Iraqi Man Burns Quran in Sweden, Sparking Anger Across Islamic World
The man, identified as Salwan Momika, stomped on the Quran and set several pages alight in front of Stockholm’s largest mosque.
The incident occurred as Muslims around the world began marking the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Sweden’s foreign ministry condemned the Quran burning, saying it “inflamed the feelings of Muslims around the world and represented a dangerous provocation for them.”
Iraq’s foreign ministry also condemned the incident, calling it a “disgraceful act provoking the feelings of Muslims.”
Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, Afghanistan, and Turkey all condemned the Quran burning.
The US State Department also condemned the burning of the Quran, calling it “despicable.”
The Quran burning is the latest in a series of incidents involving the desecration of Islamic holy texts in the West.
In January, a Swedish-Danish right-wing extremist burned a copy of the Quran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, also triggering outrage in the Muslim world.
The burning of the Quran is considered a serious offense in Islam, and such acts have often sparked violence in the past.
It is unclear what motivated Momika to burn the Quran, but his actions have undoubtedly caused great anger and hurt among Muslims around the world.