Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Qur’an burning incident
The recent desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden has sent shockwaves across the globe, sparking outrage and condemnation from people of all Muslim countries. This abhorrent act not only undermines the principles of religious tolerance and respect but also threatens the fragile fabric of harmonious coexistence that binds our diverse societies together. The Muslim community must unite to unequivocally denounce such acts of sacrilege and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values of religious freedom and mutual understanding.
The desecration of Islamic religious scripture is an assault on the beliefs and values held dear by millions of Muslims around the world. In this case, the desecration of the Holy Quran is an affront not only to the Muslim community but also to the principles of religious tolerance and freedom of expression that we strive to uphold. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, it is imperative to recognise that the act of desecrating a sacred text serves no purpose other than to incite hatred, division and further escalate religious tension.
The vile act of desecrating the Holy Quran in Sweden has been met with swift and resolute condemnation from leaders, religious figures and organisations worldwide. In reporting such incidents, media outlets play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and fostering an atmosphere of tolerance. It is essential for the media to approach this issue with sensitivity, avoiding sensationalism and ensuring responsible reporting. The dissemination of accurate information, combined with nuanced analysis, can help counter the divisive narratives that fuel bigotry and intolerance.
The desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden is an attack on the core principles that underpin our Muslim society. It reminds us of the urgent need to safeguard religious freedom, promote interfaith dialogue and confront intolerance wherever it exists. As a Muslim community, we must stand united in our condemnation of such acts and reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding, respect and harmony among diverse faiths. Let this condemnable incident be a catalyst for positive change, spurring us to work together to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.
RABIA BASRI
Via email
Religious intolerance
It is seriously a worrying factor that the West is constantly violating Islamic norms. From imposing a ban on wearing of Hijab to drawing caricatures of the Last Prophet (PBUH) by France, all this signifies a myopic approach by western society against Islam. Recently, a man in Sweden desecrated the Holy Quran and burnt it, thereby afflicting the entire Muslim Ummah across the globe.
Subsequent to the heinous act of intolerance, all the Muslim community worldwide condemned this shabby practice. President Arif Alvi too censured the perpetrator on a tweet, terming it an act of sheer criticism. OIC, on the other hand, has also called for a joint meeting next week among its 57-member states to raise the issue in the international arena. The European Union and Swedish government have too denounced the practice, citing it as an action bypassing religious boundaries.
It is worth noting why these issues of religious intolerance emerge on the surface? The answer is a growing concern of Islamophobia. Ironically, Islam which exhorts its followers to live in and maintain peace is largely being misperceived by some elements. Due to inhumane terrorist malpractices of some Muslims, the entire religion is being blamed.
No doubt, terrorism is an ignoble practice that must be eradicated with an iron hand, but rather than holding some non-state actors responsible for their wrongdoings, propagating Islamophobia is an insane approach. Therefore, the true injunctions of Islam must be put forth to let the world know how our religion teaches to live in peace, tranquillity and fraternity.
For how long, we will be witnessing violation of Islamic principles by western people? Why have OIC and other potent Muslim leaders who claim to be saviours of Islam have failed to prevent nefarious practices of religious ethnicity embedded in European countries? Why are the Muslim brethren so silent on victimization of Rohingyas, Kashmiri Muslims and Palestinians? These Muslim brothers of ours are eagerly awaiting our utmost support to redress their grievances.
Henceforth, it is an onerous responsibility on all of us to extend our extensive support to them as much as possible. Also, our Muslim patrons must make sure that desecration of the Holy Quran, caricature of the Last Prophet (PBUH) and certain anti-Muslim laws must not take place in future.
AAMIR ALI
Shikarpur
Manipur violence
It is very shocking that the Manipur State is facing day by day violence and the people, losing their loved ones. There needs to be reason and debate in a civilised manner to stop the violence that has been taking place since May 2023.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Box letter
Recalcitrating Google
Google says it will not stop broadcasting insults to the Holy Qur’an, considering that the clip is an intellectual freedom. Therefore, Muslim scholars decided to suggest stopping the use of Google and YouTube for two days only in all Islamic countries as a warning to the company and to make it understand that the nation of a billion and a half will not accept insulting the Holy Qur’an. Google financial loss estimated at $ 210 million.Author’s note: Google YouTube has understood intellectual freedom now because blasphemy Law was initiated in Europe and Britain during 18th & 19th century to save and respect Christianity. What a travesty of history!
ALI ASHRAF KHAN
Karachi
