Insulting the Quran: The Deepening Gap Between Western Claims and Practice

According to Taghrib News Agency(TNA), when Western officials speak of freedom of expression and respect for religions, one would expect these values to be upheld in practice. Yet the bitter experiences of wars, political interventions, and repeated insults to Islamic sanctities reveal a significant gap between rhetoric and reality.

By Mamosta Nameq Khobani

A Deep‑Rooted Contradiction Between Discourse and Practice

While the West officially presents itself as a defender of religious freedom and a promoter of dialogue among civilizations, its actions—support for wars in Muslim countries, silence in the face of insults to sacred symbols, and double standards in human rights—paint a very different picture. This contradiction stems from the logic of power politics, where moral values are often overshadowed by economic and geopolitical interests.

The Resources of the Islamic World: From Exploitation to a Source of Unity
The history of colonialism shows that the vast natural resources of the Islamic world—especially oil and gas—have long been targets of foreign exploitation. Internal divisions and lack of strategic cooperation have further facilitated this process. As long as Muslim countries continue exporting raw materials and lack shared economic and scientific frameworks, natural resources will remain a source of dependency rather than strength. Only through genuine cooperation, joint investment, and improved governance can these resources become tools for unity and development.
The Quran: Beyond Identity, a Message of Coexistence
The Holy Quran is not merely a symbol of Muslim identity; it is a civilizational text that emphasizes human dignity, justice, and rationality. The Islamic world’s response to insults should not be limited to emotional reactions. Instead, it must focus on presenting the Quran’s message through reasoned, scholarly, and constructive engagement. Accurate translations, participation in interfaith dialogues, and introducing the Quran as a source of universal ethics are effective ways to neutralize such provocations.
Scholars and intellectuals bear a significant responsibility in this regard: to articulate the Quran’s contemporary message and transform the defense of sacred values into an ethical and civilizational endeavor.
Conclusion
Insulting the Quran is an unacceptable and condemnable act, yet it can serve as an opportunity for the Islamic world to reassess its approach to global engagement. Moving beyond emotional reactions, strengthening unity, and presenting the Quran’s message through reason and wisdom are the only paths that can counter divisive actions and introduce the Quran as a foundation for global coexistence.
By Mamosta Nameq Khobani, Instructor at Shahid Karimian School, Divandarreh