Chat:Charles: Islam 'Imperative' in Crisis

King Charles III underscored the urgent need for a deeper global understanding and respect for the Muslim faith, speaking at the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. His remarks come at a time of heightened international tensions, highlighting the Centre's crucial role in fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

The King, who has been Patron of OCIS since its inception in 1985, praised the institution's "unfailing" dedication to promoting tolerance. He noted, "The centre’s ongoing commitment to objective scholarship and international cooperation, underpinned by principles of dialogue, deep understanding and mutual respect, is more imperative than ever in today’s world."

This visit echoes a significant moment from King Charles's past; as Prince Charles in 1993, he delivered a now-famous speech at OCIS on the West's frequent misunderstanding of Islam. Decades later, his continued advocacy for interfaith harmony remains a cornerstone of his public service.

The anniversary reception was a gathering of diverse faith leaders, including the Bishop of Oxford, Stephen Croft, and Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the influential spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslim community, known for his vocal stance against extremist groups such as Boko Haram. The King specifically acknowledged the vital work of those striving to bridge religious divides, especially given ongoing global conflicts in regions like Israel, Gaza, Yemen, and Iran. "I need hardly say I am extremely heartened that the centre continues to play such a significant role in that globally critical endeavour," he stated.

OCIS, an integral part of the University of Oxford, serves as a vital 'meeting point' between Western and Islamic civilizations, contributing significantly to the academic study and public understanding of the Islamic world through its teachings and lectures.

During the event, King Charles officially inaugurated the newly named “King Charles III” wing of the Centre, a testament to his long-standing commitment. Dr. Farhan Nizami, the Centre's Director, who has collaborated with the King for all 40 years of OCIS's existence, emphasized the King's unique position. Dr. Nizami explained that the King's constitutional role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, far from being a barrier, actually strengthens his ability to champion interfaith understanding. "Interfaith understanding is secure only when we approach it from within our own religious traditions. His Majesty is Head of the Church of England, his engagement with faith is rooted within his religious traditions. That provides the basis for a more stable interaction with others – and that is the basis on which Muslims should engage with people of different faiths,” Dr. Nizami elaborated.

The King's 1993 lecture, "Islam and the West," was widely considered prescient, urging the West to look beyond the extremist fringes of Islam. Bishop Croft echoed this sentiment, noting, “As Prince of Wales, he affirmed all faiths and he has continued to do that, in very particular ways, as King.” He added that in the UK's "multi faith society," the Church of England deeply values the King's role as head of the church, as well as his profound care for other faiths.

King Charles takes his unofficial role as a representative of all faiths very seriously, alongside his constitutional duties, underscoring a commitment to religious diversity that continues to earn him respect within the Muslim community globally.