Sep 8 2010 Fire cannot burn the heart of Islam

by Nisreen, www.121Contact.typepad.com

Today a lot of people gathered in the Dawood Mosque. Different people, different sects, different religions; just like our world that contains all nationalities, all religions on earth.

I wanted to speak at the microphone, but I was hesitant. I regret not saying anything, so I decided to write these words instead.

I am from Iraq and a lot of people have no idea about the Iraqi woman. They are strong and dignified. And I consider myself one of them. For this reason I wanted the people to hear me today. And because I love my country I have to enlighten some people who have already closed their minds. They satisfy themselves by accepting the shell; not thinking deeply.

As a Muslim what is going on these days against the Muslims really hurts me. In such a country as the USA where freedom and equality are proclaimed, lately voices are rising against building an Islamic center in Manhattan. An innocent young man, who wants to live in peace, was stabbed because he is a Muslim. And lastly-the intention to burn copies of the holy Quran. It really hurts me. Especially in this country.

And I am surprised. The one who wants to burn the Quran claims to be a religious person, which means he knows God. But he still insists upon burning the Quran...It's a shame. Unfortunately a lot of people are going to applaud and hail his actions. But they don't know a very important thing...

Normally there is a reaction for any action. So it is natural for the Muslim to be hurt by such an action. But I want to tell these people, who intend to burn the Quran, that one of the principles about Muslims is not to be weak, and not to bow to any except Allah. What they have to know is that Muslims are very courageous, and brave when it comes to their dignity.

Unfortunately, as Muslims, we cannot do the same actions. We cannot burn the bible. We cannot destroy the Torah, or any other holy book. Not because we are too weak, but the Quran forbids us. One of the conditions to be a Muslim is to believe in 'the holy books,' and to believe in all the prophets and messengers that are in them. So we respect all religions and we believe in them.

What I want to tell that priest is even if he burns millions of copies of the Quran, he is only burning books with words. The Koran is an idea and a belief. His fire cannot burn the heart of Islam.

Comments

[Jack Rabbit]

Very well said. Peace and joy to you.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=9105002&mesg_id=9105002

[Terry]

Beautifully put. Thank you for speaking.