The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has strongly condemned the recent act of burning the Glorious Qur’an in front of the main Mosque in Stockholm, Sweden, deeming it provocative and blasphemous.

Led by President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Council represents the displeasure of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, joining global leaders and individuals to condemn the act.

In an official statement released on Saturday July 8, 2023, signed by Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General, the NSCIA expressed its concern that this abominable and heinous act exemplifies the growing level of Islamophobia and the audacity of Islamophobes, who exhibit an unbounded hatred for Islam and Muslims.

“The actions and utterances of these Islamophobes demonstrate gross insensitivity and disrespect towards the feelings and sensibilities of nearly two billion Muslims worldwide,” stated the NSCIA.

“The burning of the Holy Qur’an in front of the main Mosque in Stockholm is not an isolated incident. It follows previous attacks on Mosques in Sweden, including the 2015 incident and another in December 2022, where a damaged copy of the Qur’an was left hanging outside the Mosque entrance.”

The NSCIA finds it ironic that such a blasphemous act could occur in a country often praised for its peaceful nature within Europe.

The Council expressed shock at the failure of the supposedly intelligent and civilized Swedish Police to intervene and prevent this offensive and provocative act of burning a Holy Book.

It raised concerns about the insensitivity or possible complicity of the Swedish Police in this matter, as it has the potential to ignite a religious crisis not only in Sweden or Europe but also globally.

The NSCIA emphasized that Sweden and other European countries, which permit or even attempt to justify blasphemy and the desecration of Islamic religious symbols under the guise of freedom of speech, should be aware that Muslims worldwide are keenly observing their hypocrisy and double standards.

“European countries that condone or tacitly support sacrilegious acts against Islamic symbols have failed to uphold justice, fairness, honor, and decorum. They have irreparably damaged their image as civilized and humane nations. The Muslim World sees their claims of democracy, human rights, freedom of religion, and other grand gestures as nothing more than a facade,” asserted the NSCIA.

The NSCIA called upon Swedish authorities to urgently investigate the matter, release a public report, and ensure that justice is not only served but also seen to be served.

It also urged Muslims worldwide to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding in the face of this provocation.

The Council appreciated and commended the proactive and strong response from countries such as Turkey, Morocco, and other Muslim nations.

The NSCIA reiterated that “no Holy Book should be desecrated or disrespected in such a manner, as repeatedly witnessed in Sweden.”

The Council emphasized its firm belief that Sweden would never permit its national flag to be burned in such a dishonorable manner, let alone the burning of the Bible.

“The NSCIA stands firmly against the blasphemous act of burning the Qur’an and emphasizes the need for respect, tolerance, and justice in matters of religion and religious symbols,” it concluded.