“Gifted with a voice that moved a generation of young people”
The heartbreaking eulogy read at Sinead O’Connor’s funeral by Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, an Islamic scholar and Chief Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland has been published.
The iconic Irish singer’s final farewell took place yesterday as thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects following her death on July 26.
Muslim funeral prayers were led by Dr Umar Al-Qadri, who met the star in 2018 when she converted to Islam.
Flowers are thrown during the funeral procession for Sinead O’Connor. (Credit: Getty Images)Words of Sinead O’Connor ‘resonated with listeners and touched their hearts’
In the eulogy for Sinead O’Connor, shared online after the ceremony, Dr Umar Al-Qadri said: “The more she sang and spoke about her own pain, as well as about the pervasive sins in society that she witnessed, the more her voice and her words resonated with listeners and touched their hearts. Sinead never stopped her search to know God fully, exemplifying a life marked with a deep communion with God.
“Gifted with a voice that moved a generation of young people, she could reduce listeners to tears by her otherworldly resonance.”
He added: “I know that peoples of all faiths throughout the world will be praying for this beloved daughter of Ireland, among them will be countless Muslims praying for their sister in faith and humanity.
He went on to say that O’Connor’s voice carried with it an “undertone of hope, of finding one’s way home. The Irish people have long found solace in song from the sufferings of this lower abode, and Sinead was no exception, and in sharing that solace, she brought joy to countless people the world over.”
Dr Umar Al-Qadri continued: “May her family and loved ones find solace in the outpouring of love from the corners of this earth for this unique daughter of Ireland who moved so many hearts with her mighty voice and unflinching honesty as an artist, poet, and human being.
“Sinead had a poet’s heart and, I believe, would share with us today the sentiments of the poet, Rumi when he said: ‘This place is a dream. Only a sleeper considers it real. Then death comes like dawn, and you wake up laughing at what you thought was your grief’.”
Related articles:
- Public invited to pay final respects to Sinéad O’Connor in Bray on Tuesday
- Beautiful tribute to Sinéad O’Connor unveiled on Bray Head
- “I feel like the world destroyed Sinead O’Connor” – Shirley Manson and Lily Allen pay searing, emotional tributes
- Sinead O’Connor’s family release statement following iconic singer’s death
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
