Latest news with #OxfordCentreForIslamicStudies
The National
17-07-2025
- General
- The National
King Charles hails Oxford's internationally renowned Islamic centre
A pioneering centre of Islamic learning has marked its 40th anniversary in Oxford as King Charles III paid tribute to its scholarship and progress. The monarch on Thursday lauded the work of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in broadening understanding of the Islamic world in the United Kingdom. The ornate dedicated building, an affiliate of the University of Oxford, now stands as one of the architectural treasures of the so-called city of dreaming spires. King Charles said the centre "started off in little more than a hut but was now an internationally renowned institution – now housed in these spectacular surroundings – hosting a plethora of fascinating speakers over the years, creating countless opportunities for young and old alike, and forging lifelong friendships along the way". He added: "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. "I need hardly say I am extremely heartened that the centre continues to play such a significant role in that globally critical endeavour. Indeed, the spark of ambition with which the centre was founded all those years ago remains undimmed." One of the guests at the ceremony was Prince Turki bin Faisal, the former ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the UK and the US, who paid tribute to the founders of the centre. He recalled that its first year budget was £70,000 ($94,000) donated by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. The guiding force behind the centre has been director Farhan Nizami, who was praised by King Charles on Thursday for his vision for the school. As patron, the then-Prince Charles gave a landmark lecture on 'Islam and the West' that set the tone for his work on how religions can thrive through mutual respect and shared concern for the challenges facing humanity. The distinguished lecture series launched on that day has since featured annual visits by heads of state, politicians and leading academics. The centre received a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. The 40th anniversary visit from the monarch will involved the establishment of the King Charles III wing. A new programme carrying his name will bring together a fellowship, the Young Muslim Leadership programme, as well as conferences on the environment and sustainability. Prince Turki, who is chairman of the board of trustees, said there was strong support from the region for students at the centre, including scholarships in the name of the late King Abdullah of Jordan, the late Prince Sultan of Saudi Arabia, and King Salman.
Arab News
16-07-2025
- General
- Arab News
Celebrating 40 years of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. In 1983, Dr. Farhan Nizami and David Browning decided to lobby Oxford University to establish a centre for Islamic studies. After much give and take with the university, it ultimately agreed and followed all the requirements to establish the centre. In 1985, the centre was formally registered with the Charity Commission as an educational charity. It is a nonprofit institution. The founding trustees were Sheikh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, Dr. Abdullah Omar, Dr. Nizami's father, the late Professor K.A. Nizami, Sheikh Sultan Al-Qassimi, and Tariq Shafiq. Professor Keith Griffin was the first nominee to represent the university. All other board members represent themselves. The first donation was £10 ($13), five from Dr. Nizami and five from Browning. There was one staff member, a secretary, and the first budget amounted to £70,000, donated by Sheikh Sultan. It was housed in a small hut on one of Oxford's side streets. King Charles became patron of the centre in 1993, when he gave a landmark lecture titled 'Islam and the West.' He elaborated his view that Islam and the West should and can work together to meet the challenges facing humanity. His Majesty continues to be the patron and will preside over the 40th anniversary. The centre is an independent educational institution and is presided over by a board of trustees made up of luminaries from the Muslim world, the UK, a representative of Oxford University, and others. Dr. Farhan Nizami was its director from 1985 and is now secretary to the board of trustees. Enhancing Muslim and non-Muslim understanding has been the underlying ethos of the centre. Prince Turki Al-Faisal The activities of the centre are all-encompassing, from teaching fellowships, publications, conferences, scholarships, seminars, workshops, lectures, and student sponsorships. The centre received a grant from the late King Fahd to construct its building. Grants for three fellowships in the names of the late King Abdullah, the late Prince Sultan, and King Salman followed. Generous support from other Muslim countries and individuals also added to the centre's building and fellowships. In 2012, the centre became the first British Muslim institution to receive a royal charter from the late Queen Elizabeth. Enhancing Muslim and non-Muslim understanding has been the underlying ethos of the centre. The building that houses it, designed by the famous Egyptian architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, with its dome and minaret, has blended quite beautifully with Oxford's skyline and has become a landmark, visited by many visitors to the city. The centre's relationship with Oxford University will grow and it will strive to continue to serve all of humanity in harmony and understanding.
