Quran Burning: An Abuse of Free Speech And Ways to Address It
An extremist set fire to a copy of the Muslim holy book in front of the Stockholm Mosque on Wednesday under the protection of the police.
The extremist's disrespectful act was planned to coincide with Eid al Adha, one of the major Islamic religious festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide.
Swedish police had given him a permit in line with free-speech protections, but authorities later said they had launched an investigation over "agitation."
The act of desecration sparked widespread outrage from the Islamic world, including Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine, Morocco, Iraq, Pakistan, Senegal, Morocco, and Mauritania.
Hate speech vs. free speech
When someone burns the Quran, they are not just destroying a book. They are sending a clear and deliberate message of violence and hatred towards Muslims. They are expressing their bigotry and prejudice against a religion that they do not understand or respect. They are engaging in a provocative and inflammatory act that is designed to antagonize and harass a religious community.
To claim that such an act is protected by free expression is a hypocritical and dishonest excuse for anti-Muslim views. It is ironic and unfair that those who burn the Quran enjoy the freedom to do so while Muslims around the world face increasing restrictions and challenges to their freedom of expression. It is a double standard that undermines the value and meaning of free expression for everyone.
If such hateful acts are not condemned and challenged, they will create a climate of fear and hostility for Muslims. They will make Islamophobia more acceptable and widespread in society and will endanger the lives and rights of Muslims who already face discrimination and violence.
Burning of the Quran is not an exercise of free speech; it is an abuse of it. It is hate speech that harms Muslims and threatens social harmony amid a growing air of Islamophobia across the globe.
Islamophobia is a serious threat to the dignity, rights and security of millions of Muslims around the world. It manifests itself in various forms, such as discrimination, harassment, vandalism, hate speech and violence. It also undermines the values of tolerance, diversity and coexistence that are essential for peace and harmony in our global society.
Need to remain calm but serious
As a Muslim, it's natural to feel hurt and angry when hearing about the desecration of the Quran. However, it's important to remember that this is often the intention of those who commit these acts - to provoke Muslims and portray them as fanatical.
Muslims must resist this narrative by remaining calm and rational. Responding with violence or aggression only plays into their hands and reinforces their negative stereotypes about Muslims.
Instead, the believers can channel their anger into productive actions, such as educating others about the true values of Islam and working towards positive change in the communities.
At the same time, the Muslim communities need to stand strong in demanding that some governments that permit such desecrations to happen in the first place take responsibility for the insults to the feelings of 2 billion Muslims. Governments should not be allowed to hide behind the pretext of free speech or ignore the consequences of their actions.
After all, let us also seek comfort and guidance in our faith, knowing that Allah is the ultimate judge and will hold those who commit such acts accountable.
In the face of desecration, let us show the world the true strength and beauty of Islam - a religion of peace, compassion, and justice.
By Mohammad Ali Haqshenas
