A LAWYER who videoed himself smoking cigarettes made with pages from the Bible and the Koran expects to lose his job at a Queensland university.

In a YouTube video titled ''Bible or Koran - which burns best?'' Queensland University of Technology staff member Alex Stewart compares cigarettes made with pages from the two texts. The atheist says in the clip that burning religious books is no big deal and people need to get over it.

But the Queensland University of Technology is not impressed and has demanded an explanation.

Mr Stewart, an assistant organiser with a group called Brisbane Atheists, was not at home yesterday but in a message on the group's website said he expected to be sacked. ''I'm screwed. I think I will lose my job over this. Damn it.''

The president of the Islamic Association of Australia, Sheikh Muhammad Wahid, said Mr Stewart's actions were hurtful to Muslims.

In the clip, Mr Stewart gave the Bible a seven out of 10 for its burning qualities, and said the Koran left him feeling sick.