Religion remains a major cause of intolerance, bigotry, and marginalization around the world. Instead of promoting peace and mutual tolerance, religious activities in modern times have exacerbated fear, mistrust, and negative attitudes among their adherents. The refusal of one religious group to tolerate religious beliefs has repeatedly jeopardized and threatened peaceful coexistence around the world. Recent Islamophobic episodes in Sweden demonstrate that religion is associated with increased fear, hatred, prejudice, and discrimination in practically every region of the world. It is nearly impossible to watch the news without witnessing religious intolerance and violent incidents, both of which have serious consequences for societal harmony.

These events reveal that Islamophobia and religious intolerance have resulted in increasing attacks on Muslims, loss of life, purposeful destruction of property, breaches of Muslims’ fundamental rights and freedoms, heightened fear of insecurity, and mistrust between Muslims and non-Muslims. Rasmus Paludan, the Danish leader of the far-right Stram Kurs (Hard Line) Party, burned a copy of the Holy Quran in southern Linkoping, Sweden. Paludan also threatened to burn copies of the Quran at radical rallies. The event demonstrated a racist and xenophobic mentality, and their acts violated all accepted norms and values of civilized society.

On Eid ul Adha 2023, Salwan Momika, an Iraqi immigrant, walked into view behind rows of police officers outside the gorgeous Stockholm Central Mosque, where he repeatedly desecrated the Quran by tearing it up and setting it on fire. It was a scenario designed to shock and antagonize the Muslim community as they celebrated Eid al-Adha. There were roughly 200 individuals gathered outside who criticized, disregarded, or ignored the spectacle. The rapid rise of Islamophobia and religious intolerance is a major worry that necessitates ongoing research to prevent the threats. Openly criticizing Islamophobia and religious intolerance is essential. World leaders should be sanctioned for making official statements that can incite hate crimes, and violence, and endanger the lives of individuals or communities of Muslims.

Certain European governments are working hard to hunt down and neutralize far-right terrorist organizations. Discriminatory statements, bills, and security practices geared towards Muslims, on the other hand, contribute to the normalization of Islamophobic conversations in Europe. The mainstream media and private organizations are to blame for anti-Muslim attitudes as they continue to spread inaccurate information about the Muslim population. The report “Islamophobia in Sweden: National Report 2022” provides an overview of Islamophobia in the broader Swedish context, including increased arbitrary securitization of Muslim civil society groups and organizations, as well as increased anti-Muslim radicalization in online spaces and platforms.

Islamophobic discourses are well established in mainstream political parties and media outlets, advocating for increasingly harsh measures against Muslim communities. In the spring of 2022, the leader of the Christian Democratic Party asked for more “Islamists” to be shot by police in response to rioting in response to an anti-Muslim far-right Danish extremist burning the Quran. These Islamophobic events serve no purpose other than to anger Muslims around the world’s sensibilities. Such actions are not protected by legitimate affirmations of the right to free expression or opinion, which entail obligations under international human rights law, such as the prohibition on engaging in hate speech or inciting violence. The Swedish government should intervene to prevent acts of religious incitement.

The unfortunate rise in global animosity towards Islam and Muslims is largely mirrored in the widespread transmission of negative narratives about Islam in mainstream media, literature, and public debates. The rapid spread of Islamophobia and religious intolerance is a critical concern that necessitates continued research to mitigate the hazards. The unambiguous condemnation of Islamophobia and religious bigotry is essential. Sweden must be investigated and held accountable for recurrent violations of human rights by the United Nations and relevant international human rights and humanitarian organizations. For the benefit of mankind, the Western community must demonstrate unity and adherence to the values of peaceful and harmonious communities, as well as take action to avoid Islamophobic attacks.

Particularly the international community must stand together in its opposition to xenophobia, intolerance, and incitement to violence based on religion or belief and work together to promote interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. They must be aware of Muslim sensitivities around the world and take steps to avoid Islamophobic acts. Western governments must protect members of Muslim communities from bigotry and prejudice by providing critical and effective security support to mosques and worshippers to save lives and maintain social peace and order. Religious leaders and scholars have a significant impact. Religious leaders should teach peace, tolerance, and love rather than promote religious hatred, violence, and extremism with their extremist beliefs.