Raza Academy Protests Qur’an Desecration in Texas, Urges President Trump to Take Action

Mumbai / Washington, D.C. |
August 26, 2025

Raza Academy has issued a strong protest after reports that a Texas political candidate, Velentina Gomez, desecrated and burnt the Holy Qur’an, the sacred scripture of more than two billion Muslims worldwide. In a letter addressed to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the Mumbai-based organization condemned the act as “shameful, deeply hurtful, and provocative” and demanded immediate action.

Protest and Demands

The protest letter, signed by Raza Academy President Muhammad Saeed Noori, described the desecration as not only an insult to Muslims but a violation of core values—respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. The academy warned that deliberate provocations of this kind are designed to incite hatred, deepen social divisions, and spark unrest.

Key demands

Immediate arrest and prosecution of Velentina Gomez under relevant laws for spreading hatred, inciting violence, and offending the religious sentiments of billions.
An unequivocal condemnation from the President’s office, assuring that such provocations will not be tolerated in the United States.
Concrete measures to prevent future incidents of Qur’an desecration and other forms of religious insult.
Stronger promotion of interfaith harmony and peace so Muslim communities in the U.S. and worldwide feel respected and safeguarded.

America’s Global Image and the Debate on Free Speech

Raza Academy’s letter pointed to a tension between America’s image as a defender of freedom and diversity and the tolerance of actions that openly mock or insult religious beliefs. The incident has renewed debate over where to draw the line between free expression and hate speech—especially when actions appear intended to provoke and antagonize religious communities.

International Reaction

The reported Qur’an burning has triggered widespread anger across South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Religious leaders, civil society organisations, and rights groups have condemned the act and have demanded that accountable authorities intervene. Protests and vigils have been reported near some U.S. diplomatic missions, while social media has seen a surge of condemnation under trending hashtags.

About Raza Academy

Founded in 1978 and based in Mumbai, Raza Academy is a well-known Islamic organisation involved in religious education, social work, and advocacy. The academy frequently raises concerns about incidents that hurt the sentiments of Muslims globally and works to promote interfaith understanding.

“The World is Watching”

Closing the letter, the academy urged President Trump to respond decisively. “Mr. President, the world is watching,” the letter said, asking the U.S. administration to uphold justice and respect for all faiths to prevent escalation and to reaffirm America’s commitment to religious tolerance.

As global tensions rise, observers say the administration’s response—or lack of it—could have significant implications for international perceptions of the United States at a time when respect for faith and cultural sensitivity is crucial.