Ahmed Al-Tayyeb Sheikh of Egypt’s Al-Azhar condemned defiling the Holy Quran by US troops in Bagram Air Base and called for the withdrawal of American forces from the Muslim country.

Issuing a statement on Monday, February 27, Al-Tayyeb described the sacrilegious act as barbaric and said US officials must immediately withdraw their troops from Afghanistan, lexpressiondz website reported.

“Al-Azhar can in no way remain silent over desecration of the Quran. In fact, no Muslim can ever stand disrespect to the Word of God,” he said.

Al-Tayyeb reiterated that US forces’ exit from Afghanistan is the only way forward for the return of calm and stability to the country and it is only then that Afghan people can decide for their future.

Reports about burning of copies of the Quran in Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, sparked angry protests in Afghanistan and drew widespread condemnation from Muslims around the world.

961897