The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) urged its member states to take appropriate measures regarding the "actions they deem suitable in their relations with countries where the Quran is being desecrated," as stated in the final communiqué of the organization’s foreign ministers' meeting held on Monday.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized that Saudi Arabia believes in the importance of establishing values of dialogue, tolerance, and respect among peoples, religions, and cultures. He underscored that freedom of expression should be an ethical value that fosters respect and coexistence, rather than a tool for spreading hatred and conflict among cultures and peoples.
This statement was made during his participation, via videoconference, in the extraordinary meeting of the OIC foreign ministers to discuss repeated assaults on the sanctity of copies of the Holy Quran in several Western countries, a meeting called for by Saudi Arabia, the current Islamic summit chair of the OIC, and the Republic of Iraq.
At the beginning of his speech, the foreign minister expressed his sincere condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and to the families of the martyrs of the terrorist bombing that took place in Bajaur, which resulted in the deaths of over 44 martyrs and left over 130 injured, asking God to grant mercy to the martyrs and swift recovery to the injured.
He thanked all participants for responding to the call from Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq, highly appreciating the active attendance at this extraordinary meeting to address the repeated attacks on the sanctity of copies of the Holy Quran, particularly in the Kingdom of Sweden and the Kingdom of Denmark. He expressed hope that this extraordinary meeting would yield fruitful outcomes to halt these provocative actions, in accordance with international laws and regulations in this regard.
He reaffirmed that the Saudi government believes in the importance of reinforcing values of dialogue, tolerance, and respect among peoples, religions, and cultures, and it rejects everything that could spread hatred and extremism. In this context, the government of the Kingdom strongly condemned the repeated assaults on the sanctity of the Holy Quran, asserting that such provocative actions cannot be accepted under any justification, as they violate international references and charters calling for harmony, peace, and rapprochement. These actions directly contradict international efforts aimed at promoting values of tolerance, moderation, and rejecting extremism, undermining the principles of mutual respect essential for relations among peoples and nations.
He noted that efforts by member states had resulted in the adoption of UN Human Rights Council Resolution 1/53 on combating religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility, or violence, adopted on July 12, 2023.
The foreign minister drew attention to what is enshrined in the OIC Charter, especially paragraph "12" of the Charter's objectives, which emphasizes the protection and defense of Islam's true image and countering its distortion, as well as promoting dialogue among civilizations and religions. He mentioned paragraph "17," which stresses the importance of a unified position on common interests and defending it in international forums, serving as a framework for member states to confront these assaults.
In conclusion, he stressed the importance of making freedom of expression an ethical value that fosters respect and coexistence among peoples, rather than a tool for spreading hatred and conflict. He indicated the necessity of promoting values of tolerance and moderation and rejecting all forms of practices that generate hatred, violence, and extremism, affirming that a global culture of tolerance and peace can only be established through international efforts to enhance principles of respect and acceptance of religions and to promote this culture across all societies.
Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned in a new statement incidents of burning and disrespect of copies of the Quran, strongly denouncing crimes targeting Muslims and their religious symbols, including the Quran.
Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Hamdi Sand Loussa, speaking on behalf of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during the 18th extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held virtually on Monday, expressed Egypt's strong condemnation of crimes targeting Muslims and their religious symbols, including the Quran.
Cairo called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to "mobilize efforts and take practical steps to combat the spread of Islamophobia which threatens the peace and security of societies."
Hamdi Sand Loussa emphasized the "importance of confronting such crimes and violations, preventing their recurrence, and holding perpetrators accountable." He stressed the "necessity for the international community to take responsibility for enhancing a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity in all its forms."
