• In a mosque in the village of Chegem II in Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia, a person burned several copies of the Quran.
• Such an act took place two days after Putin said, “Qur’an burning is a crime in Russia.”
Quran Burning in Russia’s Mosque
Following the distressing incident of the Quran burning in Sweden, another incident in Russia has added to the growing tensions and sparked outrage. Kabardino-Balkaria, a resident attempted to burn several copies of the Quran within a mosque. He said that he was driven by voices in his head. The incident took place in the village of Chegem II, where the individual gathered Quran copies, poured Gasoline upon them, and set them on fire. Fortunately, swift action from those near the mosque prevented the flames from spreading further.
These acts of desecration from both Sweden and Russia have drawn strong reactions from Muslim nations and prompted calls for justice and respect for religious beliefs.
Similar Incidents in Russia’s Past
Two months ago, a similar incident occurred in Volgograd, adding to the concerns surrounding Quran burning. In this case, a 19-year-old Ukrainian citizen who had relocated to Russia allegedly set fire to the Quran following instructions from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), allegedly in exchange for a sum of 10,000 rubles. According to the law regarding insulting the religious sentiments of believers, the suspect could face imprisonment for a period of up to three years. However, it remains uncertain whether a criminal case will be initiated regarding his alleged cooperation with Ukraine.
Furthermore, in Moscow, a criminal case was opened after the circulation of a video showing the burning of the Quran near the White Lake, situated in the Kosino-Ukhtomsky district of the capital.
Putin Calls Sacred Book Burning a Crime
Following Eid, Russian President Vladimir Putin indirectly criticized Sweden, a country aspiring to join NATO, following an incident where a person burned a Quran in front of a mosque in Stockholm. He emphasized that such actions are regarded as crimes in Russia, firmly stating that disrespecting any religion will not be tolerated. He said, “It is sacred for Muslims, it must be and it is sacred for other confessions” as he held the Quran gifted to him by the Juma Mosque.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation Urges Global Action to Prevent Quran Desecration
In response to the recent act of Quran burningin Sweden, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprising 57 member states with Muslim-majority populations, has called for collective measures to prevent such desecration. “We must send constant reminders to the international community regarding the urgent application of international law, which prohibits any advocacy of religious hatred,” OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said.
The incident has triggered large protests in Baghdad in front of the Swedish Embassy.
Woman holding a copy of the Quran during a protest against the Swedish man who burnt the book on Eid
The Power of the Quran: Acts of Ignorance Fail to Diminish its Influence
Despite the misguided motives of oppressors and the ignorant, attempts to desecrate the Quran only serve to draw people closer to its profound teachings. Engaging in acts such as burning the Holy Book may be driven by malevolence, but it fails to bring any advantages. It often sparks curiosity and prompts individuals to delve deeper into the religion, leading them to develop a deep admiration for Islam.
Countless stories of individuals, including many Americans and Europeans, who initially held negative impressions of Islam, have been transformed by their exploration of its teachings. This growing trend is not limited to ordinary people; even celebrities, often engrossed in materialistic pursuits, are increasingly converting to Islam.
The Quran’s existence and influence are not threatened by these acts of burning. As Allah s.w.t. stated in the Quran itself:
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, we will be its guardian” (15:9)
The sheer number of people worldwide who immerse themselves in the Quran daily far outweighs the misguided attempts to undermine its significance. Its message transcends such acts of ignorance, serving as a beacon of guidance for those who sincerely seek the truth.
