The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, has condemned in the strongest terms the act of an extremist tearing up a copy of the Holy Quran inside a church in New York City, USA.
**Rejection of Offense Against Sanctities**
The Council affirmed its categorical rejection of this crime, describing it as an act of racism and intolerance that contradicts the teachings of religions, divine laws, international charters, norms, and human values. It stated that such an act provokes the sentiments of nearly two billion Muslims worldwide and undermines efforts to spread values of dialogue, peace, and coexistence.
**Warning Against Islamophobia**
The Council warned against the rising phenomenon of Islamophobia and the growth of extremist, hateful, and inflammatory rhetoric. It emphasized that the recurrence of such practices necessitates a serious and firm stance to confront all forms of religious intolerance and hatred.
It further stressed that freedom of expression cannot serve as a justification for insulting religions or violating the sanctity of their holy texts and symbols, noting that respect for religious beliefs and symbols is a fundamental pillar for fostering social peace and upholding human dignity.
