Mosques across Norway will mark King Harald’s passing.
King Harald was the first Norwegian king to visit a mosque, and he worked against prejudices. King Harald’s visit to the Islamic Association Rabita in Oslo in October 2009 had a great symbolic significance for Norwegian Muslims. He later said, “These are Norwegians on a par with all other Norwegians.”
The Muslim Dialogue Network (MDN) received the news of the passing of King Harald with deep sorrow. They stated, “Our thoughts go out to Queen Sonja, the royal family and everyone who was close to the King.”
Several mosques will include the King’s passing in the Friday prayer, and they will pray for Queen Sonja and the rest of the royal family.
Imam Faruk Terzic, chairman of the Muslim Dialogue Network, said, “King Harald was the king of all of Norway. The grief will be felt in mosques all over the country. He showed that it is entirely possible to belong in Norway, even if we have different beliefs, backgrounds and life experiences.”
He added, “King Harald had a rare ability to put big things into words in a simple way. For many Norwegian Muslims, this was a powerful moment, and the message will remain with him long after he died. Behind the crown stood a man who dedicated his life to the country and the people. Our prayers go out to Queen Sonja and the royal family. May they find strength and comfort in each other. We mourn with the rest of Norway and feel deep gratitude for the king we were blessed with.”
Imam Saleemullah Alvi, head of the imam committee of the Muslim Dialogue Network, said, “King Harald has had a great impact on the sense of belonging of many Norwegian Muslims. He has repeatedly reminded us that Norway is a community with room for people of different faiths and backgrounds.”
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