followed English invasions.
1916 Easter Monday Rebellion resulted in independence from the UK in 1921
In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth.
Joined the European Union in 1973.
Daniel O’ Connell [1801-1845] advocated non violent demonstrations.
In 1937 drafted 1st Irish Constitution & in 1948 Ireland became independent.
President Eamonn de Valera encouraged South African immigration to Ireland.
Irish governments have sought peaceful unification of Ireland, but yet to happen.
The island of Ireland is still a divided country to this day!
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
5
Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Brief Background History of Ireland
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Islam recent arrival in Ireland but contact for many centuries.
Offa’s Islamic coin (8th century) and Ballycottin cross (9th century) found on
the Southern coast of Ireland with an Islamic inscription.
Deen Mahomet (1759-1851) of India arrived in Cork in 1784.
Mir Alaud Ali of India, Professor of Arabic, Persian and Urdu at Trinity College
Dublin from 1861 to 1898.
The earliest reference to Muslims found in the Slaughter of Animal Act 1935
Myth: Moors landed on the west coast of Ireland when the Spanish Armada
broke up.
There is evidence that Muslim ships docked at Irish ports long before the
1950s.
Actual Islamic presence took place in Ireland in the 1950’s when Muslim
students arrived to study, followed by increasing numbers during 1960s &
1970s.
From then on indigenous Irish also started to embrace Islam.
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International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Background to Early Contacts With
Islam & Muslims in Ireland
• In 1948 South African (SA) regime introduced apartheid
limiting entry of non-white people into SA universities.
• Mr. Sorabjee Rustumjee introduced by Mr. Eamon de
Valera to Prof. Ray, Registrar of the Royal College of
Surgeons to facilitate SA students.
• First batch of under 10 students arrived in Dublin around
1952, & growing to just under 100 students in the early
1960s.
• By the early 1970s the Muslim population in Dublin was
around 300, and more than half of whom were from SA.
• Over the next decade, students, business people and
professionals came in larger numbers from the Arabian
Gulf countries, Libya and elsewhere.
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Why South African Students came to
Ireland?
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Population of island in 2006 is slightly over 5.9 million; 4.2 million in the
Republic of Ireland and 1.7 million in Northern Ireland.
The number of Muslim people in Ireland has changed significantly over the
last ten years:
 In 1991 Census, the number of Muslims was given to be around 1,468,
but Muslim leaders estimated the figure to be around 6,000.
 In 2002 the Muslim population had quadrupled to 19,147 from the 1991
census, (11,726 males and 7,421 females) living in Ireland.
 Current projected qualified estimate is 26,000 from the latest Population
Census of April 2006, other sources estimate it to be about 40,000.
The Muslim community is relatively well organised with a number of
mosques, schools & societies.
Many of the Muslims living in Ireland are Irish citizens.
A sizeable percentage of the Muslim community in Ireland are asylum
seekers & refugees.
Ireland is now a multi-religious, multi-ethnic & multi-cultural society.
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Demography & Ethnic Background
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Religion is Constitutionally guaranteed without favouring any particular faith.
The Roman Catholic religion representing 88.4%, Church of Ireland 3%, other
Christians 1.6%, Islam 0.6% other 0.9%, unspecified 2%, none 3.5% (official Irish
Government Census held during 2002).
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Recognition of Islam in Ireland
 Islamic religion was not mentioned specifically in Article 44 of the Irish Constitution for
1937 because there was no Muslim existence in Ireland at that time.
 Article 44 does note: “The State acknowledges that the homage of public
worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His Name in reverence, and
shall respect and honour religion.”
 In 1973 this Article was deleted from the constitution to recognise all faiths.
 For practical purposes the State recognises Christianity, Islam & Judaism in areas of
education, marriage & participation of the representatives at official State functions.
 Ban on divorce was also removed from the Constitution in 1993.
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Recognition of Islam & Muslims in
Ireland - Constitutional changes
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From 1952-56 there was no collective Muslim activity in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland.
Between 1956-58, a group of students performed Jummah Salaat (Prayers) in private residence.
In January 1959 students met to form an Islamic Committee (quasi-DIS) to organize Jummah &
Eid Salaat.
In April 1959 the DIS was officially constituted & the activities centred around performing Jummah
and Eid Salaat held in Koinonia House in central Dublin.
Salaat times and Ramadaan time tables were regularly published and distributed.
In 1967 some members felt the need to secure a permanent building for the community.
Led to forming Dublin Islamic Centre Fund Raising Association (DICFRA) to collect funds.
By 1969 it was realised that the Muslim population had increased and Koinonia House was no
longer able to accommodate the musalees (congregation) for Jummah Salaat.
DICFRA was disbanded at an Extraordinary Meeting of the DIS to take over this project.
Two senior Syrian brothers, Ahmed Bilal and Adnaan Kasab quietly guided members to take an
active part in the affairs of the Society.
The objective was to strengthen unity of the community (ukhoowa) & through mutual consultation
(shura) by holding workshops and forming many sub-committees (SC) to closely liaise with the
Executive Committee.
Members gravitated to their areas of interest in these committees, on avg. 7 persons/SC.
Within a short span of time between 50 to 60 people were directly involved with the Society.
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
The Evolution & Activities of the
Dublin Islamic Society (DIS)
Chairman (President): Br. Hoosen Lockhat (South African)
Secretary:
Br. Yousuf Jhavary
(South African)
Treasurer:
Br. Ismail Docrat
(South African)
Committee Members: Br. Zakideen Zaveri (Tanzanian)
Br. Ahmad Al-Atrash (Syrian)
Br. Ebrahim Mannah (Egyptian)
Br. Harith Lamki
(Egyptian)
Br. Abdullah Al-Kathiri (Syrian)
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Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
First Persons Involved in the DIS
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Br. Abdul Razack Kichik – a superb Qari of the Quraan (Malaysia)
Sister Wan Aziza – wife of Br. Dr. Anwer Ebrahim. (former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia).
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In March 1971 the students registered DIS under the Friendly Society’s Act & in October 1971 the
following students became the nominees of the Trustee for proper management of affairs of the Society:
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Br. Ebrahim Sayed
Br. Khalil Ravan
Br. Tazammul Hassan (Hussain) Hayat
Br. Mohamed Hanief Khan
Br. Abdul Kader Bhabha
Br. Abdol Haqq Suleman Kajee
Sr. Fatima Chaudry Malon
Br. Hamed Hussain Nasser
Br. Hassan Kadwa
(South African)
(South African)
(South African)
(South African)
(South African)
(South African)
(Indian/Pakistani)
(South African)
(South African)
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Br. Mahomed Coovadia (South African) was appointed as Trustee in place of Ebrahim Sayed. During the
period 1967 – 1975 he also served as Secretary and Vice-President of the DIS.
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In November 1975 New Trustees were appointed:
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Br. Tazammul Hussain (Hussain) Hayat
Br. Ahmed Goolam Mohamed Adam
Br. Salem Azzam
Br. Dr. Ismail Coovadia
Br. Abdul Hamid Nasser (1976)
Br. Mahmood Y. Motala (1976)
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(South African)
(South African)
(Saudi Arabian, based in the UK)
(South African, now Irish national)
(South African)
(South African)
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Other Notables Involved in the DIS
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The Centre SC
 Their brief was to prepare plans for the Centre, to canvass support for it and to
secure funds for its establishment.
 In 1970, rose funds from South Africa, and approximately IP£11, 000 was collected.
The Government of Abu Dhabi donated approximately IP£1,500 & the Saudi
Embassy donated approximately IP£18,000. In 1976 a building was purchased in
Harrington Street, Dublin 6, which was the first Mosque in Ireland.
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Publication SC: Regular Monthly Newsletters and an Annual Magazine were published.
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Social SC: Regular sporting events were organized by this group..
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Cemetery SC: In 1976 The Dublin Islamic Society bought a small separate plot in Mount
Jerome cemetery, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6.
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Anti-misrepresentation of Islam SC: This group responded to the media, particularly
in correcting misconceptions of the Deen.
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Women’s SC: Sisters met, discussed and worked on matters of mutual interest,
organised frequent dinners, Iftaar in Ramadaan, etc.
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Education SC: Weekly Halaqah Meetings; ran a madressa class for children; annual
Education Conference.
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Zabeeha SC: This group took turns in slaughtering animals on a weekly basis on a farm
outside of Dublin.
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
DIS Sub-Committees
Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Some Early Reverts to Islam
• First Irish Muslim was Ahmed Saul.
• Second Irish person a Patrick Conway who
renamed himself Mohammad Conway.
• Third Irish person was a Mr. Gerry Adam who
renamed himself Abdullah Adam.
• The first Irish lady was Fatima Maloney. She
also served as secretary on the DIS executive.
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International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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• Talks / Lectures / Seminars: Brothers Omar Austin from England, a
brother Prof. Khurshid Ahmed of Pakistan from Islamic Foundation
in the UK, and Sheikh Ahmed Deedat.
• FOSIS Membership:
 DIS original member of FOSIS from its inception in 1962.
 DIS members regularly attended annual FOSIS conferences in the UK.
• Islamic Council in Europe: DIS attended the inaugural meeting of
Islamic Council in Europe in London in early 1970s, forming a close
association.
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Other DIS Activities & Membership
• It must be stressed that while the overwhelming majority of Muslim
students where from South Africa, there were other students from
Syria, Malaysia, Egypt and other countries who jointly contributed in
the formation and successful functioning of the DIS.
• Its membership was open to all Muslims from any part of the world.
• The resulting success of DIS was due to active participation of most
Muslim students and non-students in the affairs of the DIS.
• It must be acknowledged that the evolution of a Muslim Community
emerging from different nationalities is Allah (SWT)’s way of creating
a unified singular Ummah.
• The Muslim Community of the Republic of Ireland is a very good
example of this concept. Alhamdulliah!
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Must Confess & Acknowledge
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Beyond the DIS to formation of the
Islamic Foundation of Ireland
In July 1990 DIS became Islamic Foundation of Ireland (IFI).
Religious links
Muslims in Irish Politics
Business & Professional
Educational
Social
European Council for Fatwa and Research.
Project to Translate the Qur’an into Irish.
Muslim Scouts of Ireland to cater for the activities of the youth
Islamic Institutions: well over 20 Mosque, Islamic Centres, Societies &
Associations
Most of the big hospitals, universities & business complexes have Salaat
(Prayer) & Ablution facilities
Irish Council of Imaams to oversee the spritual needs of the Muslims
Muslim National Schools
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International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Upbringing and education of children in the non-Islamic environment.
Mixed marriages
Insufficient finances due to the small size of the community in Ireland: lack of
Mosques, Islamic ethos etc.
More facilities are required for the teaching of the Arabic language, which is the
language of the Qur’an is a very important aspect of every Muslim.
Differences and disagreements between Muslims, especially those who are affiliated
to different political groups can result in division.
Islamaphobia in general: Hijab, 9/11, 7/7 etc
The National Consultative Committee on Racism & Interculturalism to root out hatred.
Sporadic incidents related to racism experienced by the Islamic community. Muslim
women are particular targets for verbal abuse regarding their dress.
Religious bias, intolerance and racism in workplaces.
The Muslim Community in Ireland is making every endeavor to overcome these obstacles
and build bridges with the wider community for harmonious co-existence and without
sacrificing their religious values.
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Problems & Challenges Facing
Muslims in Ireland
Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Conclusions
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South African Muslims made a significant contribution with their efforts &
presence.
Alhumdulillah, Islam is a recognized faith in Ireland & Muslims well respected.
Islam belongs to the “east and west” and it is not the monopoly of one people
alone. As stated in the Qur’an (17:17), and that God is One and that He is the
Merciful Creator, Sustainer and Cherisher of all.
We are in a unique position in having the opportunity to freely practice the faith
while contributing socially, economically and even politically to Irish society.
“Shahada” of Islam in Ireland will bring a great deal of good to all its people.
Notwithstanding the differences in a multi-denomination, multi-cultural, multiethnic and multi-national Ireland, the Muslim community increasingly feels at
home here.
Although we are still a small community, people know each other. They feel
more a part of the community."
We were honoured and privileged to be part of the movement. We thank Allah
(SWT) for guiding us.
What next?   
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 It is proposed that future symposiums should invite
persons persons from South Africa who actively
participated in establishing & contributing to Islam in
Ireland.
 I very strongly propose that Dr. Mohamed Coovadia be
specifically invited to research, document and present
the complete picture of the contributions that South
African Muslims made to establishing Islam in Ireland.
 It is also proposed that the participating organisations of
this symposium prepare a plan to encourage links
between South Africa and Ireland to formally establish
exchange of Islamic and cultural events, business and
enterprise, etc.
 Organise a full international conference on SA Muslim
contribution worldwide.
1-3 September 2006
International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Recommendations for Future Symposia
Please remember the Ummah of Nabi
SAW in your humble duas!
Was-Salaamu-Alaikum –
Waramatullah-Wabaraakatun!
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International Symposium on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Organised by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA), the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) & the University of Johannesburg
Closing Dua Request & Greeting