Amazon seems to be having a tough time as it has found itself in the middle of another religious controversy. The e-commerce giant announced its decision to stop the selection of products featuring Islamic scripture after facing a backlash.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a “civil rights and advocacy organization”, released a statement asking “Amazon to remove a number of doormats and bath mats imprinted with Islamic calligraphy, references to the Prophet Muhammad and verses from the Quran, Islam’s holy text.”
“Cair said it received complaints about the items offered by Amazon seller Emvency that are offensive to Muslims because the Quranic verses and other Islamic references would be stepped-on or otherwise disrespected by customers,” the organisation stated.
Also Read: Amazon In Big Trouble For Selling Doormats, Toilet Seat Covers With Golden Temple Cover
The products were not directly sold by Amazon, but through a third-party seller called Emvency. 20 bath mats and doormats were being sold through Emvency on company’s official site.
@Amazon has been asked by the Muslim community to remove offensive items for sale from their seller #Emvency b/c of the Quranic verses.
Products such as toilet seat covers decorated with the word "Allah" and shower curtains referencing Eid can still be bought through Amazon pic.twitter.com/Dhejf765my
— 🦂 (@salafi_writer) January 8, 2019
Amazon announced its decision to withdraw a selection of products featuring Islamic scripture from its site following a request from an American-Muslim civil rights group.
Some products are still available to purchase on the site. However, the company has stated that all products in violation of its policies will be reviewed.
Masih Fouladi, executive director of CAIR’s Washington told The Independent,
“We thank Amazon for its swift action on this issue and hope it sends a message to manufacturers of such inappropriate and offensive items that they will not profit from Islamophobia or any other form of bigotry.”
