Does Burning the Quran Solve Your Problems?

There are thousands of instances which indicate the benevolence, peacefulness and serenity of Islam.

(TEHRAN) - You might be unfamiliar with the concept of "Wudu". It's an Islamic practice including the washing of some parts of body such as the hands, arms and face in order to get prepared for saying prayers or reciting the Holy Quran.

It's is of high value in the Islamic tradition, because it's a preface to inner purity and satisfies the Almighty Creator who wants its creatures to be pure and clean once they want to talk to Him.

Wudu is translated into English as "ablution". One who is in the state of Wudu, that is has washed his face, hands, arms and feet, is obliged to adhere to some certain codes of morality, including devotion to honesty, justice and sincerity. One who is in the state of Wudu is supposed not to tell lie, not to judge with prejudice and partiality and not to state or claim what is unrighteous and unfair.

Prior to setting off for writing this article, I conducted "Wudu" and promised myself not to get out of the borders of honesty and objectivity. I promised myself to propose what is my concern in a manner that is justifiable and virtuous, and pose a few questions as someone who has been entitled to ask freely, without being disrupted by projection or disturbance.

It was on the news headlines that the Florida-based Dove World Outreach Center church pastor Terry Jones has decided to burn a set of Qurans on the advent of September 11 in an action which is deemed to be a remonstration against what is introduced as "Islamic extremism".

Regrettably, Wayne Sapp who is an associate pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center has proclaimed that burning the Holy Quran is a direction God wants them to go. "We are convinced this is the direction God wants us to go. That's the only reason we're doing it in the first place," he told the reporters.

First and foremost, it should be noted that the announcement of such a plan, regardless of its being done or not, is an immoral, condemnable and blameworthy action. The immorality and unacceptability of such an action would be underscored by the fact that an evangelical church which considers itself a propagator of Christian religious values has decided to burn a holy book which some 1.5 billion people around the world revere and venerate.

In this point, one may unavoidably come across to a vital question which puts one into an inevitable and inescapable stalemate: what happens if the Muslims announce a plan to burn the Torah? Won't they be accused of extremism, anti-Semitism, fanaticism, fundamentalism and radicalism? Won't they become the subject of unending attacks by the mainstream, corporate media of the United States, United Kingdom, Israel and their European allies? Won't the international organizations collectively condemn the Muslim society and won't an all-out wave of Islamophobic actions set out to emerge around the world? Won't the high-ranking politicians and statesmen of countries, who don't have anything to do with Judaism, condemn this action simply because of their connection and affinity with Israel? Won't any conscious, cognizant and decent citizen rebuff such an outrageous and disgraceful action? Won't the international community categorically react to the Muslims community?

The answer to all of the questions posed above is clear. The extent of international punishments for insulting the holy book of Jews will be so wide-ranging and across-the-board that the Muslims will profoundly regret their action and instantaneously apologize; however, the question which I posed contains a possibility that never takes place. Muslims have always paid tribute to other Abrahamic religions and treated their pillars, prophets and holy books with great reverence and respect. Essentially, Islam has put a crucial responsibility on the shoulders of Muslims to respect the other religions, treat with the followers of Abrahamic religions in a brotherly manner and never make a distinction between them.

To be just and fair, Islam has comprehensively advised its followers to pay homage and respect to the beliefs of those who follow other religions and avoid behaving in a way which degrades and subdues them. In the Verse 285 of the Chapter Baqara (Heifer) of the Holy Quran, we read: "The Apostle believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith.

Each one (of them) believeth In God, His angels, His books, and His apostles. We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles. And they say: we hear, and we obey: (we seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee Is the end of all journeys."

This is a clear evidence for the fact that Quran orders the Muslims to treat all of the prophets equally without making any distinction between them.

In the Verse 44 of the Chapter Maida, (The Table Spread), the Almighty God stresses the necessity and essentiality of respecting and esteeming the holy book of Torah: "It was We who revealed The Torah (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged.

The Jews, by the Prophets Who bowed (as in Islam) to God's Will, by the Rabbis and the Doctors of Law: For to them was entrusted the protection of God's Book, and they were witnesses thereto: Therefore fear not men, but fear Me, and sell not My Signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what God hath revealed, they are (no better than) unbelievers".

The more substantial evidence which demonstrates that Islam is strictly committed to the veneration of other prophets and their holy books can be found in the Verse 136 of the Chapter Baqara. "Say ye: we believe In God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismā'īl, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to God (in Islam)."

The Holy Quran highlights that its teachings and values verify and complement the teachings of previous holy books, including Torah and Bible, and this clear statement can be found in the Verse 92 of the Chapter An’am (Cattle): "And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming the revelations which came before it: that thou Mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her. Those who believe In the Hereafter believe in this Book, and they are constant In guarding their Prayers."

Islam has never hesitated to verify the authenticity and legitimacy of its predecessors and the nations which adhered to the holy books. In the Verse 62 of the Chapter Baqara, it's expressively stated that those who believe in the Almighty God and do decent acts, regardless of their religion, will be blessed and exalted rightfully: "Those who believe in the Quran, and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, - any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."

There are thousands of such instances which indicate the benevolence, peacefulness and serenity of Islam. Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood. Those who crashed into the twin towers of New York and accomplished the mission of 9/11 were not Muslims. They belonged to the gangs which the very White House, that is now purportedly launching a global war on terror, founded, nurtured, supported and amplified to the extent of an international terrorist organization: Al-Qaida.

Burning the Holy Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks will simply draw an end to the spiritual life of those who have planned such a dirty trick. I'm sure that no conscious Muslim will do any harm to the evangelical pastor who is going to burn the Holy Quran on September 11, but I'm sure that his spiritual life as a minister will come to a tragic end, because the very Almighty God who has revealed the Holy Quran upon Prophet Muhammad will save His book as well. "We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)."

Kourosh Ziabari was named the winner of winners in the category of media activities at the National Organization of Youths festival. He was honored by the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, receiving the honorary mention signed by him and the silver medal of Iran's Superior Youth. The media activities category did not award the Gold and Bronze medal to any participant.

As a young Iranian journalist, Kourosh has been interviewed and quoted by several mainstream mediums, including BBC World Service, PBS Media Shift, the Media Line network, Deutsch Financial Times and L.A. Times. Currently, he works for the Foreign Policy Journal as a media correspondent. He is a member of Tlaxcala Translators Network for Linguistic Diversity and World Student Community for Sustainable Development. You can write to Kourosh Ziabari at: kziabari@gmail.com

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Daniel September 18, 2010 1:48 pm (Pacific time)

DB if you think you can make positive change go for it . Just be prepared for the reaction if you gain a voice . Its true people and mindsets can change the MIC is not invincible . I look forward to seeing the result , in my lifetime .

Daniel September 18, 2010 10:36 am (Pacific time)

DB we are still engaging in two major wars , one using contractors . Billions have been spent on the MIC after we won the cold war . We have been in a cycle of unending war here , the drug war and wars abroad . There has always been grumbling and a few riots but the budget for the MIC and the drug war just get bigger and bigger ! The discontent just become the target if they become strong or vocal , think black panthers , AIM and David Koresh . DB please show me where the voices of reason are winning against the MIC . We have a media that inflames us into conflict again and again and again . Thats the unfortunate fact ! Please name just one battle that has been a win against the MIC . What happened to the peace dividend after we won the cold war ? The most vocal group today is the tea party , I do not put my hopes in them to change the MIC for the better . DB I wish you were correct but the numbers tell me otherwise .

Douglas Benson September 16, 2010 8:40 am (Pacific time)

The MIC isnt all powerfull my friend . They only control so much and we are winning small battles all the time . I think Ken has it right the truth is thier enemy ,they cant make us all go away .Media doesnt control the talk of rebellion in the taverns and inns . Everywhere there are whispers in secret against the crown tinder waiting for a spark .That spark was the shot heard around the world I wonder what it will be this time? Peace

Daniel September 15, 2010 7:17 pm (Pacific time)

Tim the big problem for rockhead is all the venom he spits out only effects him . All that negativity only further poisons his liver and pancreas , he its putting himself into a cycle of pain and intense suffering . Rock for your own sake do not feed on your own venom !

Daniel September 15, 2010 3:03 pm (Pacific time)

I would also like to add I find the MIC of Russia and China even more repressive and scary ! Unfortunately we have sold out much of our economic future to China and may see their repressive influence more in the US . I am for trade but upon an equal bases , not a mostly one way street to China . Also one with proper pollution and child labor laws , not what we have now . The worst elements of our culture have sold out our future to the worst of the Chinese culture . China has a long and great cultural history and one of suffering under colonial rule , its people are among the most talented and brilliant on the planet . Its recent history is more troubling from self genocide to repressive capitalism . They have attained an incredible but unsustainable economic growth rate . The cost of this growth has been unbearable pollution and abusive labor practices and displaced population . When China's economic engine stops the price will be felt in the US as china calls its loans and cashes in its US stocks and real estate holdings . The dark elements of ignorance , hate , repression and greed seem to be in control of most of the world its not just a US thing .

Daniel September 15, 2010 10:53 am (Pacific time)

DB the military industrial complex has been taking and subverting our rights before the time both of us were born . I also am a victim of the drug war , that is also part of the MIC . This little episode with the phony preacher is only a distraction by the media to whip up emotions and ratings . Unfortunately the result is more violence against the men and women in the front lines and innocent civilians caught in the misunderstand and hate . The whole corporate media is controlled by the MIC , it has been for years . If you think there is real free speech you are sadly mistaken . Its true you can say whatever you want , as long as it does not effectively interfere with the MIC . Dan Rather is the perfect example , as soon as he got off script he disappeared from the network screen . Others like Sen Paul Wellstone just disappear in questionable airplane accidents . Free speech is also controlled by massive disinformation both for and against controversial subjects ! If you read all the world media links you may have a clue whats really going on , most just get spoon feed by the MIC/corporate media talking heads . Brought to you by all kinds of mind numbing toxic drugs to coverup the symptoms caused by all the unhealthy fake food products they also sell and addict people too.

Daniel September 15, 2010 10:15 am (Pacific time)

rockhead the posting of your rant shows free speech does exists at the salem news . You are either a sarcastic writer or a very small and troubled creature .

Tim King: Daniel, thank you for the advocacy, that comment was approved while I was gone somehow, I never would have allowed it. That POS writes that kind of garbage all the time and I am shocked that somebody actually approved it. Anyway, thanks very much.

Douglas Benson September 14, 2010 7:56 am (Pacific time)

Dan like I said I havent just noticed our rights being stripped . I happen to be one of those 12 million victims of our drug war . 32 months of fun at wonderfull places like the snake pit [snake river corr inst] OSP etc. I do care what the world thinks and my point of view is this . By allowing threats of violence to get our goverment to bend the constitution even a little the terrorists have won. I stole that from The Siege if you didnt notice . They have won over and over and it makes me sick .Airport sec.,warrantless searches,war without end ,peace activists labled terrorists ,legitimizing kidnapping and torture. Need I go on? We have shown ourselves to be cowards willing to throw away freedom for false security and it makes me sick. Peace

Anonymous September 13, 2010 12:49 pm (Pacific time)

While I do not agree with burning any religious text, I think that it is a far cry from the "message" inherent in the beheading of innocent civilians...

Daniel September 13, 2010 11:24 am (Pacific time)

Douglas a little education time , about 800,000 US citizens are arrested each year over marijuana . Over 12 million in the last 35 years . These people are put into cages like animals and pay huge amounts of money in fines and court cost . Millions in my generation myself included were forced to serve in the military , thousands died, tens of thousands suffer service related illness . But you think pressure from the world over an inflammatory act by a publicity seeking nut is loosing freedom ! Douglas I know you could care less about what the world thinks but we do not live in an isolationist world ! Your closed mind only mirrors the intolerance of islamic radicals .

Douglas Benson September 11, 2010 9:41 am (Pacific time)

Education time guys . 18 USCA 241 A depravation of rights occurs when two or more persons conspire to oppress [weigh heavily on and I think calls from the pres. police fbi presence etc. count] threaten,or intimidate [to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear, also relevant here]any citizens constitutional gaurantee or because of the exercise thereof. You deny rights not just by threats but by other pressure as well that has the same effect . I like muslims just fine Dan .I think religous folks are nuts in the head for believing in fairy tales but support thier rights to do so as long as they dont try to infringe on my rights. They lost my other post but WTF . Peace

Vic September 11, 2010 6:51 am (Pacific time)

Daniel..if I am going to burn something and piss off people, it will be something I personally despise. Dont get me wrong, I despise the Catholic church, and I wonder how any Mexican who knows anything of the bloody murderous history of the Catholic church in Mexico can now embrace it, but they do. Why Catholic churches are not being burnt down around the world is beyond me...maybe pedophilia is just not that much of an issue anymore...I am for burning: the offices and mansions of treasonous US politicians that attend AIPAC meetings (Ron Wyden has never missed one), tricked out military recruiter Humvees that cruise our high schools looking for cannon fodder, The "Dove World Outreach" church of hatred,(although that would just give these hate-tards more publicity), The Westboro Baptist church..hopefully with Fred Phelps inside, maybe a few Border patrol vehicles/buildings, and the General Atomics Predator drone factory. And DB, before you burn your Quran, you might try reading some of it, but knowledge and blind hatred are not compatible, so I seriously doubt that you would. This is one of those issues where the real nutcases of the world make themselves all too visible. Hate on, America !

Douglas Benson September 10, 2010 4:56 pm (Pacific time)

Daniel you missed what I said .No negotiating our freedom for threats and what we are talking about is goverment pressure not to exercise freedom because of the threats of violence from the mulslims. I could care less what the world thinks about our exercise of freedom . I could care less if people want to be muslims ,they are fine with me .I think they are just as silly as the pastor . I support thier rights to be stupid and believe in fairy tales equally. I dont support violence in the name of religion period. If you think I just noticed the stripping of our freedoms or somehow hate islam you arent really familliar with with many of the other posts I have made on SN . I use my real name here so I am putting my arse on the line and am willing to back up every word I say. I support peace and tolerance first but dont think Im not willing to fight for freedom. Dont take respect for weakness brother .Peace

Daniel September 10, 2010 2:28 pm (Pacific time)

Douglas rash pointless rage on both sides only makes a bad situation worse . Your statement about no negotiation with terrorist has nothing to do with book burning , makes me think you are clueless about this whole world situation . You seen to have the same standard-toward islam as the ultra right wing Israelis , little understanding of the big picture and lots of unfounded hate toward the Moslem world . You scream about freedom but is your ass on line to face the violence that will be a reaction to this over hyped media event . Douglas it was not just our government from right to left but most of the worlds governments that are against this . Sorry for me this does not fly as a watch out the government is giving away our freedom issue . I will agree big bussinees/government is way too intrusive into our life, but this has been going on for decades , cranking up during just say no . Did you just notice ???

Mike September 10, 2010 1:44 pm (Pacific time)

Understanding Taqiyya ― Islamic Principle of Lying for the Sake of Allah Lying and cheating in the Arab world is not really a moral matter but a method of safeguarding honor and status, avoiding shame, and at all times exploiting possibilities, for those with the wits for it, deftly and expeditiously to convert shame into honor on their own account and vice versa for their opponents. If honor so demands, lies and cheating may become absolute imperatives.” [David Pryce-Jones, “The Closed Circle” An interpretation of the Arabs, p4] “No dishonor attaches to such primary transactions as selling short weight, deceiving anyone about quality, quantity or kind of goods, cheating at gambling, and bearing false witness. The doer of these things is merely quicker off the mark than the next fellow; owing him nothing, he is not to be blamed for taking what he can.” [David Pryce-Jones, “The Closed Circle”, p38] The word "Taqiyya" literally means: "Concealing, precaution, guarding.” It is employed in disguising one's beliefs, intentions, convictions, ideas, feelings, opinions or strategies. In practical terms it is manifested as dissimulation, lying, deceiving, vexing and confounding with the intention of deflecting attention, foiling or pre-emptive blocking. It is currently employed in fending off and neutralising any criticism of Islam or Muslims. http://www.islam-watch.org/Warner/Taqiyya-Islamic-Principle-Lying-for-Allah.htm

daniel September 10, 2010 11:13 am (Pacific time)

Vic you should burn images of the virgin in the town center in Mexico and see how long you are standing . Now that would take real guts , if you are going to make a statement make it real .

Douglas Benson September 10, 2010 6:46 am (Pacific time)

Sorry Daniel but freedom is not cheap .Whatever happened to NO NEGOTIATIONS WITH TERRORISTS. That is exactly the issue .Once again we have shown ourselves to be cowards with no convivtion for the principals of freedom our country is supposed to be founded on . Those who would trade freedom for imagined safety deserve niether . I put it to you again what we are dealing with is our own goverment caving in to threats of terror and demanding that we give up our first ammendment rights in the name of security .Isnt that the problem we face in many aspects today? We cant expose the true extent of our kidnapping and torture programs ,abuse and murder of detainies the list goes on and on all in the name of security . This makes me so angry you dont even know .I have no desire to burn the quarn [sorry I spelled it wrong earlier ] but as a matter of principal I would love to do so now. Not because I hate the quarn but because I hate what our goverment has done to our freedoms . If anybody has a few of these books laying around and would like to do what these cowards wont I am down. You can put my face on the news ,or not I really dont care about plublicity for myself,nor do I want a meeting with anyone ,or anything of that nature . I am more than willing to put my money where my mouth is and fight for freedom [not for oil or conquest ] Not feeling like peace this morning Im out .

Vic September 9, 2010 6:24 pm (Pacific time)

Ben and DB...cant say it any better than you did ! Dont like what they are doing? Burn a Bible...whatever...Im planning on burning "Of Mice and Men" on Sept, 11...not because I didnt like it..I LOVE it, but I know it by heart, so I guess it is the most expendable book I own...

Anonymous September 9, 2010 5:49 pm (Pacific time)

Gotta wind up my evening. but let me share with you something kinda interesting from Mike Rivero..I did not say this just quoting him he said i could. "If they cant build a mosque,(its actually a community center) near 911, then catholic churches should not be able to build a church near playgrounds"

Daniel September 9, 2010 4:28 pm (Pacific time)

Douglas B I believe the point the leadership on the left and right are trying to make is . ITS CRAZY AND DANGEROUS TO INFLAME THE ISLAMIC WORLD WHEN WE HAVE THOUSANDS OF OUR YOUNG MAN AND WOMEN IN HARMS WAY . Maybe you do not really care if this event causes more death and suffering , but most of the leadership of the civilized world and myself do .

Anonymous September 9, 2010 2:54 pm (Pacific time)

You got it Ben.. ignore them and they would be nothing..you said the magic words, which makes my previous comment even more credible. Watch and see. I dont do this normally, but I can see it, just as I saw the attacks on 911 6 weeks before it happened.. watch and see..terror attack, dollar devalue. My name is Stephen.

Natalie September 9, 2010 2:38 pm (Pacific time)

DB is right. It's not illegal to burn any religious book, or for that matter build a mosque when it clearly enrages people. This issue is rather ethical: should the church get involved in politics, when it's task should be preaching the Gospel? Should Imams insist on building the mosque when it is obviously a very sensative topic for NYers, and not only "religious nuts" as you say. There're some choices to make.

Ben September 9, 2010 1:57 pm (Pacific time)

To me the bigger question is why is the media devoting all this publicity to a small group (reports of less than 50 church members) unless they are trying to ramp something up? So what is this distraction for?

Kyle September 9, 2010 11:48 am (Pacific time)

So why does Obama support the mosque at ground zero under the auspices of the 1st Amendment, but request that the pastor not burn the koran, which is protected by the same 1st Amendment? A consistent view would be that neither should be done, because both are unnecessarily provocative. Not quite shouting "FIRE!" in a crowded theater, but close. When the muslims start getting upset about suicide bombers, honor killings, burning Bibles, beheadings, etc etc etc, then I’ll start getting upset about burning their holy precious Koran.

Anonymous September 9, 2010 11:03 am (Pacific time)

Would this not make a terror attack in the near future more believable??? hmmmm. Gerald Celente said in January, there would be an attack in 2010, today, he still sticks by it. And, he also said the dollar crash, which could easily happen after a terror attack. Lindsey Williams called for a 30-50% devalue of dollar also...hmmm. And, they are still hyping economic recovery, when they know it isnt. As thing get worse, a terror attack could save them from having egg on their face, they could say "the economy was getting better until this terror attack happened"....hmmmm... The names I mentioned above, have an extremely accurate rate of forecasts over many years. Guess we will see, just a heads up. Doesnt hurt to prepare for any type of disaster or catastrophe.

Douglas Benson September 9, 2010 6:51 am (Pacific time)

BURN THEM ALL ! What Kourosh and Jesse dont get is THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY !We can burn the koran,the bible , the torah,the flag,even a cross [heck some people even burn themselves ]. People like Mr Beck can hold return to freedom rallies .The churches can hold all the return to god rallies they want I guess that would be a revival . The nazi boys can stap on thier swazticas and carry a burning cross all day long . This pressure to stop the burning of the koran from the goverment is so unconstitutional its not even funny and president Obama knows better .I say shame on him and any goverment official that weighs in on this in any other way than to publicly announce that they support thier freedom to do so . We do not tremble in fear to exercise our freedoms ,that would send the wrong message to radical religous nuts. When we bend or break our consitution in response to terror ,they win. So the muslims say they dont hate us for our freedoms ,lets see them put thier money where thier mouths are. I would double dog dare and support fully ,the muslims in this country to burn the torah,the bible whatever in protest of this event . Come on boys exercise your feedom too that is what makes this country great . While I dont believe in god or support basing our goverment policies laws etc on thier beliefs,I fully support thier rights to be as whacky as they like. Im out.Peace

Terry Jones does not represent the c September 9, 2010 6:05 am (Pacific time)

>what happens if the Muslims announce a plan to burn the Torah? Won't they be accused of extremism, anti-Semitism, fanaticism, fundamentalism and radicalism? No. I condemn the Quran's burning. But to put things into perspective, plenty of Bibles have already been burned by (extremist) muslims: www.topix.com/forum/religion/islam/TS5GV1EH7LUB2675O www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=25885 www.associatedcontent.com/.../christians_in_gaza_fear_for_their_lives.html http://www.fcnn.com/index.php?option=com_contentandview=articleandid=1522:iran-the-burning-of-hundreds-of-bibles-by-the-government-security-forcesandcatid=127:iranian-christianandItemid=593 http://mychristianblood.blogspirit.com/archive/2005/10/23/muslim-blogger-comments-about-what-happened-in-alexandria.html And we just kept quiet about it. Only those who did the desacration were called extremists, but NOT ALL THE MUSLIMS! So please, don't be stupid, leave the Christians outside of this sad affair, we have nothing to do with that pastor Terry Jones.

Jesse September 8, 2010 6:06 pm (Pacific time)

The insanity of burning any religious book just makes me mad! I compare what they are doing to Nazism, maybe even worse.

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Does Burning the Quran Solve Your Problems?

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