Anger over Quran burning exposes hypocrisy over refugee treatment

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Syrian refugee crisis has resulted in more than 14 million Syrians being displaced from their homes since 2011. Among them, 6.8 million are internally displaced within Syria, where poverty is rampant.

The remaining refugees have sought refuge in neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt, while some were fortunate enough to reach Europe or the United States.

Rising xenophobia against Syrian refugees

While there have been no reports of violations against Syrian refugees in Jordan and Egypt, daily reports emerge of refugees facing difficulties in Turkey and Lebanon.

In Turkey, there have been instances of forced displacement and restrictions to coerce refugees into returning to Syria, particularly during Turkish election campaigns. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged to "voluntarily return one million Syrian refugees to northern Syria" and claimed that around one million refugees have already returned voluntarily.

However, images and videos depict frightened young men with their hands bound, indicating physical abuse, negate these claims. These men were transported to the Syrian border after being forced to sign voluntary return documents, even if they possessed valid permits or temporary protection cards.

Hypocrisy exposed

The disparity in the treatment of refugees by Sweden and Turkey highlights the hypocrisy of certain individuals influenced by ideological biases.

On the one hand, they express anger and threats towards Sweden for allowing a refugee to burn the Holy Quran and protecting him under refugee status, rightly recognising the moral harm this act caused to millions of Muslims worldwide.

On the other hand, they defend Turkey's actions, justifying them as necessary for security and economic reasons, without showing enough concern for the well-being of fellow Muslim refugees.

Interestingly, these same individuals instil fear in refugees' hearts by warning them of potential consequences if Erdoğan loses the elections. This situation has escalated to the point where the Syrian Islamic Council, based in Turkey, issued a fatwa urging naturalised Syrians to vote for Erdoğan.

Read more: Syrian refugees in Turkey express worry ahead of crucial vote

The Syrian opposition, represented by the coalition, continues to issue statements highlighting the difficult circumstances faced by Syrians in Lebanon and warning the Lebanese authorities of potentially serious consequences.

However, upon examination, it becomes evident that they lack an accurate understanding of the reality of what Syrians are truly experiencing in Lebanon. Additionally, they seem unaware of unfolding events near their own location in Istanbul, where they and their families reside, demonstrating their disconnect from reality.

In response to Syrians' complaints about the challenges they encounter, the opposition claims to maintain open communication and adherence to law enforcement.

Syrians are increasingly finding themselves with fewer options for safe refuge. Even when they bravely attempt perilous sea journeys with their children, these efforts often result in tragedy — the seas becoming their final destination.

Read more: Europe's symphony of sympathy does little to stop migrant drownings

In the face of these dire circumstances, it raises a profound question that should be directed at people of knowledge and faith: What is the worse act? A foolish person burning the book of God?  Or potentially place millions of Muslims in danger?