Issue No: 50
10th September 2010
29th Ramadhan 1431 AH
Salamun alaykum,
Offense against the Holy Quran:
Dove World Outreach Center is a small Christian church in the city of Gainesville, in the U.S. state of Florida, America. The church, led by Pastor Terry Jones and his wife, has 50 members.
In July 2010, Pastor Terry Jones announced that the church would hold an "International Burn a Koran Day", in which church members would hold book burnings of the Quran on the 11th September. He called on the people to burn the Quran on the anniversary of the September 11th 2001 (9/11) attacks in remembrance of victims of the World Trade Centre, New York and the Pentagon, Washington.
This proposal by the church has received worldwide condemnation from a diversity of political and religious leaders and organizations including the Vatican, US National Association of Evangelicals and Jewish faith.
The cost of burning the Quran:
The outrageous proposal has sparked fury worldwide and hurt the feelings of 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. It has intensified tensions between Christians and Muslims throughout the world. At a time when the celebrations of Eid ul Fitr, as per the current Lunar year, will be coinciding with the anniversary of the 11th September (9/11), it has led to increase in Islamophobia.
From the Bible: What would Jesus do?
This devilish scheme is not compatible with the teachings of Christianity preaching love and tolerance as quoted in the Bible: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you..."
(Matthew 5:44-45).
Our response:
Through this despicable deed this man will achieve nothing. However this deed is clearly designed to provoke the muslims. One can see the face of shaytan in this action of preaching hatred and discord.
We can change how we respond.
The Message of Islam, as taught by the holy Quran and the Ahlul Bayt a.s., teaches us religious tolerance. We must neither resort to violent or aggressive reactions nor even think about reciprocating in the same manner for the Bible.
Let us educate the public about the Noble religion of Islam and its virtues such as peace, generosity and tolerance.
The revelation of the holy Quran commenced with the command ‘Iqra’ to read. This word is an everlasting appeal to the intellect. History proves the fact that Islam spread through the pen (intellect) not the sword.
“Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord is best aware of him who strays from His Path, and who receive guidance.” Sura An Nahl 16:125
Let us lead by example i.e. by living Islam.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat