Many were injured and continue to be injured as violent riots break out across Sweden following “Quran-burning” demonstrations.

The police were criticized for issuing a permit to notorious Danish-Swedish politician and racist, Stram Kurs Paludan, who led the protests. Authorities claimed that it was Paludan’s right to express his opinions, which is not illegal in Sweden. Although, as Sweden is known for abolishing censorship and allows freedom of speech, child pornography, hate speech and libel are still prohibited under Swedish law. Therefore, Muslims across Sweden are petitioning for Paludan’s act of burning the quran to be considered a “hate crime.”

Paludan is part of a far-right group and has been burning qurans during racist demonstrations in Sweden, since 2020. Paludan has a history of racist offences that have earned him jail-time in Denmark, in the past. He plans on running for government, but is still short on the votes necessary to become a candidate in the elections.

His “Quran-burning” protests have taken place in the past week, during Easter holidays, Passover and Ramadan, across the Swedish cities of Malmö, Norrköping and Linköping. The outrage against all police has even reached Stockholm. As the violence continues, authorities and experts are debating whether or not Paludan should be allowed to demonstrate at all, whether or not this is considered a “hate crime” and whether or not he should be charged for burning anything in the first place, leading to hazardous fire spreading across neighborhoods and destroying vicinities.

In the process of these protests, not only have there been violence, but also, the burning of the Quran has led to the fire spreading across vehicles and nearby buildings including the Rosengård School, also known as the childhood school that world-famous Swedish footballer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, attended.

Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq are just a few of the Muslim countries asking Sweden to condemn the “Quran burnings.”

According to the Swedish Radio and SVT News, Paludan’s main goal is to provoke Muslims into reacting in a violent manner. It is unfortunate that he has succeeded in doing so especially during Ramadan, which is meant to be a peaceful holiday. However, it is also unfortunate that while Denmark put Paludan in jail for his racist remarks, we have Sweden allowing him to continue with his hate speech. That is not to justify the actions of those inciting or getting involved in violent clashes against the police. That is simply stating the facts!

I urge Muslims to practice sabr, the Arabic word for “patience” and respond to provocation with prayer and petition.

Trust in God’s plan. After all, it is stated in the Quran, 49:10, “Humanity is but a single brotherhood: So make peace with your brethren.”

My fellow Swedish Muslims, if you have gotten the petition to sign which dubs Paludan’s action as a “hate crime,” then sign it. If you have not gotten it yet, DM me. I will send it to you إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ (God Willing).

Help us raise awareness:

1. Donate to the World Hijab Day Organization this coming Ramadan. Your contributions will help our efforts to end hijab discrimination globally! One who gives alms during the month Ramadan will be multiplied in rewards to 10 until 700 folds. Don’t miss this opportunity! Donate here.

2. #FastForUnity: Fast for a day, two, ten or all 30 with Muslims to experience how Muslims fast and go on a spiritual journey of self-reflection and self-discipline.

3. #Hijab30: Wear the hijab for 30 days in Ramadan to take a stand to end discrimination against women in hijab and respect individual choices.

4. #HearOurHistory: May is “International Muslim History Month.” Take this opportunity to learn more about Muslim men and women from the Golden Age up until now, who have shaped humanity as we know it.

Tag us @worldhijabday

About the Author

Rumki Chowdhury is Editor of World Hijab Day Organization. Moreover, she has her own editing services. She is an award-winning published author. She has an MA in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London, a BA in English Writing from William Paterson University of New Jersey and an English Subject Teaching Degree from Gävle Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. She speaks Bengali and Swedish fluently! She has years of experience in the media and publishing worlds. Rumki lives with her husband and their three daughters. Follow her journey on Instagram @rumkitheauthor

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