The emergence of “Celtic Muslims” is reshaping the religious landscape in Ireland, as more white Irish people embrace Islam.
The rising number of Muslim converts say they are driven by a variety of factors, including personal spiritual quests, disenchantment with established religious institutions, and a sense of connection with global causes, News Talk reported.
Ken, a half-Irish, half-Salvadoran teacher, shared his experience of converting from Catholicism to Islam. Once preparing to become a Jesuit priest, he felt a disconnect with some practices in the Catholic Church.
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“At the time someone invited me to explore Islam,” he said, “It felt to me that was a lot more of what I was seeking in terms of my spirituality. It seemed to me to make a lot more sense.”
Now, he finds harmony in the faith’s connection with nature, such as the practice of making a prayer when a cockerel crows.
Imam Dr. Umar Al-Qadri has observed a surge in interest in Islam post-COVID and amid recent global conflicts, particularly following events in Gaza.
“We have seen a lot of people getting interested and want to know about the faith of these people,” he explained. “And it resonates with a lot of Irish people, you know, the struggle for freedom and independence.”
Over two decades, Dr. Al-Qadri has guided about 500 people in Ireland through conversion, including prominent figures like the late Sinéad O’Connor.
Dissatisfaction with Church
For some, the path to Islam is paved by dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church. Dr. Hazel O’Brien noted that many converts express frustration with the Church’s structure and scandals, particularly clerical abuse.
“Perhaps they feel that it’s not structured enough, that it doesn’t offer them enough personal practice,” she said. She also pointed to societal issues such as climate change, which compel individuals to seek deeper meaning and engage in theological reflection.
Amala, who reverted to Islam with her mother at eight, recalled the early misconceptions she encountered. Her teacher inaccurately introduced her as a “Mohammedan,” prompting her to clarify, “We don’t worship Mohammed. Mohammed is just a prophet, we worship God.”
The support of her mother, who asked, “Are you happy? Have you found peace?” was essential to her spiritual journey.
Irish Muslim Identity
The growth of Irish Muslims has sparked discussions about developing a distinct Irish Muslim identity. Dr. Al-Qadri emphasized the need for a culture that integrates Irish traditions rather than adopting the practices of Muslim-majority countries.
He advocates for incorporating the Irish language into Muslim greetings, blending cultural heritage with Islamic faith.
For many, being both Irish and Muslim means embracing a shared identity while striving for a better society. “At the end of the day, we are all Irish,” Dr. Al-Qadri said.
“We are all citizens and residents of this beautiful island of Ireland.”
According to the 2016 Pew Research Centre report, Ireland’s Muslim population stands at approximately 70,000.