Outrage has been sparked by a King’s Cross display board featuring an Islamic teaching that describes people as “sinners” who must “repent.”
On the 9th day of Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, the central London train station featured a “Hadith of the day.”
A hadith is an account of teachings from the Prophet Muhammad.
It says: “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) [Peace Be Upon Him] said: All the sons of Adam are sinners but the best of the sinners are those who repent often.”
A GB News viewer said "many people will find it offensive to be described as ‘sinners’, especially by a train station"
GB News
The message was broadcast on a full side of the display board beneath the time.
It was broadcast alongside several delayed train announcements.
Reacting to the display board, a GB News viewer said: “Public bodies, especially when they receive state funding, should not be seen to favour one religion over another - that’s even when we have no official separation of church and state. There should be a clear distinction between secular and religious spaces and this is blurring that boundary.
“You only have to turn a few pages in religious texts like the one quoted and you’ll find something scientifically incorrect, morally reprehensible, or totally insane - businesses and, again, especially where they’re subsidised by my tax money, should not associate themselves with such things.”
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The sign quoted a Hadith which said "All the sons of Adam are sinners but the best of the sinners are those who repent often"
GB News
They added: “In this specific case, many people will find it offensive to be described as ‘sinners’, especially by a train station! It is just totally inappropriate that they should even be saying that.”
The irate viewer added: “That billboard should contain practically useful information to help people get to their trains!”
Stephen Evans, chief executive of the National Secular Society, 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.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “King’s Cross station is made up of a diverse and multi-cultural 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.”