Protect Holy Quran: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) emphasizes the crucial role of international law in putting an end to religious hatred. In a statement issued after an emergency meeting held in Jeddah, the OIC Chief highlighted the importance of consistently reminding the global community about the significance of this matter. The OIC’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and countering all forms of religious intolerance is reflected in their call for the implementation of international legal frameworks to address and prevent acts of hatred based on religion. By advocating for the application of international law, the OIC aims to foster a world where mutual respect and understanding prevail, ensuring the protection of religious freedoms for all.
OIC Calls for Collective Measures to Protect Holy Quran
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemns the act of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden and emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to prevent the recurrence of Islamophobic incidents in the future. The OIC calls upon the international community to take decisive measures to combat all forms of religious intolerance, discrimination, and hatred. By standing together in solidarity, the OIC aims to create a world where respect for religious beliefs and values is upheld, fostering an environment of tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect. The OIC’s unwavering commitment to addressing Islamophobia underscores its dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Muslims worldwide.
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The OIC, representing a coalition of 57 Muslim nations, released the statement following an extraordinary meeting convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, specifically arranged to address the incident that occurred on Wednesday. The meeting served as a platform for member countries to come together and engage in discussions concerning the matter at hand. By issuing this statement, the OIC underscores its commitment to standing united against acts that undermine the protect Holy Quran and reaffirms its dedication to taking collective measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of such Islamophobic incidents in the future.
After the holy book was burned at a protest in Sweden, the Islamic body declared that steps must be taken to avoid acts of desecration of the holy book and that international law must be used to end religious enmity.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha emphasized the imperative of continuously reminding the international community about the pressing need to adhere to international law, which unequivocally forbids the propagation of religious hatred. It is crucial to underscore that religious harmony and respect for diverse beliefs are fundamental principles that must be upheld and protected. By reiterating the significance of international legal frameworks, the OIC aims to foster a global environment where tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect prevail, ensuring the preservation of religious freedoms and the prevention of acts that fuel religious animosity.
On the inaugural day of the sacred Muslim festivities of Eid ul Adha, an unsettling incident unfolded outside Stockholm’s central mosque as a man chose to ignite a duplicate of the revered holy book. The act of burning, shrouded in controversy and significance, cast a somber shadow upon the celebratory atmosphere.
The audacious act stirred deep resentment within Turkey, a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The ramifications of this incident are particularly concerning for Sweden, as it seeks Turkey’s support in its pursuit of NATO membership. The delicate balance of alliances hangs in the balance, further complicating the aftermath of this regrettable occurrence.
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Despite the Swedish police granting permission for a protest to unfold, the situation took a drastic turn when the man responsible for the burning faced charges of agitation against an ethnic or national group. The authorized gathering, which initially seemed like a platform for peaceful expression, escalated into a legal confrontation following the distressing act.
The occurrence has sparked widespread protests in Baghdad, right at the doorstep of the Swedish Embassy. The public outcry against this incident has reached significant proportions, reflecting the intensity of emotions it has stirred. Furthermore, the United States has openly condemned the act, further amplifying the global response to this distressing event.
In late January, Turkey decided to suspend its talks with Sweden regarding the latter’s NATO application. This decision came in the wake of a Danish far-right politician’s action, where he burned a copy of the Koran in close proximity to the Turkish embassy situated in Stockholm. The incident had significant diplomatic repercussions, straining the relationship between Turkey and Sweden and impeding the progress of their negotiations.
‘Despicable act’ to Protect Holy Quran
Earlier this week, Pakistan expressed its vehement condemnation of the “despicable act” involving the public burning of a copy of the Holy Quran. The Pakistani government, alongside its people, denounced the incident with strong words, highlighting the deep offense caused by such an act of disrespect towards their sacred religious text.
The Foreign Office issued a statement strongly condemning the abhorrent incident, emphasizing that willful incitement to discrimination, hatred, and violence cannot be justified under the guise of freedom of expression and protest. The statement unequivocally conveyed Pakistan’s firm stance against such actions, denouncing them as unacceptable and devoid of any justification.
In their statement, the Foreign Office reaffirmed that international law imposes obligations on all nations to prevent and prohibit any form of advocacy promoting “religious hatred” that ultimately fuels the incitement of violence. The declaration underscored the global consensus on the imperative to counteract and restrain such actions, emphasizing the shared responsibility to uphold peace, harmony, and respect among diverse communities.
The recent string of Islamophobic incidents in the Western world over the past few months raises profound concerns regarding the existing legal framework that allows for such hate-fueled acts to persist. The repeated occurrences have ignited a critical discourse questioning the efficacy and adequacy of the legal mechanisms in place, prompting a pressing need for reevaluation and reinforcement to combat the rise of Islamophobia and safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals.
The Foreign Office, representing Pakistan, reiterated that while the right to freedom of expression and opinion is fundamental, it does not grant permission to fuel hatred and disrupt inter-faith harmony. Emphasizing the importance of responsible expression, the statement underscored the need for individuals to exercise their rights in a manner that respects diversity, promotes understanding, and fosters peaceful coexistence among different faiths and beliefs.
The Foreign Office stated that it was actively raising concerns regarding the issue with the Swedish government. The statement highlighted the importance of addressing the matter and engaging in constructive dialogue to address the repercussions and work towards preventing such incidents in the future.
Furthermore, the Foreign Office called upon the international community and national governments to take decisive action by implementing credible and substantial measures to combat the escalating instances of xenophobia, Islamophobia, and anti-Muslim hatred. The statement stressed the urgent need for collective efforts to foster inclusivity, tolerance, and respect, aiming to create a safer and more harmonious world for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.