Introduction:
Prince Turki Al Faisal emphasized the significance of coexistence among people of different cultures and the need for goodwill and mutual effort to achieve it. He highlighted that sustainable coexistence requires knowledge-sharing and cultural integration.

Center’s Objectives:
The Center was established to facilitate the study of Islam and the Muslim world from diverse perspectives, promoting understanding between the Islamic world and the West. The Center aims to challenge and enrich the understanding of scholars from different backgrounds.

Challenges and Progress:
The Center faced setbacks and challenges but progressed with the support of individuals who shared its values and objectives. The speech acknowledged the contributions of founding trustees, academic staff, visiting scholars, and university members.

Support from Senior University Members:
The Center received support from senior university members, including Vice-Chancellors and the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Louise Richardson.

Patronage of the Prince of Wales:
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales became the Center’s patron and advocated for coexistence, recognizing the shared ancestry and commonality among human individuals and cultures.

The New Building:
The Center’s new building symbolizes the coming together of Islamic and Western scholarly traditions. It incorporates Islamic crafts and motifs while respecting the traditional materials and skills of Oxford.

Importance of Coexistence:
The speech emphasized the importance of encouraging coexistence between the worlds of Islam and the West. It highlighted the need to broaden knowledge and understanding of histories, ideals, and values to overcome ignorance and suspicions.

Royal Charter and Commitment:
The Center’s commitment to promoting coexistence was recognized with the award of a Royal Charter by Her Majesty the Queen in 2012. The Center remains dedicated to providing a space for scholars to study Islam and the Muslim world from diverse perspectives.

Dedication and Gratitude:
Prince Turki Al Faisal expressed gratitude to all those who have supported the Center’s objectives and acknowledged the importance of continued engagement and good counsel to sustain its work in the future.

Greetings and Welcome:
Dr. Farhan Nizami, on behalf of Dr. Abdullah Nasif and the trustees, welcomed everyone to the important day for the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies.

Gratitude for Support:
The presence of guests from afar and worldwide support for the center’s work is greatly appreciated. Warm gratitude is expressed to the patrons, particularly to the speaker’s patron for nearly a quarter-century of support.

Patron’s Contributions:
The patron has delivered two lectures, followed the progress of the building, taken personal interest in the garden design, and inaugurated the Distinguished Lecture Series in 1993. The patron’s memorable lecture on Islam and the West in 1993 emphasized the need for dialogue and open-mindedness. The patronage means a lot to the center and is widely recognized internationally.

Royal Charter:
Deep honor is extended for the grant of the Royal Charter in 2012 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Appreciation and Recognition:
The university’s leadership embraced the creation of the center and encouraged it ever since, leading to a mutually beneficial cooperation. Pride in the center’s association with the University of Oxford and its rootedness in the city of Oxford. Mention of the important role played by past and present trustees, advisors, and guidance providers. Acknowledgment of their crucial wisdom and insights in shaping the center and its impact.

Center’s Success:
The board expresses gratitude to the founding trustees and staff who saw the potential of the Center and worked tirelessly to establish it. Dr. Farhan Nizami is praised for his dedication in making the Center a successful and valuable asset.

Physical Space:
The Center aims to create a unique physical space for cultural exchange and understanding. The inauguration of the new building represents the realization of this vision.

Financial Support:
The Center has received generous financial support from institutions and individuals worldwide. Heads of state from various countries have also shown their support. Special recognition is given to the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia for his initial grant that enabled the construction.

Chief Architect:
Professor Abdulwahid Alwakil is acknowledged as the chief architect responsible for designing the unique and remarkable building. His guidance in constructing the mosque’s dome was a significant achievement during the construction phase.

Collective Effort:
Turning the vision into reality has been a collaborative effort spanning many years. Numerous individuals have contributed to the Center’s success, and their collective pride in the achievements is acknowledged.

Facilities:
The new building provides all the necessary facilities for the Center’s activities, including a library, lecture halls, and a mosque.

Background:
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is a prestigious institution that has contributed significantly to scholarship in Islamic studies for over three decades. The inauguration of its new home marks a milestone in its journey and reflects its growth and impact.

The Inaugural Address:
Prince Charles, the institution’s patron, delivers an inaugural address at the event. He expresses his delight in being present and acknowledges the distinguished guests and supporters. He emphasizes the strength of friendships forged by the Center and the enduring significance of its founding values.

Recognition and Achievements:
Prince Charles commends the Center’s accomplishments over the past three decades. He acknowledges the contributions of individuals, trustees, and the director, Dr. Farhan Nizami, in shaping the Center’s success. The Center’s royal charter, granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, is highlighted as a testament to its achievements.

Vision and Ambition:
Prince Charles praises the Center’s ambition and determination in setting higher goals and expanding its activities. He applauds the new building as a worthy embodiment of the Center’s aspirations. The architectural design, inspired by classical Islamic traditions, is commended for seamlessly blending with Oxford’s historic university buildings.

Cultural Connectivity and Dialogue:
Prince Charles emphasizes the crucial need for cultural connectivity in a world plagued by fears and misunderstandings. He calls for calm reflection, empathy, and open dialogue across faith, ethnic, and cultural boundaries. He highlights the importance of addressing material inequities and social justice issues to alleviate discontents and anxieties.

The Center’s Role:
Prince Charles asserts that the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies should represent disinterested inquiry, serious scholarship, and humane partnership. He believes the Center can play a vital role in addressing the challenges of our age through rigorous academic pursuits and collaborations.

Architectural Traditions:
Prince Charles draws parallels between the architectural traditions of Oxford colleges, the Alhambra, and the new buildings of the Center. He sees these spaces as analogous to the classical architectural traditions of Greece, Rome, and Persia.

Rediscovering and Exploring Commonalities:
The great religions share fundamental choices regarding the relationship between humans, the physical world, and space differentiation. These reflections impact our way of life and interactions. Recognizing our collective learning, no single culture holds the complete truth. Our search for understanding is a collective human enterprise.

The Center’s Role:
The center’s goal is to promote dialogue and understanding. It should not rest on its laurels but continually seek opportunities to grow. The center has a clear mission to promote dialogue and understanding. The Prince of Wales hopes for a reaffirmation of commitment to this goal.

Moving Forward:
The center must build on its achievements, prepare for challenges, and pursue opportunities. The center’s journey is not over; it is just the beginning of a new chapter. The center should focus on its mission to promote dialogue and understanding.

Invitation to Celebrate:
Prince Turki Al Faisal invites guests to witness the new building. The celebration marks a milestone, but the real challenge starts the next day.