Praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our master Muḥammad, the last of prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

The Secretariat General of the International Academy of Islamic Fiqh of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, on behalf of the Ummah, its scholars and jurists, expresses its deep displeasure and condemnation of the news broadcasted by the international news agencies regarding the publication of the American magazine Newsweek on May 9, 2005. This disturbing news says that some American soldiers in the US military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, dared to desecrate the Holy Quran by flushing it down the toilet to harm Muslim prisoners in particular and Muslims in general, as well as followers of other religions who recognize that the Book revealed to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH is similar to other holy books thus it should be respected and revered.

It is known that the Qur’an contains the divine words revealed to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. This divine book is sacred, its value is priceless and its recitation is an act of worship.

The Quran is one of the greatest miracles of Prophet Muhammad – PBUH – Any desecration of its sanctity and holiness is considered a highly reprehensible act, which Muslims cannot forget.

By issuing this statement, the Academy hopes that the concerned American authorities will conduct a serious and urgent investigation into this matter and impose severe punishments on the perpetrators, a kind of retribution that will suppress them and their likes. Such acts inflame the feelings and minds of Muslims all over the world. Unfortunately, these acts serve only to widen the gap between Muslims and the West.

To Allah we belong and to Him we return.