The General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide on Monday welcomed the Danish Parliament’s decision to prohibit insulting the Holy Quran, by tearing, desecrating, or in any other way that would strip the sanctity of the Quran and all other holy books.
The General Secretariat said that the decision would contribute to strengthening the spirit of tolerance and cooperation among all societies, and rejects hate speech, violence, exclusion and discrimination.
The head of the General Secretariat and the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawqi Allam, said he appreciates this decision, and calls – as a matter of urgency – for similar parliaments and various legislative bodies globally and in the west specifically to take this step, enacting laws and legislation that criminalize this unacceptable behavior towards religion.
The General Secretariat stressed the importance of distinguishing between freedom of opinion guaranteed to all and the infringement on sanctities and religious symbols, which would spread hatred, conflict, and threaten social peace.
The Danish Parliament issued a decision criminalizing the burning of the Quran and inappropriate treatment of religious texts, following protests and outrage in Muslim nations.
