This phrase is a common greeting among Muslims worldwide

King Charles opened a speech today with the words “Assalamu Alaikum”, an Arabic greeting that means “peace be upon you”.

It is a common greeting among Muslims worldwide, making it very apt for the King to say during a visit to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

King Charles, 76, who has long expressed an interest in the religion of Islam and the Islamic world, made the visit to mark the centre’s 40th anniversary.

In his speech, the monarch said: “Your Royal Highness, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum.

King Charles opens speech with ‘Assalamu Alaikum’ during visit to Islamic centre.

“In this milestone anniversary year, I can only say that it is with enormous pride and admiration that I join you all here today to pay tribute to this remarkable Centre, as it celebrates four decades of unfailing work to broaden our understanding of the Islamic World in the United Kingdom.

“From its humble beginnings in 1985 (when both Dr Nizami and I had slightly fewer grey hairs!), I have seen the Centre grow from a modest hut on St Cross Road into 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.

“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.”

King Charles added: “I need hardly say I am extremely heartened that the Centre continues to play such a significant role in that globally critical endeavour….

 King Charles, 76, has long expressed an interest in the religion of Islam and the Islamic world.

“Indeed, the spark of ambition with which the Centre was founded all those years ago remains undimmed.

“Therefore, as we mark this 40th anniversary year, it is with great optimism that I look forward to the next chapter of the Centre’s story – building upon what it has already achieved with the same enduring values that have fortified the institution thus far.

“So I can only thank you, Dr. Nizami – along with so many of the illustrious group gathered here today, who have each supported the centre over the years – and, of course, the eminent architect of this very special addition to Oxford’s townscape – for your tireless dedication and unswerving vision, which have shaped this centre into the beacon of Islamic scholarship that it is today.”

The monarch concluded: “It means more to me than you can imagine to be sharing this stage with you once again, in the company of so many familiar faces and friends, and to join in the celebrations, as a particularly proud patron…

Reuters | The King’s relationship with the centre spans over three decades.

Reuters | Dr Nizami opened proceedings with a brief address, followed by remarks from His Majesty.Established in 1985, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies serves as a meeting point for the Western and Islamic worlds of learning, contributing to the multidisciplinary study of the Islamic world.

In 2012, the centre was granted a Royal Charter by the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. During King Charles’s last visit, he inaugurated the centre’s permanent home on Marston Road.

This purpose-built academic facility includes a library, lecture theatres, exhibition spaces, and gardens set around traditional Oxford quadrangles, including The King Charles III Garden.

In 1993, the King delivered the centre’s inaugural lecture, “Islam and the West,” establishing the Distinguished Lecture Series at the centre. This series has since welcomed leading global figures, including Heads of State and Government, as well as renowned scholars.