Rabat – The news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing has received a global reaction over the past week. King Charles III was officially crowned on September 10, while the UK was in a period of mourning. All eyes are on the new King and what he will achieve in his time as the reigning monarch. Especially in these times of such political, financial, and environmental turmoil. As the public is now paying more attention to the new leader, his positivity toward Islam has been noted.
King Charles III is a patron of the Oxford Center of Islamic Studies and has made a number of public speeches that express his acceptance of Islam as a religion, showing his knowledge of the history and teachings of Islam, something that has been severely lacking from people in power in the UK.
A renowned speech in history
A conference in 1993 dedicated to discussing the topic “Islam and the West”, led Charles to address the attendees at the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies. Considering that this speech was made at a time when the Islamic and Western worlds stood much farther apart than they do today, it was rather revolutionary for this era.
During his speech the then-Prince Charles spoke of his fascination with the Abrahamic faiths of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. He also reflected on how “modern Britain” is formed of cultural and ethnic groups that stem from these religions, seeing these influences as “enriching and strengthening” British society.
The British monarch has not shied away from talking about the misunderstanding between the Islamic and Western worlds, acknowledging the degree of misunderstanding between the two as “dangerously high.”
The former Prince of Wales, in the same speech, noted the controversy on the complex subject and stated that talking about such topics would likely spark criticism and disagreement. Yet he continued to tackle such topics quoting an Arab proverb: “what comes from the lips reaches the ears. What comes from the heart reaches the heart.” Implying his comments about such topics are made with good intentions.
In an attempt to close the gap between religious groups and identify common ground, the now British king noted how Muslims, Christians, and Jews are all “peoples of the book” and “all share the belief in one God.”
Inclusion of Muslims in society
King Charles has spoken of his efforts to integrate Muslim communities within British society and strengthen their relationship. A speech made at the Oxford Center of Islamic Studies in 2010 saw the Prince of Wales discuss Islam and the Environment.
The talk demonstrated the prince’s awareness of the Qu’ran as he praised the Islamic faith for its view that “there are limits to the abundance of nature” and that “Muslims are commanded not to transgress them.”
In 2022 the Prince addressed Muslims over the period of Ramadan, mentioning “the generosity of spirit and kind-hearted hospitality of Muslims” and how “the Muslim community is an immense source of charitable giving.” King Charles stands out as a person of authority with his educated words and welcoming reception of the Islamic faith and Muslim communities in the UK.
Anti-semitic behavior in the UK
Unfortunately, not all the British royals have had such well informed, educated response toward Islam, Prince Harry is one royal to have made anti-semitic and sickening comments about Muslims’ traditional and religious dress, which were publicly shown when a video was leaked of the prince’s comments to his fellow cadets in 2006.
In addition, the previous UK leader was pulled up on his damaging anti-semitic remarks in 2018 by previous PM Boris Johnson.
A reigning monarch who actively supports the Muslim community is vital to the UK’s development in its understanding and respect for Islam.
Statistics released by the House of Commons Library following Islamophobia Awareness Month in 2021, showed devastating figures representing 2020-2021. The data showed that 2,703 offenses against Muslims were recorded, while Muslims experienced 45.4% of hate crimes, more than any other religious group in Britain.
