Posted on 09/30/2006 3:15:49 AM PDT by Doctor13
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.
She'd better follow the example of her predecessor Richard the First and organise a crusade iinstead.
ONE idiot coucil makes an idiot decision and 'England is falling to Islam'?
Here are the figures again: UK population 60 million. Muslims just over 2 million. A 30:1 outnumbering.
"So what would happen if a Viking showed up and demanded to read chicken entrails and cast rune stones on the royal floor."
If his klan had raped, pillaged, attacked, murdered, and blown up innocent British Citizens... he'd get his own prayer room too!
LLS
Why is the world bending over backward to appeal to these vicious, uncivilized, religious cult barbarians?
The Russian Spetznaz had/has a program whereby all biological weapons are removed from the host country when their security is in doubt. The program includes rehearsals and practice runs.
The convoy of Russian "diplomats" that was nearly obliterated in March 2003 was one such removal operation. We know this, just as we know that the Saudi's are on a slippery slope.
The MSM is as much the enemy as are the Islamofascists.
Kindly avoid sullying the memory of that gallant Stuart prince, Charles Edward Stuart, by comparing him with that English dog of a Windsor.....:)
What happens when the muzzies burn out cars and buildings in londonistan like in France?
you are so right...except why toss in a grenade and blow up the place...just have some of those violent catholics/protestant/jews/hindus that cut off all the heads have a go at the peace loving muzzies!
This room is another sign of true surrender!!!
I watched "Kingdom of Heaven" the other night. Christian Knights KNEW how to handle hajis. We need to get back to basics!!!!!
We use to send them answers to their demands wrapped around the head of their messengers. FIGHT Fire with Fire!
LLS
They'll be arrested and locked up for criminal affray.
LOL Charles the Lout-hearted.
LOL my Polish wife is already fairly handy with the rolling pin if I'm late back from the pub.. .I ain't giving her a Kalashnikov as well! ;-)
To 800 Islamic scholars and terrorists at Cairo's Al-Azhar University
"The recent ghastly strife and anger over the Danish cartoons
shows the danger that comes of our failure to listen and to respect what is precious
and sacred to others. In my view, the true mark of a civilised society
is the respect it pays to minorities and to strangers."
[Mar. 21, 2006, Charles, The Islamic Prince of Wales]
Hee hee hee! GOD bless Poland! One Rolling-Pin armed Polish wife can defeat a dozen hajis... all by her lonesome!
LLS
Charles looks like camel... perhaps he should mate with one and live like one!
LLS
Not today, not next week. But how's that population breakdown going to look in 2030?
I don't have a problem with different religions.
What makes me sad is the ignorance of Christians towards their own rich scriptural prayer heritage.
"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.
"So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.