The Inernational Union of Muslim Scholars has issued an urgent statement calling on scholars, imams, and the officials of ministries of religious affairs worldwide to dedicate the Friday sermon on July 7, 2023, corresponding to the 19th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1444 in the Islamic calendar, to condemn the recent desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden and to protect the sanctities in Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestine.
The statement, signed by the Union's General Secretary, Dr. Ali Al Qaradaghii, and the President, Dr. Salem Suqaf Al-Jafari, highlighted a recent incident in which an extremist burned a copy of the Holy Quran in front of a mosque in Stockholm, Sweden. The incident, which occurred on the first day of Eid al-Adha and with the protection of Swedish police, was described as an abhorrent and provocative criminal act that goes against values of tolerance and respect for religious sanctities.
The statement further raised concerns over reports of desecration of the Quran and disrespect towards the sanctities in occupied Palestine.
In response to these events, the International Union of Muslim Scholars outlined several calls to action:
1. The dedication of the upcoming Friday sermon to condemn these heinous acts and crimes, expressing firm rejection of any actions targeting religious sanctities and emphasizing the significance of the Holy Quran in the lives of Muslims.
2. The need to educate Muslims on their duties towards their religion and sanctities.
3. Calling on Islamic governments to take practical measures, including diplomatic and economic boycotts against those who engage in such acts.
4. Urging Islamic governments to enact laws that criminalize the disparagement of religions and to collaborate with human rights organizations in raising this issue to the United Nations, to issue an international law against religious aggression, considering its threat to international peace and security.
5. Encouraging Muslim minorities to engage in civilized, peaceful activism, to seek legal avenues, and to cooperate with organizations that align with justice and fairness.
The statement concluded with an appeal to ministries, Islamic institutions, and imams to respond to this call in a spirit of unity and solidarity, to represent Islamic values, and to contribute to preventing the recurrence of such affronts to religious sanctities.