(CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 10/3/2023) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today condemned a reported Quran-burning incident by a student in Naperville, Illinois, and warned of a troubling connection to the Islamophobic and extremist RSS Hindutva movement that has been internationally-condemned for its anti-minority ideology and human rights abuses.  

The incident reportedly occurred over the summer and was only recently posted to social media. CAIR-Chicago is not naming the student at this time.

Quran burnings have been on the rise in the U.S. and Europe in recent years at the hands of extremists wishing to express their hatred of Muslims. Recent burnings in Sweden caused diplomatic fallout and threatened the unity of NATO.

In a statement, Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR-Chicago said.

“This particular incident is not an isolated arbitrary act, but allegedly part of a larger trend of Hindutva-inspired Islamophobia playing out in Naperville and other communities, and it is high time it is confronted. It is a stark reminder of the impact of ideological extremism quietly imported into America and the need to address it urgently. 

“The Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the broader school community are understandably hurt in the wake of this incident. Regardless of when and where hate incidents take place, if they are at the hands of members of the school family, it is the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure a safe environment for all students, and not wash their hands of that sacred duty.

"We stand ready to work with local Hindu leaders to stave off extremism and promote interfaith dialogue and harmony. It is imperative to identify who is radicalizing the youth in our communities and take measures to prevent such incidents."

“In these challenging times, CAIR-Chicago remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of all communities. We call on everyone to join us in promoting tolerance, respect, and unity.” 

He noted that two years ago, CAIR-Chicago monitored a concerted effort by Hindutva-organized opposition to the construction of a Naperville mosque, a project that was eventually granted permission. Opposition included Hindutva bots and individuals from outside the local community flooding the city’s website with anti-Mosque comments. (NOTE: the student who committed the Quran burning reportedly commented twice in opposition to the mosque).

Rehab said CAIR-Chicago is also demanding a public apology from the student responsible for the Quran burning and is urging the school administration to arrange a meeting with Muslim students and community leaders to foster a healing process. 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.  

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CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, arehab@cair.com, 202-870-0166; Erin P.R. Davis, MCM, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 773-802-8786, epdavis@cair.com.