King's Cross: Network Rail removes Ramadan message after complaints

A sign at London King's Cross station that displayed an Islamic message for Ramadan has been removed, Network Rail said.

Passengers posted photos of the message on social media, along with a mix of complaints and praise for the passage.

Network Rail said the message should not have been displayed on the main train departure board.

It said it was investigating why "general Ramadan celebratory messages weren't used".

A Network Rail spokesperson told BBC London: "We celebrate all the big religious festivals from Christmas to Ramadan at King's Cross to reflect our diverse passenger and employee base."

However, the spokesperson said: "Our main departure board should be reserved for train information and our general Ramadan celebratory messages weren't used for some reason, which we're looking into.

"All has now been corrected."

Some took to X and complained about the passage, known as a Hadith, being displayed.

Humanists UK posted a statement on the social media platform to say it felt public train stations "should not be urging 'sinners' to repent".

The campaign group said: "It is obviously inappropriate and profoundly misjudged to broadcast hadiths or any religious scripture at passengers. We will be writing to the transport secretary to outline our concerns."

Others welcomed the messages, which had been posted on other days of Ramadan at King's Cross, with The Islam Channel posting to its followers on X: "The beauty of Ramadan in unexpected places.

"A Ramadan hadith spotted at King's Cross Station reminds us of the blessings and wisdom this holy month brings."

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