Joint reaction from Muslim religious leaders of 70 countries against Sweden and Netherlands

“World’s Muslim Religious Leaders Meeting,” which as held online by the Presidency of Religious Affairs with the participation of 130 participants from 70 countries after the attacks on the Holy Quran in Sweden and Netherlands, was concluded with the reading of final declaration.

Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş declared the 7-point final declaration of the meeting, which consultations were made, and various decisions were taken on what can be done in the face of the attacks on the Holy Qur'an in Sweden and the Netherlands.

In the final declaration shared with the public by President Erbaş, the following articles were included:

1. The heinous attacks on our exalted Book, the Holy Qur'an, in the Netherlands on January 21, 2023, and in Sweden on the day before is a crime against humanity, faith, law and universal values. We fiercely reject and condemn this heinous attitude. Allowing this inhumane act and even carrying it out in police custody is shamefully irresponsible. The existence of a mindset so disrespectful and reckless as to attack a religion's holy book is a clear indication of how they moved away from values such as human rights and the rule of law. In a place where attacks on beliefs and worship places have become commonplace, it is clear that the discourse of freedom and the claim to democracy are nothing but hypocrisy and double standards.

2. The contradictions and traumas that some European countries have recently experienced in the field of fundamental human rights and freedoms are worrying. Because the existence of several media organs, individuals, and organizations that continuously target Muslims with their words and actions and try to cast aspersions on the bright face of Islam comes to the fore, and racist attacks and attacks targeting Muslims' beliefs, the sacred and worship places are increasing day by day. All this is observed with consternation and concern by Muslims.

3. We once again declare that Islam is a religion of peace and mercy that ensures freedom of life, property, mind, generation, and religion for all people. The Holy Qur'an is a holy book that teaches peace and tranquillity in the world, justice, and the inviolability of fundamental rights and freedoms with the principles it brings. Therefore, Muslims see it as a responsibility of their beliefs to defend the right of everyone in the world to live a dignified, free, and humane life and to give an effort for this purpose. Being hostile to such a belief is undoubtedly an assassination of the common and bright future of humanity. Since the Holy Quran is the book of all people. I repeat, the Holy Quran is a book sent to all humanity. I invite all people, regardless of their faith or religion, to read, understand and benefit from the Holy Quran.

4. Hostile attitudes towards Islam and Muslims are a serious human rights problem with dirty interests and racism behind them. The fact that the authorities remain insensitive instead of solving this problem, use it as political material and prefer to support hostile attitudes is a complete eclipse of reason. Because this ugly and hypocritical policy will adversely affect the peace and tranquillity of the region in which it is located and will overshadow the possibility of living together.

5. The existence of members of different beliefs and ideas reacting to the disrespect of the Quran is admirable. Likewise, all intellectuals, academicians, activists, non-governmental organizations, members of the media and people with good sense who believe in law and human rights, who care about respect for faith and social peace in Europe should react and take initiative against these clear attacks on the sacred, rights violations and Islamophobic industry. It is a humanity duty for all members of religions and beliefs who value people and beliefs to react in the same way. Otherwise, the individuals, groups and institutions in question will lose their credibility in the eyes of Muslims and all the peoples of the world.

6. If it is late in the fight against this problematic mentality that disregards human values and moral virtues and does not give up hostility towards Islam and Muslims, it is seen that the heinous and vicious attacks will continue increasingly. For this reason, all Muslims in the world will act together against the attacks on Islam and its sacred values and will give the best response. In addition, efforts for the most accurate recognition of Islam will be further strengthened.

7. Muslims will continue to convey and represent Islam's understanding of truth and justice, its principles of love and peace, the messages of peace and harmony of the Holy Quran, of our Prophet Muhammad's (saw) example transcending the ages and his superior moral qualities and they will continue to work selflessly, devotedly and cooperatively to present these values to humanity. In the face of certain systematic provocations and attacks, they will never resort to unlawful means and will continue to defend their rights, beliefs and universal values with prudence and discernment. We believe that mercy, conscience, and law will prevail, and goodness and peace will be victorious.

Respectfully announced to the world public.