By Wael Shehab, IOL Staff

DUBLIN, Ireland, IslamOnline.net

As hundreds of Muslims have been flocking to the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) for Tarawih prayer since the start of Ramadan, new converts seem more enthusiastic.

While some in Islamic countries perform the prayer with short chapters of the Qur’an, Muslims in Ireland are keen on performing Tarawih with a complete juz’ (one thirtieth of the Qur’an) a day.

However, enthusiastic new converts, who offer Tarawih for the first time in their lives, are seeking more.

"Is there any more. I want to listen to more Qur’an and to stand more in Prayer," said Wiransin bin M. Noerdin – who embraced Islam on May 31 -  after his first ever Tarawih.

Though he does not speak Arabic, Wiransin contends that just listening to the Qur’an and Qunoot du`aa’ (supplication) fills his heart with tranquillity, faith and happiness.

Simultaneous Translation

Because most Muslims in Ireland are non-Arab, the ICCI provides them with wireless headphones as a translator provides them with simultaneous translation of brief sermons and preaching during Tarawih.

"Non-Arab Muslims in Ireland constitute nearly 60% of the Muslim community," said ICC Secretary Ramadan Abughalia.

"We support non-Arab Muslims with wireless headphones to follow up (brief preaching).

"Also, we support them with translations of the Qur’an and Islamic books that teach them the true face of Islam, away form extremism and negligence," Abughalia added.

Muslims are estimated at 15,000 of Ireland 4 million population, most of them living in the capital Dublin.

Islamic Book Fair

Meanwhile, the ICC opened with the start of holy fasting month a large Islamic book fair that contains thousands of Islamic books, cassette tapes, video tapes, CDs and children books.

"The book fair will remain open during the blessed month of Ramadan," noted Salem Swasi, head of ICC information section.

"We spare no efforts to provide the Muslim community in Ireland with books, CDs, etc., that help them understand the true Islam," he added.

ICC prepares daily Iftar for the Muslim community in addition to daily educational sessions in Arabic and English, for men and women.

It not only offers facilities for daily prayers and religious celebrations, but, also for education and the general welfare of the community including a Muslim National School, a library, a shop and restaurant.

The ICC contributes to breaking down the barriers and encouraging mutual understanding between the Muslims and the Irish public.

It also hosts the headquarters of the reputable European Council for Fatwa and Research, head by prominent scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.