Millions across the world today mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Britain’s longest-serving monarch, who remained a symbol of national stability in a rapidly changing world. People from all communities in Britain share in this grief and feel the loss of this towering global figure.
Only a few months ago, Britain celebrated the Platinum Jubilee, marking seventy years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Her long-standing rule witnessed the unfolding of events that led to global change, impacting peoples and nations worldwide. She carried herself with a profound sense of duty throughout her life, dedicated to her nation, the Commonwealth, and the causes she served. As a result, she earned the respect and admiration of millions around the globe.
The Muslim community in Britain shares in this time of tremendous grief and extends its condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal Family, and the wider British public.
Under the successive governments of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Britain rebuilt itself following the Second World War. During this period, thousands of Muslims also migrated to Britain, gained citizenship, settled, and became active members of British society. As Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth served the nations of the Commonwealth, which includes six Muslim-majority countries, as well as others with large Muslim populations.
Islam teaches Muslims to maintain the highest traits of character, remain respectful, acknowledge positive qualities, and share in both moments of joy and grief with neighbors and fellow countrymen. In the days ahead, Britain enters a period of mourning. British communities stand united in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth—a figure of national unity.
Bakhtyar H. Pirzada al-Azhari
Vice-President of Al-Azhar Alumni UK
[Photo Caption: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth stands between Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, during an audience for the Grand Imam at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, Britain, July 12, 2018. – Steve Parsons/Pool via REUTERS]
