STOCKHOLM: The burning of a copy of the Holy Quran in Stockholm, Sweden, on the first day of Eid al-Adha has ignited strong condemnation from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, and Morocco. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry labeled the act as “odious” and contradictory to the values of respect for others and their sanctities. Egypt also expressed deep concern about the recurring incidents of Quran burning and the increasing phenomenon of Islamophobia and religious desecration in certain European countries.
The incident occurred when an unidentified man burned a Quran outside Stockholm’s central mosque after receiving approval from a Swedish court. The act has sparked outrage among Muslims worldwide, who consider it a provocation and a violation of their religious beliefs.
The Swedish court granted permission for the demonstration, as Sweden rarely prohibits protests, even those that could be seen as incitement in other countries. On the holy day of Eid Al-Adha, the individuals tore out pages from the Quran, wiped them on their shoes, and set them on fire, all while being surrounded by a group of counterprotesters.
Al-Azhar, the highest religious authority in Sunni Islam, has also condemned the burning of the Quran. It has called for a boycott of Swedish products and urged Islamic governments to take unified and serious stances against Quran violations. Al-Azhar has also called upon religious authorities worldwide to issue fatwas mandating the boycott of Swedish products.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined in condemning and denouncing the Quran burning, describing it as “heinous” and inciting hatred, exclusion, and racism. The Saudi government has urged the Swedish authorities to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Turkey has criticized the decision by Swedish authorities to allow a small Quran-burning demonstration outside a mosque in Stockholm. The Turkish government’s condemnation adds to the growing international pressure against the incident.
The Iraqi government has strongly condemned the burning of the Quran, labeling it as “horrific” and deeply hurtful to millions of Muslims. Iraq has called upon the Swedish government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Morocco has also condemned the act, summoning its ambassador to Sweden “for consultation for an indefinite period.” The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed that the burning was unacceptable and went against the values of tolerance and coexistence.
This incident has not only outraged Muslims worldwide but has also drawn attention to the increasing problem of Islamophobia in Europe. The international community is calling for measures to address these issues and prevent further instances of religious desecration.
