Al-Azhar strongly condemned the tearing of a copy of the Holy Quran by an American right-wing extremist inside a church in New York City, describing the incident as an act of extremism and a deliberate provocation of Muslims in the United States and around the world.
Al-Azhar stressed that such an act cannot be justified under the banner of freedom of expression, emphasizing that freedom does not include insulting other people's religious beliefs, sacred symbols or places of worship.
Al-Azhar Rejects Insults to Religious Sanctities
Al-Azhar said that tearing the Quran goes beyond the legitimate expression of an opinion and represents a deliberate act of provocation and an attack on the religious sentiments of millions of Muslims.
The institution emphasized that religious sanctities should be treated with mutual respect and that freedom of expression should not be used as a justification for hatred, provocation or deliberate attacks against religious communities.
It also reaffirmed the central place of the Quran as a source of guidance and values for Muslims, stressing that such acts cannot diminish its sanctity or significance.
Warning Over Rising Islamophobia and Extremism
Al-Azhar warned that the incident reflects what it described as the growing spread of Islamophobia and hostility toward Muslims, alongside white nationalist rhetoric and notions of white racial supremacy promoted by some far-right movements.
The institution cautioned that hate speech can develop into incitement to violence, threatening social stability and deepening divisions within communities.
It further stressed that extremism and terrorism should not be associated with any particular religion or race, calling for all forms of extremism to be condemned without selectivity or double standards.
Call for an Urgent Investigation
Al-Azhar also condemned the use of places of worship as settings for acts that may encourage hatred or insult religious sanctities.
It stressed that houses of worship should remain places of peace, prayer, coexistence and acceptance of others rather than venues for provocation or incitement.
The institution called for an urgent investigation and accountability for the person responsible, as well as anyone proven to have participated in, encouraged or facilitated the incident, with the law applied without leniency.
Respect for Religious Sanctities Is a Shared Responsibility
Al-Azhar emphasized that tolerance toward hate crimes can encourage similar incidents to be repeated, stressing that protecting religious communities from incitement and hatred is a shared responsibility.
The statement also highlighted the importance of promoting coexistence, respecting religious diversity and preventing public freedoms from being exploited as a cover for insulting religious beliefs or fueling hostility toward their followers.
What was Al-Azhar's response to the Quran incident in New York?
Al-Azhar strongly condemned the incident and described it as extremism and a deliberate provocation of Muslims.
Does Al-Azhar consider the act freedom of expression?
No. It stressed that freedom of expression does not justify insulting religious sanctities or the beliefs and symbols of others.
What did Al-Azhar say about Islamophobia?
It warned about the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric associated with some far-right movements.
What action did Al-Azhar call for?
It called for an urgent investigation and legal accountability for those responsible or involved in the incident.
What broader message did Al-Azhar emphasize?
It stressed that respecting religious sanctities and protecting communities from hatred and incitement are shared responsibilities.
