Ramadan: the controversy is growing in London where King’s Cross station publishes the “hadith of the day” on its signs

In the middle of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayers and sharing for Muslims, the famous London station has decided to display “the hadith of the day” (an oral communication from the prophet of Islam, Mohammed, Editor's note) on its panels electronic. "The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best sinners are those who repent often'", the travelers were able to read, alongside the train schedule.

Which did not fail to trigger a controversy on social networks. Some netizens questioned the role of these public information panels: “We must speak out and demand that our public spaces remain neutral and inclusive. It’s not a question of religion, it’s a question of respect,” said the first on X (formerly Twitter).

Another denounced a difference in treatment with Lent (Christian liturgical time marked by prayer and penance, which goes from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, Editor's note) which is taking place at the moment: “I am in Lent. No alcohol or chocolate. No one is posting messages of encouragement for those of us observing Lent, as they do for Ramadan at King's Cross station. The bravado English sovereignist Nigel Farage even asked himself on the social network: “Aren’t we supposed to be in a Christian country?”

Stephen Evans, director general of the National Secular Society (a British association whose purpose is to defend secularism, Editor's note) described this display as "a well-intentioned but misguided and counterproductive attempt at inclusiveness." According to the association, this message would even go “against a harmonious, just and inclusive society”.

Faced with the controversy, Network Rail, the private company managing the railway network and stations, defended itself: "King's Cross station is made up of a diverse and multicultural workforce and, during periods holidays and religious practices, messages such as these are displayed to celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness of the station,” argued a spokesperson for the company, reports the Daily Mail . This employee added that holidays of other religions, “including Easter, Jewish Passover, Christmas and Diwali” were also celebrated “to take into account the beliefs of [their] colleagues and [their] passengers”.

According to the National Secular Society, the private company Network Rail, however, decided to remove the message. “Religious neutrality in public spaces is the best way to respect all members of society, regardless of their religion or belief,” the association said.