The King has described the commitment of a major centre for Islamic study to "international co-operation" as more "imperative than ever in today's world". Charles made the remarks during a visit to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
The monarch praised the institution as a "beacon of Islamic scholarship" that has grown from humble beginnings in a hut to an impressive complex as part of Oxford University. He highlighted the centre's role in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.
Royal praise for scholarship
"The centre's ongoing commitment to objective scholarship and international co-operation, underpinned by principles of dialogue, deep understanding and mutual respect, is more imperative than ever in today's world," the King said in a brief speech. He added that he was "extremely heartened" by the centre's continued global significance.
The King's comments came as the Middle East remains engulfed in conflict, with Israel fighting on multiple fronts including continued bombardment of the Gaza Strip, recent strikes on Syria and the attack on Iran. His remarks underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue during turbulent times.
Decades of development
Speaking to invited guests and supporters, including former home secretary Jack Straw and former attorney general Dominic Grieve, Charles praised the centre's "unfailing work to broaden our understanding of the Islamic world in the United Kingdom". The King has served as the centre's patron since 1993.
Farhan Nizami, the centre's director, has been instrumental in its development over the decades. He described the institution's mission as creating "a safe space where scholars from around the world can exchange ideas" and encouraging students to pursue Oxford degrees.
Statement of interfaith cooperation
"We can agree to disagree when need be," Nizami said about the centre's approach to scholarly discourse. He emphasised that "the very presence of the centre is a statement of inter-faith" cooperation and understanding.
Nizami also praised the King's longstanding support for the centre, noting his hosting of celebratory events at various anniversary milestones. Charles delivered the centre's inaugural lecture, Islam And The West, in 1993 when he first became patron.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
