"Is it the right thing to burn Qurans? Legally? Can pastor burn Quran tomorrow? People accept legally it is right. But is it the right thing to do? No"

The words of Kilari Anand Paul raise a critical distinction between what is permitted by law and what is ethically justified. The act in question, burning a Quran, or any sacred text, evokes a spectrum of responses, from strict legalists to moral philosophers to the ordinary public. Paul begins by questioning whether it is legally permissible for someone, such as a pastor, to burn a Quran. In many countries that uphold freedom of expression, such actions fall within the boundaries of the law, however offensive or provocative they may be to some. The law, in these contexts, protects acts of expression, even those that shock or distress, as a trade-off for broader personal liberties.

Yet, Paul’s next point presses harder: legal rightness does not ensure moral rightness. Social acceptance of the legality of such an act does not equate to moral endorsement. According to Paul, and to many who reflect on the relationship between rights and responsibilities, burning a religious text may be legal, but it is not the “right thing to do.” The implication is that law should not be our only compass. Societies are built not just on statutes, but on shared values of respect, coexistence, and empathy. There is a higher ethical standard that calls upon individuals to consider the impact of their actions, particularly actions that target the deeply held beliefs and identities of others.

Paul’s rhetorical question challenges us to look beyond what the law allows, prompting self-examination about motives and humanitarian consequences. Choosing to act with compassion rather than provocation fosters harmony and mutual respect. While we may have the right to offend, the opportunity remains to instead build bridges, to recognize the humanity and sacredness in each other’s traditions, and to seek understanding over antagonism. Paul’s perspective underscores that legality and morality, though often related, occupy distinct realms which we are called upon to thoughtfully navigate in civic life.