Sinead O’Connor Laid to Rest in Islamic Ceremony, Thousands Attend Funeral Procession

Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – More than 3,000 people are estimated to have gathered to bid farewell to Sinead O’Connor as she is laid to rest. O’Connor was buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Those present in Sinead’s hometown of Dublin, Ireland, shed tears while singing “Nothing Compares to U.” The family of the singer, who passed away at the age of 56, held a private memorial ceremony on Tuesday morning (8/8/2023), attended by Irish President Michael D Higgins and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Stars like Bono, Edge, and Bob Geldof were also seen in attendance.

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The Head Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland, Sheikh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, told the Daily Mail that O’Connor would be buried in accordance with her religious conversion, referring to her new name, Shuhada Sadaqat.

“The funeral was clearly private for the family, and it was a very touching ceremony, and I think it really reflects Sinead’s beautiful personality. It was very spiritual and reflected her Irish identity as well as her Muslim identity,” said Sheikh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri.

He, along with other members of the Muslim community, performed the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) for O’Connor. He also stated that O’Connor never strayed from Allah SWT, unlike others who faced difficulties and trials in their lives.

“She was an extraordinary human being, not only a great musician, artist, but one who would touch the hearts of millions because of her voice but also because of her extraordinary heart. She always had strong faith and belief in God,” said Sheikh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri.

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He mentioned that O’Connor was gifted with a voice that moved generations of young people and could make listeners cry with its worldly resonance. O’Connor’s voice brought a note of hope to finding one’s way home.

“The Irish people have long found solace in songs of suffering from this lower place, and Sinead is no exception, and in sharing that solace, she brought joy to many people around the world,” added Sheikh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri.

O’Connor Family Requests Farewell Along the Bray Seaside as Sinead O’Connor’s Final Journey Takes Place

The O’Connor family has invited those who wish to bid their final farewell to gather along the shores of Bray in Co Wicklow as the procession passes during lunchtime, accompanied by the sounds of Bob Marley and Natural Mystic Wailers. A Volkswagen camper led the funeral car carrying O’Connor on her final journey, with mourners tossing flowers onto the roof of the vehicle.

Blue hydrangeas and roses blanketed and surrounded her casket. The car then paused outside her former residence for a few minutes, allowing mourners to pay their respects. Many stepped onto the road to touch the vehicle.

O’Connor, a mother of four, leaves behind three surviving children. She was found deceased in her Herne Hill penthouse flat on July 26, 2023.