An organization called "Dove World Outreach Center" is having an "International Burn a Koran Day." You don't have to guess hard to figure out which day (Sept. 11th) they picked. I won't post the links to their youtube video explaining their mission to be hateful (apparently that's how Jesus was) or their facebook page (yeah, that's professional) and I encourage you not to go looking for them (unless you intend to flag them as inappropriate BS which has no place in civilized discourse.)
But before you are outraged, just consider the irony. The name of the organization is "Dove World Outreach Center." The dove is the symbol of peace, so the name conjurs the idea that they intend to "reach out" to the entire world with peace. As Muslims constitute 20% or more of the world, they should reach out with peace to Muslims too, right?
In the video, a preacher tries to explain why real Christians should be burning the Qur'an. It's apparently because, according to him (and the organization, as it's stated on their website), "Islam is of the devil." Ponder for a moment what that means... "of the devil."
Does it mean that it originated with the devil? Is manipulated by the devil? Is a part of the devil?
If he believes that the Bible is the Word of God (which is what he calls it in the video) doesn't he consider how Muslims are not, ever, having "Burn a Bible Day?" But hey, every now and again some Muslims do something stupid, so I (for one) won't be holding this "International Burn the Koran Day" against my Christian friends and relatives. Mostly I think these folks want to just piss Muslims off and I see no reason to give them that satisfaction.
But what is it about the Qur'an which they really take issue with? The fact that the Qur'an wholly rejects the attribution of children (or partners of any kind) to Allah. And about Christians who claim it, the Qur'an says what means:
(9:30) That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?
I also think it's funny that they decided to have this "International" day on September 11th--a day fixed in the American psyche specifically. And I would love to tell them how horribly they've distorted the teachings of their own religion (you get more bees with honey than vinegar--did nobody teach them this lesson?) but I should probably let other Christians do that.
But just a thought--who is going to think they are rightly guided if they go around burning other people's holy books? Actions speak louder than words, and their actions really say nothing of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control," but rather of "hatred." And possibly sheer stupidity, but maybe that can't be helped.
Either have a laugh, or just ask these folks--if Christianity is a religion of peace, then why are you reaching out with aggression? If Christianity is a religion of truth, why can't you just explain the truth? Why do you have to hate on Muslims--what's better about the message of Islam that people accept it instead of Christianity?
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8 comments:
Assalam Alaikum,
What else can we do? Just to be a good practicing Muslims ourselves and our actions will speak a thousand words~
These people who create hatred are the most pitiful ones... Imagine them having to face The Almighty on that fateful day...
To think that they themselves are doing good... Let's not get angry with such people... Instead, we should just pity them and hopefully they'll realise their silly actions...
W'salam,
Khadijah C.
Assalaam Alaikum sister,
I've been a silent reader on your blog for some time now and would just like to say you have some excellent entries, MashaAllah. One of my dear friends is a revert to Islam so I hold any such sister very close to my heart. =)
In regard to this post, I too, like sister Khadijah, think these people deserve pity more so than outrage (though I am certainly quite outraged by such a proclamation). Hatred only breeds hatred.
May Allah (SWT) give them guidance, or if He deems so, punish them for their wrongful intentions and actions.
Insha'Allah, let's lead by positive example and show our non-Muslim counterparts what a beautiful way of life Islam really is.
I just ignore them. They can burn whatever they want. No matter how many copies they burn, the Holy Quran will live in the hearts of Muslims forever. They can't take that away from us.
My guess is they're just trying to get a reaction out of us. If we ignore them, they'll eventually go away.
There are host of reasons that makes Islam more appealing than Christianity and not the least of it is the importance of security for women. I wouldn't be surprised if newly converts are disproportionately women.(as I don't know the statistics)
I think this world could do a lot better without either or any of its kind, for that matter.
As a writer, I'm not a proponent of burning books, whether or not I agree with them. It's a disgusting practice that does nothing except stink up the air.
Khadijah called it. We can strive to be the best example possible. I try to remind myself the those who burn books rarely look wiser for their choice.
Great post. Salaam!
I also feel sorry for them. May Allah set their hearts aright and open their eyes to reality....
Salams sis. Love the irony and I must admit, I did laugh at this. :)
Whatever it is, let's just pray that Allah S.W.T will enlighten these people and snap them out of this "childlike games". :)
As one sister posted to the "Reverend" behind this day, "Why don't you try a 'Read it before you burn it' Day?".
Beautifully put!
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