The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) is a religious and community center that offers a wide variety of services and events that are open to the public while providing a gathering place for Islamic peoples. I first found ICCI after I traveled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in January 2014 and wanted to learn more about the Islamic culture and the fast pace of change taking place in the UAE. Gradually, I thought about relocating to the UAE, and I believe that it is responsible for one to learn about the culture and language of a very different part of the world before moving there.
In May, I attended to conferences at the Centre: "Muslim and Non-Muslim Relations," and "Great Muslim Women from History." I didn't know exactly where I was going, what to expect, or whether I would be welcomed. I found the lovely Mosque and Centre quite easily, was welcomed warmly and graciously, and amended my thoughts about what would be featured at the conferences.
As someone with a largely academic background, I thought of a "conference" as an academic exercise, but it was not. This is a religious and community center with a mission of "Dawah," which, in my rudimentary understanding, I'll translate as spreading of the word of Islam. Therefore, it is not surprising that there was a heavy emphasis on the Quran. I don't know yet whether this is something that I might expect in the UAE, should I find employment there, but I found that it was useful for me to start to learn more about the thought and belief of Islamic cultures.
The conference hall was well-organized and provided comfortable seating. At both conferences, there was an option to ask for headphones through which a translator could provide an alternative to the speaker's language (either Arabic or English). There were plenty of "helpers" to answer questions or direct one to a restroom. Thoughtfully, for both conferences, there were refreshments provided, and for the Women's Conference, for just a few euros (I can't quite recall now whether I paid €3 or €5), a hot curry lunch prepared by the tasty ICCI restaurant/cafe kitchen was included in addition to light refreshments.
Aside from conferences and the central prayer hall, the Centre also offers a creche (childcare facility), marriage and mortuary services, translation, book bazaars, a barber/hairdresser, and instruction for children and Arabic language classes for adults.
Because I am interested in learning Arabic, I checked around Dublin, but not surprisingly, there is a much greater emphasis here on English language schools than Arabic. ICCI, however, provides the most affordable course that I found in Dublin. I met with the instructor, Dr Ali Selim, and although I am an introductory learner, he was very encouraging. When he told me that he would like to see me join the class (which runs from September through May), I honestly felt welcomed, and if I am still in Dublin, I plan to take part in the course. Dr. Selim is a highly accomplished practitioner who teaches Arabic and other topics at top Irish universities (at much higher rates than you will pay at ICCI).
Altogether, I am very thankful for the services and generosity at ICCI, and for the glimpse into Islamic beliefs, customs, and hospitality that I have experienced there. read more