Muslim Funeral Prayer for Sinead O’Connor as Thousands Bid Her Farewell
Thousands of people gathered in the streets of the coastal Irish city of Bray to bid farewell to Sinéad O’Connor who was laid to rest on Tuesday.
Fans gathered outside the former home of the star waiting for her funeral cortege to pass after the private service, attended by close family and friends as well as President Michael D Higgins, The Journal reported.
Leading the funeral prayer, Shaykh Dr. Umar Al Qadri, chief imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland, praised Sinéad, saying she never moved away from God.
He also delivered the eulogy at the private funeral held for the late singer.
“Just as Sinead O’Connor brought diverse souls together through her art, so have you orchestrated a symphony of unity during her final journey,” he said.
“Your noble gesture has transcended boundaries and connected strangers, echoing the very essence of Sinead’s legacy.”
Remarkable Soul
The Irish singer, who made hits in the 1990s, converted to Islam in 2018, changing her name to Shuhada’ Davitt. She passed away last month at the age of 56.
“In this shared moment of remembrance and prayer, we find ourselves united in a tapestry of love, compassion and reverence,” the imam added.
“May this ceremony be a testament to the enduring power of humanity’s collective spirit, as we bid farewell to a remarkable soul who touched us all.”
Dr Al Qadri, who met O’Connor in 2018, also spoke of his “heartfelt gratitude” to O’Connor’s family and added that he was “humbled by the privilege” of delivering her service.
“It was very spiritual and it reflected her Irish identity as well as her Muslim identity,” the imam told PA.
“So I was with the members of the Muslim community and we performed the Janazah prayer, which is the Islamic funeral prayer, over Sinead.”
Mourner Sara Mohamed said she had travelled to Bray to pay her respects, The National News reported.
“As an Irish Muslim, I felt that I should be here on behalf of my community to pay my respects to the Irish legend she was,” she said.
“I just think she was massively outspoken and she spoke for minorities who didn’t have a voice. And that’s very admirable and very brave.”
SOURCE: https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/europe/muslim-funeral-prayer-for-sinead-oconnor-as-thousands-bid-her-farewell/