Al-Azhar denounces right-wing extremists’ burning of copies of Holy Quran in Sweden

CAIRO, 18th April, 2022 (WAM) — Al-Azhar, the world’s leading institution on Sunni Islam, has condemned the burning of copies of the Holy Quran by right-wing extremists in Sweden, calling for the enactment of international legislation to prevent the desecration of religious sanctities.

“The Noble Quran will remain in its lofty place as a guide for humanity. Its sanctity will not be compromised by the grudges of the young, nor the actions of those who stir up sedition and endorse hate,” Al-Azhar said in a statement on Monday.

It added that such acts are a flagrant violation of all international laws that stipulate the need to adhere to respecting the sanctities of peoples, their beliefs, and religions.

The encroachment on religious sanctities is not a matter of freedom of expression but rather a “barbaric apostasy” that disregards human values, fosters violence and hatred, and undermines the security and stability of societies, the statement added.

It also called for the necessity of enacting international laws to prevent the abuse of religious icons and to ensure the necessary guarantees to protect Muslims’ right to practice their religion, the statement added.