In light of the recent incidents of Qur’an desecration, Prince Faisal emphasized the need to promote tolerance…reports Asian Lite News
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has issued a call for unity among Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) states to take decisive actions in addressing the recurring incidents of Qur’an desecration in Sweden and Denmark. Speaking at an extraordinary OIC meeting on Monday, Prince Faisal highlighted the urgency of confronting protests that have targeted the holy Qur’an, the sacred book of Islam.
During the meeting, the minister emphasized the OIC’s vital role in defending the values of tolerance, peace, and promoting the true essence of Islam while vehemently rejecting all forms of intolerance and extremism.
Prince Faisal drew attention to the collective efforts by OIC member states that led to the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations Human Rights Council on July 12. The resolution strongly condemned any form of religious hatred, including the public and pre-meditated desecration of the holy Qur’an.
Speaking on the principle of freedom of expression, the foreign minister asserted that it should not be utilized as a tool to spread hatred or incite conflicts between different cultures and religions. Instead, he urged for its responsible use, fostering an environment of respect, coexistence, and empathy among individuals and societies.
In light of the recent incidents of Qur’an desecration, Prince Faisal emphasized the need to promote tolerance, moderation, and reject any actions that fuel hatred, violence, and extremism. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia firmly renewed its condemnation of these provocative acts, stating that they can never be justified under any circumstances.
Furthermore, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha urged Sweden and Denmark to take immediate measures to prevent any future desecration of the Qur’an. He expressed his disappointment at the lack of action taken by the concerned authorities in both countries so far. Taha asserted that the continuous issuance of permits for such acts, under the guise of freedom of expression, disregards international law and fosters disrespect for religious beliefs.
