A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales at the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque, Northolt, Middlesex

Prince Ezzuddin and Dr. Zainuddin, Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot tell you what a joy it is for my wife and I to join you this morning and to be welcomed so warmly to this very special mosque.

When I was here thirteen years ago, I had hoped very much for an opportunity to visit again and see it in its completed state. I must apologise to you for taking thirteen years to come back again. I shall try and do better next time.

But if I may say so I am so delighted that my wish has come true today. Not least because I was able to glimpse the Unity Tree that I planted on my last visit that still seems to be growing reasonably well. So perhaps as I said Insha'Allah my grandchildren and great-grandchildren can come and sit underneath it one day.

I am so pleased that my School of Traditional Arts has been able to play a small part in the design of this remarkable mosque and I hope it may have been able to remind us of the divine inspiration in the seven principles of Islamic architecture. In other words; Unity, Respect, Sincerity, Knowledge, Balance, Modesty and Remembrance. Traditional Islam through it’s architecture and through the nature of the space which is formed, places Man in the presence of divine unity. In addition, respect as a virtue and attitude of good manners is transcendent. As the messenger of God himself said; the best of you are those who possess the best of manners.

Ladies and Gentlemen it is wonderful to see this splendid Masjid complex become the most prominent centre of worship and learning for the entire community in the West. It is a great achievement that each and every member of the Bohra community can take immense pride in. I never tire of admiring the enterprise, self-reliance, unity and duty that are the cardinal values of your community. I suspect it is no coincidence that members of your community are among the most successful businessmen and professionals in this country and I’ve met quite a few of you today. But most importantly I cannot applaud enough the invaluable example you set of your belief that patriotism is part of faith. It makes an enormous contribution to modern British Society. It is of course His Holiness’ own leadership by example which inspires all of you and I am filled with great respect for His Holiness’ philanthropic vision. My wife and I feel immensely privileged to see today just some examples of your truly remarkable work around the world.

On behalf of my wife and myself, can I offer all of you our most sincere and heartfelt congratulations on all your splendid achievements. I know that you’ve contributed most generously to some of my own small effort towards making our world a better place and for that I am hugely grateful.

So ladies and gentlemen I can only offer you our best and warmest and most heartfelt wishes in the hope of, Insha'Allah, many more years of success and fulfilment for your community.