King Charles III Quotes Prophet Muhammad in Arabic at State Banquet

King Charles III quoted Prophet Muhammad in Arabic during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on October 20, 2026, marking the first state visit by an Omani ruler to the United Kingdom in 44 years[7][13]. The diplomatic gesture occurred as Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman began his three-day visit to the UK[4][7].

This event signals deepened diplomatic ties between the UK and Oman. It also highlights Oman's unique role as a neutral peacemaker in the Middle East, particularly during the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran that began in February 2026[1][10][11].

What the records show

On October 20, 2026, King Charles III hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at a state banquet at Windsor Castle[8]. The banquet was part of the Sultan's state visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled from October 20 to October 22, 2026[4][7]. During his speech, King Charles III delivered several phrases in Arabic and directly quoted a Hadith from Prophet Muhammad, stating: "Had you gone to the people of Oman, they would neither have insulted you nor beaten you"[13][14]. The King also praised Oman's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, specifically acknowledging its "noble efforts" to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz[1][3]. He recognized Oman's "constructive neutrality" and its role as a "trusted interlocutor to all parties" in the region[1][3]. The King noted Oman's enduring commitment at a time when "conflict has returned so painfully to the region"[1][3].

The timeline

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq's state visit to the United Kingdom spans three days, from Tuesday, October 20, to Thursday, October 22, 2026[7]. This visit marks the first state visit by an Omani ruler to the UK since March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II hosted Sultan Qaboos bin Said[7]. King Charles III, in his previous role as Prince of Wales, had visited Oman on four occasions, most recently in January 2020 to offer condolences after the death of Sultan Qaboos[7]. He also received Sultan Haitham for a private meeting at Windsor Castle in July 2025[7].

What changed and for whom

The King's decision to quote Prophet Muhammad in Arabic during a state banquet represents a significant interfaith and diplomatic gesture. It reinforces the UK's commitment to strengthening its relationship with Oman, a country seen as a crucial partner for regional stability, especially given the ongoing US-Iran conflict[10][11]. For Oman, the visit and the King's public praise underscore its recognized status as a neutral mediator and its efforts in Middle Eastern peacemaking[1][3]. The gesture also aligns with King Charles III's long-held interest in fostering understanding between Islam and the West[15][16].

What the subject has said publicly

King Charles III has a documented history of admiration for Islamic culture and efforts to bridge understanding between Islam and the West[15][17]. He has previously studied Arabic to better comprehend the Quran[15]. As Prince of Wales, he delivered significant speeches on Islam, including his 1993 address at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, where he stated, "For that which binds our two worlds together is so much more powerful than that which divides us"[16]. He has consistently advocated for building bridges between Islamic and Western cultures[16].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm specific details of any private diplomatic agreements made during the Sultan's visit beyond general statements of cooperation. The reactions of other Middle Eastern nations or the United States to King Charles III's speech were not available in the provided evidence.