Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri discusses the Muslim faith and Islam and what it means to be a Muslim and discusses some of the practices associated with the Muslim faith such as abstaining from certain foods and drink, the practices of prayer, women and Islam, Islamophobia extremists, Gaza, Palestine and the Israel conflict and why diplomacy is the only way forward to tackle the oppression of the Palestinian people. Shaykh Dr Umar al-Qadri is a leading Irish Muslim religious and social thinker and commentator. A qualified theologian and jurist, he works for cohesion, integration, and a fairer society from his positions as Chairperson of the Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council and Head Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland. He is also an SME owner and the father of three loving children. Born in Pakistan, raised in the Netherlands, and, having made Ireland his home for more than two decades, he understands that our complex human narratives do not have to result in isolation or otherisation, but that we can and should embrace our complex narratives in a spirit of solidarity and togetherness.  It is this spirit that has seen him forge strong personal friendships and working relationships with majority and minority communities throughout Ireland and Europe, with a special interest in ensuring socio-economic fairness for marginalised groups and the recognition of equal rights for all communities. He has worked as an advisor to the European Union’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), is an alumnus of the United States International Visitor Leadership Program, as well as working on several projects tackling Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments. A long-term critic of extremism and radicalisation, he unequivocally condemns Islamist violence whilst calling upon policymakers to tackle the social exclusion that creates the perfect vacuum for hate preachers to radicalise vulnerable individuals. This podcast has been sponsored by @boynevalleyhoney manuka honey - is tasty and good for you this winter 🍯 🤤 Thank you Boyne Valley Manuka Honey for tasting absolutely delicious AND for sponsoring my winter wellness podcast series.  Make sure to pick up Boyne Valley Mauka Honey in your local supermarket and get Winter ready.   Check out @boynevalleyhoney on Instagram for more information