- Ahmed Allus, a Syrian Muslim activist in Sweden, chose not to burn the Torah and the Bible in front of the Israeli Embassy, demonstrating religious tolerance and respect.
- Allus aimed to promote interfaith harmony and respect for sacred books while condemning the burning of the Quran by extremists in Sweden. His decision emphasises the need for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.
In a powerful demonstration of religious tolerance and respect, Ahmed Allus, a Syrian Muslim activist residing in Sweden, who had obtained permission from the Swedish police to burn the Torah and the Bible in front of the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, has decided against carrying out the act. Allus aims to draw attention to the importance of preserving the sanctity of sacred books and promoting harmony among different religious communities. His decision follows recent incidents of the Quran being burned in Sweden, which sparked widespread condemnation worldwide.
Prior to the planned event, Israel condemned Sweden for allowing the burning of the Torah
“The whole world must join together in clearly condemning this repulsive act.”
President Isaac Herzog
Interestingly, the entire world did not unite to “condemn the repulsive act” of burning the holy Qur’an.
“Permitting the defacement of sacred texts is not an exercise in freedom of expression, it is blatant incitement and an act of pure hate,” Herzog said.
Promoting Interfaith Harmony
Ahmet Allus, a Swedish activist of Syrian origin, intended to denounce the provocative act of burning the Quran by some extremists under police protection in Sweden. Recognizing the sacredness of all religious texts, Allus highlighted that as a Muslim, he cannot burn sacred and religious books, including the Torah and the Bible. His intention was to shed light on the crucial distinction between freedom of expression and actions that insult ethnic groups.
Respecting Differences in a Diverse Society:
Allus emphasized the need for mutual respect among individuals from different religious backgrounds, urging society to uphold harmony and understanding. He stated, “We live in the same society. If I burn the Torah, another the Bible, another the Quran, there will be war here. What I wanted to show is that it’s not right to do it.” By demonstrating that respect should prevail over provocation, Allus seeks to promote dialogue, empathy, and peaceful coexistence among all communities.
Condemnation of Quran Burning
The decision of Ahmet Allus not to burn the Torah and the Bible comes in the wake of an extremist act last month, where an individual burned a copy of the Quran under police protection in front of the Stockholm Mosque. The incident garnered widespread condemnation from Muslims around the globe, including various Islamic nations, including Türkiye, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Senegal, Morocco, and Mauritania. This condemnation reflects the global outcry against the desecration of religious texts and highlights the universal desire for religious tolerance and understanding.
The Significance of Ahmet Allus’ Actions
Ahmet Allus’ decision to refrain from burning the Torah and the Bible showcases the power of compassion, respect, and empathy in fostering understanding among diverse communities. By choosing not to engage in acts of provocation, he encourages a society where religious freedom and peaceful coexistence are valued and protected. Allus reminds us of the importance of upholding the fundamental principles of respect, acceptance, and dialogue as we strive for a more harmonious world.
Ahmet’s decision is a powerful statement against religious provocation and stands as a reminder that mutual respect and understanding are vital for peaceful coexistence. Allus’ actions serve as an inspiration for embracing diversity, fostering dialogue, and promoting a society where the sanctity of all religious texts is cherished.
