A Syrian Muslim obtained permits to burn Torahs and Bibles outside the Israeli embassy in Sweden. In a surprising turn of events, he decided not to burn the book.
Table of Contents
Instead, he wanted to draw attention to recent incidents of burning the Qur’an in the country. He held only a Qur’an in his hands as he stood outside the embassy.
The Message of Unity and Respect
His intention was not to burn sacred books, but to denounce those who burn the Qur’an, according to the 32-year-old.
The author criticized those responsible for burning copies of the Quran in Sweden in recent months, an act that is not prohibited by Swedish law. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of living harmoniously in the same society and respecting one another.
“This is a response to the people who burn the Qur’an. I want to show that freedom of expression has limits that must be taken into account,”
explained Ahmed A, Swedish resident of Syrian origin.
Response to Recent Incidents
Swedish-Danish right-wing extremists burned a Qur’an in January to oppose Sweden’s NATO membership application and negotiations with Turkey. Furthermore, during the Eid Al-Adha festival on June 28, an Iraqi refugee burned pages of the Qur’an in front of Stockholm’s largest mosque, leading to widespread condemnation.
Ahmad A., a Syrian-origin Swedish resident, emphasized his aim to highlight that freedom of expression has limits that must be considered.
His choice not to burn the Torah and Bible was a symbolic act intended to promote respect and understanding among various religious communities. Ahmad A. stressed the potential implications of such provocative behaviors, warning that they could lead to societal strife and disharmony.
