In a shocking incident in Sweden and Denmark, two men recently committed an act of sacrilege by burning a sacred book, the Quran. This reprehensible act has not only caused immense pain to followers of Islam but has also ignited widespread condemnation from people of all faiths worldwide.
This article aims to shed light on why such actions are universally regarded as unethical and disrespectful, transcending religious boundaries and teachings.
Religious texts hold immense significance for believers, acting as moral and spiritual guides, shaping the very core of their faith and beliefs. In Islam, the Quran is considered the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.
For Muslims, it serves as the ultimate source of guidance, wisdom and inspiration, providing instructions on how to live a righteous life and attain spiritual salvation.
The act of burning sacred books is unequivocally condemned by all major religions, not limited to Islam. Regardless of faith, religious texts are treated with utmost reverence and are considered inviolable. The principles underlying this prohibition can be understood from various perspectives.
There is respect for diversity. The world is rich with diverse cultures, traditions, and religions. An essential aspect of mutual coexistence is respect for one another's beliefs and practices. Burning a sacred book is an outright demonstration of disrespect towards an entire religious community and undermines the foundations of peaceful coexistence.
There is also freedom of religion, which is a fundamental human right, enshrined in international law. Everyone has the right to practice their faith without fear of persecution or discrimination. Burning a sacred book not only infringes upon this right but also incites hatred and hostility, violating the principles of tolerance and pluralism.
Then there is symbolic significance. Sacred books carry deep symbolic meaning for their respective communities. Burning them represents an attempt to obliterate the core values and teachings that have shaped the lives of believers for generations. Such an act perpetuates a cycle of division and animosity, hindering the potential for interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Nonviolent resolution: Virtually all religious teachings emphasise the value of peace, compassion and nonviolence. Acts of desecration, like book burning, fuel animosity and can incite violence, leading to dire consequences for societal harmony.
Beyond the religious context, book burning is inherently unethical, as it infringes upon various principles that form the backbone of a just and compassionate society:
Violation of freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is considered a cornerstone of democracy, but it comes with the responsibility to respect the beliefs and sensitivities of others. Burning a sacred book constitutes an abuse of this freedom, stifling open discourse and promoting intolerance.
Intolerance and hatred: Unjust acts, like book burning, perpetuate intolerance, prejudice, and hatred within communities. Such actions drive a wedge between different groups, nurturing an atmosphere of hostility and divisiveness.
Insolence to history and knowledge: Sacred books are not just religious artefacts; they are historical and cultural treasures that hold valuable knowledge about the beliefs, traditions, and values of societies. Destroying them is such an irreverence to a significant part of human history and inhibits the possibility of learning from past experiences.
Psychological impact: The desecration of sacred books deeply wounds the emotions and psyche of believers. It instills feelings of grief, anger, and fear within the affected community, causing lasting emotional distress.
The desecration of sacred books, such as the Quran, in Sweden and Denmark, were a tragic event that warrants unequivocal condemnation from all individuals, irrespective of their faith. Such actions not only violate the core principles of religious coexistence but also undermine the very foundations of an ethical society.
We must stand united against all forms of religious intolerance, promoting empathy, understanding and respect for the beliefs of others. Embracing diversity and cultivating a culture of tolerance and compassion will help foster a world where such acts of hatred and bigotry have no place.
Iranian Ambassador to Kenya
