Sweden Allows Qur’an Burning Outside Mosque on Eid Al-Adha

• A Swedish court has granted permission for a ‘Qur’an-burning’ protest outside the main mosque in Stockholm on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. 
• An Iraqi migrant named Salwan Momika said in his application that he wanted to burn the Qur’an on the first day of Eid.

In a surprising move, Swedish authorities have given the green light for a Qur’an-burning demonstration to be held outside the central mosque in Stockholm during the celebration of Eid al-Adha. The permit holder, Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Iraqi migrant seeking to ban the Qur’an, managed to overturn previous denials through court appeals. In the protest, Salwan is seen holding the Swedish Flag in his hands as he proceeds to desecrate the holy book.

According to a recent 2023 Gallup poll, Sweden has the highest population of atheists. Their supposed ethos of equality and individualism are what Swedes pride themselves on. “Lagom”, which means “not too much, not too little…just right” is a word often used and heard in Sweden.

This decision has therefore sparked widespread condemnation and accusations of hypocrisy have been made against Sweden. Critics argue that while the country permits the burning of the Qur’an, it has prevented similar acts involving the Torah from burning outside the Israeli Embassy. This disparity has raised questions about the fairness of Sweden’s approach to ‘freedom of speech.’

Critics argue that allowing the burning of the Holy Book on Eid-al-Adha, a very remarkable day for Muslims, contradicts Sweden’s purported message of wishing Muslims, Eid Mubarak. The controversial decision has reignited discussions about the balance between free speech and respect for religious sentiments, leaving many questioning the values and responsibilities of Swedish authorities.

The court’s ruling, which emphasizes the protection of freedom of speech, has ignited a fierce debate on the boundaries of expression and the importance of religious tolerance. While Swedish police had previously rejected multiple requests for anti-Qur’an demonstrations, the court has now overruled those decisions, citing the preservation of free speech rights. However, it is being questioned if this is freedom of speech or freedom of hatred towards Muslims in the country. 

Earlier incidents involving the burning of the Holy Qur’an outside the Turkish embassy had strained relations between Sweden and Turkey. The Turkish government responded by canceling a visit from Sweden’s defense minister and expressing doubts about Sweden’s reliability as an ally. Tensions between Sweden and Turkey escalated following the Quran desecration incident in late January. Rasmus Paludan, the head of the Hard Line, a Danish far-right political party, set fire to a copy of the Holy Quran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, resulting in Turkey’s decision to halt negotiations with Sweden concerning its NATO application.

In response to the court’s decision, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson deemed the Qur’an burning legal but inappropriate. He stressed that the police are responsible for making decisions regarding such events. Kristersson urged a focus on Sweden’s long-term interests, without speculating on the impact this approval might have on Sweden’s NATO application.

Sweden’s approval of the Qur’an-burning protest by Salwan Momika outside a mosque on Eid al-Adha has generated an image of its double standards. The decision raises important questions about the limits of freedom of speech and the need for religious tolerance. As the event unfolds, the impact on Sweden’s international relations and its commitment to upholding fundamental rights will continue to be closely scrutinized.