The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) expresses its profound condemnation and dismay at the recent desecration of the Sikh Holy Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, in Canning Vale, Perth. Such acts of sacrilege strike at the heart of religious communities and threaten the principles of respect and tolerance that bind our diverse society.
Dr. Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, stated, “We are deeply saddened by the attack on the Sikh community’s sacred scripture. In Islam, we hold the sanctity of all religious texts in high esteem, and such actions are utterly unacceptable. Every community deserves to practice its faith without fear of hatred or violence.”
AFIC extends its heartfelt solidarity to the Sikh community of Western Australia and across the nation. We stand united in our commitment to supporting our Sikh brothers and sisters during this challenging time. It is essential in moments like these that all communities come together to uphold the values of mutual respect and religious freedom.
Dr. Jneid further remarked, “We urge everyone to remain calm and allow the authorities to conduct their investigations thoroughly. Speculation and premature conclusions serve only to exacerbate tensions. We trust in the Australian legal system to bring those responsible to justice swiftly.”
AFIC calls on all leaders and communities to join in condemning this vile act and to work together to prevent such incidents in the future. We must all advocate for and implement measures that safeguard every community’s right to worship peacefully and securely.
“In the face of such trials, our unity and collective voice against hatred and intolerance are more crucial than ever. We stand with the Sikh community, resolute in our belief that diversity and respect for all faiths are strengths that enrich our nation,” concluded Dr. Jneid.
AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President