Debates with hidden agendas and exposure to prejudice are creating tensions among Muslims resident in Ireland, writes Ali Selim
Ireland is rapidly becoming a multicultural and multiracial society. This has given rise to the existence of a diversity of religions and ethics. The Irish experience in this regard has much in common with the experience of other European countries and yet there is much to learn from the Irish situation.
The current Muslim presence in the Republic can be traced back to the early 1950s. A great percentage of the Muslim community in Ireland is made up of immigrants. The community represents a particular religious and ethnic minority. Within the last few decades the community has become the fastest-growing religious minority within the State, and one which has a considerable contribution to make in social, economic and inter-religious dialogue.
The fastest-growing sector in the Muslim community is represented by younger members socialising in a home environment dominated by their parents' culture, which itself is reinforced by institutions set up by the immigrant community.
They are educated in a European system of education, creating an important bridging generation. The existence of two Muslim national schools provides a significant contribution.
On reaching second level, Muslim students encounter a number of issues. These can include prayer and the wearing of the hijab, and they are usually sorted out.
The Irish Council of Imams has been formed to facilitate the process of integration and accommodation. This integration into Irish society has been welcomed. For instance, when the Irish Muslims confronted a critical phase at the time of 9/11, the Irish people made a difference. They expressed their solidarity with Muslims in Ireland.
Some visited the Islamic Centre and handed in letters of solidarity. Some families visited the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland and presented flowers. They all relayed one message: "This is not you. We are with you." It is said that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
From our side, we were the first people in Ireland to condemn 9/11.
The Muslim existence here is facilitated by the fact that the Muslim immigrants and the native Irish have so much in common, historically and traditionally.
Most of the immigrants in Ireland come from countries which, just like Ireland, suffered long decades of occupation. The strong traditional concept of family is another similarity.
Nevertheless, we have ample reason to be concerned. Every now and then we hear a voice or read a prejudiced article which aims to create a religious rift.
The atmosphere is becoming more and more charged. Muslims have become the subject of debates with a hidden agenda which aim to disturb our peace. Let us all face them. Let us all join hands to protect our peace against their evil.
The question of immigration and integration has been used and abused and we have to be alert. People can create fear and then endeavour to exploit it by accusing Muslims of not integrating and instead forming their own ghettos.
In fact, they are actually stigmatising a portion of the Irish population, because indigenous Irish people form a significant percentage of the Muslim population here.
These voices are the real enemy of pluralism, but they conceal their ideology and play on the security of society. But a secure society can never be attained by just one approach. The real recipe for a secure society is equality, social institutions, civic education, job opportunity and confidence-building policies.
Muslims should oppose the shocking behaviour done in their name. And non-Muslims, in turn, should remember that extremism is not the exclusive practice of a certain group. Stereotyping is a form of oppression which results in suppression, and that leads to an explosion.
In some parts of the world acts of violence against innocent people have created an unhealthy atmosphere which allowed Islamophobia to flourish.
To stigmatise every Muslim for a crime perpetrated by a Muslim is just like stigmatising every Christian for a crime perpetrated by a Christian. It is not fair and is absurd. There is an urgent need for trust on two solid foundations: firm belief in one's convictions and appreciation of one's heritage.
Colouring the whole country the one colour is boring. Diversity is enriching. Ireland, to a large extent, has managed to change the status of Muslims. Muslims here feel at home. Such a feeling could not have been attained without giving the Muslims a chance. For instance, the Irish Government took the initiative and contacted the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland asking for a Muslim submission in relation to the amendment to the Constitution on the protection of children.
Successful integration and accommodation has led to a rapid rise in the Muslim community in Ireland. This is a positive sign. Had Muslims not been happy here, they would not have increased in numbers so quickly.
Also, had the Irish not felt comfortable about our presence, the increase would not have been so notable. It is said that there is no utopia. We say that we can accomplish our utopia.
• Ali Selimis secretary-general of the Irish Council of Imams