Praise and Glory be to Allah Most High and peace and blessings upon the Chosen One, Muhammad al-Mustafa, sallalahu alaihi wa sallam, whom God sent as a Mercy to all the Worlds.
As you all know we have postponed the start of pupil term tomorrow as a mark of respect for the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022). The value of the monarchy has often been a subject of debate in the country. Some argue it is an
outdated, ant-democratic institution, whilst others blame it for being the impetus of Britain's colonial past and the suffering of foreign peoples. Still others argue that it is part of what makes Britain great, that the monarchy is a force for unity, trade, and even glory. However we feel about the monarchy as an institution, we should not forget that Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was a human
soul that came into this world, lived out a full life and has returned to her Lord.
There are two images of the Late Queen Elizabeth that for me represent the way in which I would like to remember her: The first is of a young Princess Elizabeth wearing the hijab-like robes of the mystic circle of Welsh bards as they honoured her in a ceremony at Mountain Ash in Glamorgan on 6th August 1946. The other is of the elderly Queen Elizabeth in Stornoway, Scotland on July 29th 2006, dressed in a suede coat, headscarf and trousers, with her husband trailing behind her. In both images she is smiling, dignified and graceful. The first image is reminiscent of a young girl in hijab, and the other of an elderly Muslim mother-with scarf, handbag and husband. How we choose to remember our Queen is our choice. And Allah alone knows the secrets of every soul.
Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial. To Us must ye return. (Quran 21:35)
This passing away from the temporary abode of the world to the everlasting abode of the hereafter should give us pause to reflect. As prince Charles takes the place of his mother and becomes Charles III we should keep in mind that this moment is not so much about the return of a king, but rather about the returning of a queen to the King. A return which one day, each on of us is sure to make.
wa ma tawfeeqi illa billah.
Munawar Karim
Headmaster