Following confusion on social media, Network Rail have issued a statement saying why an Islamic message was displayed on the departure board at King’s Cross Station to mark the ninth day of Ramadan.
Passengers were slightly bemused when they looked up and saw a message which said: “Day 9. Fajr 04:25. Hadith of the Day: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: All the sons of Adam are sinners but the best of the sinners are those who repent often.”
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “King’s Cross Station is made up of a diverse and multicultural workforce and at times of religious significance, messages such as these are displayed to celebrate the station’s diversity and inclusivity.
“Throughout the year, messaging at the station also celebrates festivals from other religions including Easter, Christmas, Passover, and Diwali to mark the beliefs of our colleagues and passengers.
“If significant disruption occurs on the network, the boards are changed to display relevant passenger information to help passengers complete their journeys.”
Shortly after the station displayed the message, it divided people online. While some chose to criticise it, others suggested alternative verses from the Quran and the Bible.
GB News reported that the chief executive of the National Secular Society, Stephen Evans said: “At best it’s a well-meaning yet misguided and counterproductive attempt at inclusivity.
“Such gestures suggest favouritism, generating resentment and the inevitable demands from other religious or identity groups for equal recognition. Religious messages like this undermine the principle of neutrality.
“Maintaining such neutrality in public spaces and services is the best way of nurturing a fair and inclusive society that respects all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.”
This isn’t the first time the UK’s railways have celebrated diversity in the community. Last year, South Western Rail launched the UK’s first-ever Intersex-Inclusive Pride Train to show solidarity with LGBTQIA+ passengers.
Chair of South Western Railway’s Pride Network Bryce Hunt said: “Being proud of who you are is the opportunity to be openly expressive, loving, and honest.
“Our Pride Network has released this new livery which shows our full commitment to the communities we serve internally and externally.”
