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Charles breaks fast with the faithful in Muscat
Britain's Prince Charles broke fast with the faithful at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque yesterday after touring the fascinating mosque for almost two hours.
- By Sunil K. Vaidya, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 November 9, 2003
Britain's Prince Charles broke fast with the faithful at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque yesterday after touring the fascinating mosque for almost two hours.
Prince Charles, here on a five-day visit, toured the Grand Mosque, accompanied by Khalfan Al Kharussi, a Researcher with the Grand Mufti's office.
The British Royal took keen interest in studying various sections at the mosque, including the main prayer hall. He was all praise for the construction he first visited during his 1999 visit when it was still under construction.
Prince Charles' spokesman Patrick Harrison told Gulf News that the Heir to the British Throne was thoroughly enjoying his visit to Oman. "He has a great affection for Oman and this is his fifth visit to this country," he said.
Harrison also said: "The Prince was particularly keen to come to the mosque today to see the fantastic building and remarkable architecture which Prince was fascinated with. The Prince has a great love for Islamic architecture and I can't think of finer example than this mosque."
When asked how significant was Prince Charles' visit to Oman at a time when the divide between the Islamic world and the West was widening, he said: "The Prince is not a political figure, however, he is very keen to promote understanding between West and East."
He went on to add that in Britain and in India the British Royal held meetings with different faith leaders to help encourage better dialogue and understanding between the different faiths in the world.
Prince Charles spent a considerable time at an exhibition of Islamic calligraphy and held meetings with Sheikha Aisha Al Siaby, Head of Public Authority for Craft Industries and Taha Al Kisri, the Head of Omani Society for Fine Arts to discuss various aspects of Islamic art.
He then broke fast with a large congregation of people from different nationalities as he sat with folded legs on the floor in the open.
He ate date and drank juice at the call of Iftar.
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