Qur'an Desecration Is Nothing New

[PsychoDad]

Qur'an Desecration Is Nothing New
Monday, June 27, 2005
http://drhassaballa.blogspot.com/
Published today by the Religion News Service.


"In the Name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Although many Americans have recently come to learn about it
for the first time, the desecration of the Quran is nothing new. Islam's sacred text has been desecrated for many years now, although not a single printed page of paper and ink was harmed in the process.

The Sept. 11 hijackers desecrated the Quran by their act of mass murder in New York City and Washington, D.C. In fact, all those who attack and kill civilians in the name of Islam -- some of the insurgents in Iraq, suicide bombers attacking a Shiite mosque in Pakistan, the bombers in Bali, Indonesia -- all of them, by their actions, viciously desecrate the Quran. A Muslim merchant who cheats his customers -- despite always taking care to keep the book clean -- desecrates the Quran.
...
While technically a book of paper and ink, the Quran is a life-force,
breathing life into the believer and awakening him or her from a deep
spiritual slumber. Moreover, the Quran is brought to life by the believer who follows its commands. The best example of this is the Prophet Muhammad, who was described by his wife as a "walking Quran."
...
The Quran holds all life, but most especially human life, with the
utmost of sanctity. The Quran says: "Nor take life -- which God has made sacred -- except for just cause ... " It also says, "Take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus doth he command you, that ye may learn wisdom." The verses are unequivocal, without condition or qualification. Further emphasizing this sanctity, suicide is strictly prohibited: " ... do not kill yourselves, for verily God has been most merciful unto you."
...
Still, the incidents of Quran desecration did have some positive
outcomes. The American public has gotten an opportunity to learn more about the Quran and how important the sacred text is to Muslims the world over. In fact, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, almost 12,000 people have requested a free copy of the Quran since May 17. This can only be a good thing. Equally as important, however, the incidents of Quran desecration have caused me to reflect on the true meaning of the Quran and a deeper understanding of what it means to desecrate any sacred text. And I
will be all the better because of it. "


Hesham A. Hassaballa is a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician currently practicing in the greater Chicago area and has been a Beliefnet columnist since 2001. Dr. Hassaballa is also a columnist for the Religion News Service, and he has written extensively on a freelance basis, being published in the Chicago Tribune as well as other newspapers around the country and around the world.

[The Magistrate]

1. An Excellent Text, Sir, From The Good Doctor

Thank you for sharing this with us.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Thank you

for posting this, as it echos the feelings of Musilms I know.