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Queen sanctions first ever Muslim prayer room
Last updated at 23:37pm on 29.09.06
The Muslim month of Ramadan is being celebrated in Windsor Castle with the blessing of the Queen, it was revealed.
A special prayer room has been set aside in Her Majesty's favourite residence for the Islamic month of fasting.
The room is being used by just one person who works in the gift shops at the castle.
Every workday at 1.30pm visitor services assistant Nagina Chaudhry locks herself in the room to roll out her prayer mat and point it towards Mecca.
She then dons her hijab - headscarf - and begins the half-hour lunchtime prayer required of all Muslims during Ramadan.
Miss Chaudhry said she was thrilled when castle bosses allowed her to use a specially-converted office in the historic Saxon Tower.
"It feels amazing to be the first Muslim to read namaz (prayers) at Windsor Castle," said the 19-year-old.
"I was reciting the prayer with more power than usual because I knew I was making history."
University student Miss Chaudhry, who works at the castle for two days a week, said being able to pray during her normal lunchbreak made the fasting easier.
"Ramadan is hard at the start because the days are long and your body's not used to it. At 1.30pm I would normally be going out to lunch, but because I'm praying it seems to go faster.
"The prayer really relaxes me and gives me more energy for the rest of the day."
Miss Chaudhry said she was pleasantly surprised when her request for a special prayer room was granted.
"I was worried that I might not get it because there are so many misconceptions about Islam. I've only worked there for two months, so I was surprised when everybody went out of their way to help me.
"The Queen is the head of the Church of England so it's great to know she respects other people's faith.
"I think I'm the only Muslim who works here so I feel special knowing they've made such an effort for me."
A spokesman for the Royal Household confirmed that the room had been set aside for prayers during Ramadan.
"We have had Muslim employees before who have taken time out to pray, but a decision has been made to make a particular room available during Ramadan," she said.
"There is no cost to the change of use because the office will continue to be used throughout the working week.
The spokesman added that she was not able to say what the Queen's views on the room were, but confirmed that she had been consulted.
"Because this is a decision that has been reached which affects Windsor Castle, the Queen would be aware of the decision," the spokesman added.
Reader views (6)
This is a great news to read, thanks to the Queen for allowing the muslim staff to pray at work place.
- Osman, London , England
Good on you Ma'am.
- Dhanraj, Basildon
How "gracious" and "noble" of our Queen. And a lesson to others about how to behave...
- Geoffrey King, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Very encouraging for all the Muslims of the world. Thank you Queen of Great Britain. This move will win the hearts and minds of many Muslims not only in Europe but also elsewhere.
I being in Islamabad, Pakistan was surprised and pleased to read this news item by chance in "This is London". In fact most Muslims have high respect for the British people and the Queen of England.
- Akhtar Jamal, Islamabad, Paksitan
Let us hope that this is the start of a new era of tolerance and respect for all people, religious or non-religious.
- Dave, Fareham
Well done your Majesty on allowing this bold step. I think it is a legal requirement now and I have successfully got rooms set up in the civil service but this is definitely a move for the better. Far from any signal towards Islamisation of the monarchy or establishing Islam in Royal England, it actually shows respect and tolerance of all religions at this sensitive time. I'm sure employees at Windsor will also be praying for Queen and Country!
- Muqbool, London
