Gardaí are called in as mosque closes after 'distressing attack' over internal dispute
Gardaí were called to the Islamic Cultural Centre in the heart of south Dublin to keep the peace after rows broke out at the mosque over what has been described as an attempted heave on the imam there.
In a statement posted outside the place of worship in Clonskeagh, the management said it had shut its doors due to a 'distressing' and 'unprecedented' event at the mosque on April 19.
The centre is headed by Sheikh Hussein Halawa, the father of Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa, who was released in 2017 after spending four years in an Egyptian prison. Gardaí were called to the Islamic Cultural Centre in the heart of south Dublin to keep the peace after rows broke out at the mosque over what has been described as an attempted heave on the imam there. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
It is understood that a group of worshippers had gathered at the centre to demand answers in relation to several governance issues at the centre.
They also called for a change in leadership at the mosque last Saturday.
However, this resulted in heightened tempers and gardaí were called to the scene. No arrests were made and gardaí on Thursday night said that no criminal investigation has been launched. Sheikh Hussein Halawa, who heads the Islamic Cultural Centre in Clonskeagh. Pic: Fran Veale
The statement from the centre reads: 'We regret to inform you that, following the deeply troubling incident that took place on April 19, 2025 – an unprecedented and distressing attack on our Mosque, Centre, and members of the Board – we have no choice but to temporarily close the Mosque and Centre to the public.
'This decision has been made with the utmost concern for the safety and wellbeing of our community, especially the children of the Muslim National School.
'The closure will remain in effect until we are able to: Complete a full investigation into the events of April 19 and review and implement robust safety and security protocols. In a statement posted outside the place of worship in Clonskeagh, the management said it had shut its doors due to a 'distressing' and 'unprecedented' event at the mosque on April 19. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
'This is a deeply sorrowful moment in the history of our Mosque and Centre. We ask for your continued support and prayers as we work toward recovery and renewal during this difficult time.'
The Islamic Cultural Centre has been operating in Clonskeagh since 1996 and is one of the biggest for Ireland's Muslim population.
Extra.ie spoke with several worshippers outside the mosque on Thursday who explained that the congregation had 'had enough' of the current leadership and that they wanted someone new to lead them. The Islamic Cultural Centre has been operating in Clonskeagh since 1996 and is one of the biggest for Ireland's Muslim population. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
One man, who didn't want to be named, described how he and his friend were at the meeting last Saturday and that there were calls for the current management team to be replaced.
'It has been the same people for years and years and we want someone new to come in. This is not about the education of people or the teachings at the mosque, it is about the people running it. We think there are better people there to run it.
'It is all very messy. It's a big mess. We were there on Saturday, me and [friend] and we said: 'Show us everything, show us the accounts, show us where everything is going' because we don't know. But they did not show us. They closed the gates and now we can't get back in.'
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Cultural Centre Ireland in west Dublin described the closure of the mosque and Saturday's ugly scenes as 'a moment of deep reflection' for Ireland's 80,000- plus Muslims. Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Cultural Centre Ireland in west Dublin described the closure of the mosque and Saturday's ugly scenes as 'a moment of deep reflection' for Ireland's 80,000- plus Muslims. Pic: RollingNews.ie
In a statement, he said: 'I pray that this becomes an opportunity for renewal, a chance to restore this sacred house of Allah to its rightful purpose: a beacon of unity, knowledge, and mercy for all in Ireland.'
On November 16 1996, the centre was officially opened by President Mary Robinson and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
A statement from Imam Hussein Halawa, seen by Extra.ie, urged his congregation not to be swept up in rumours. He said:'For over 30 years I have served this blessed centre and the Muslims of Ireland tirelessly and without weariness. The Islamic Cultural Centre in Clonskeagh in Dublin. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
'I have always longed for its pulpit, and for my sons and daughters, students of knowledge and memorisers of the Qur'an – whom we all take pride in as graduates of this mosque's school, and who have gone on to lead congregations in Dublin's mosques and beyond.
'I urge you all to verify the accuracy of any news you hear and not to be swept away by rumours.'
The Islamic Centre was contacted for comment.
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