The Quran burning event organized by the Rev. Terry Jones of the Gainesville, Florida-based Dove World Outreach Center is by no means an extraordinary act. Let me remind the readers of the events that followed la reconquista. Thousands of Islamic and scientific books were burned in almost a city-event gathering. The Holy Quran was among the burned books. So, Quran burning is not new. While I recognize the symbolism of resentment and the message of religious intolerance Mr. Jones and his supporters are conveying to Muslims. Muslims world wide need not overreact to this provocation and accept it as the ignorant act that it is. We must not condemn ourselves.
I must remind Mr. Jones, and I hope this does not ruin Mr. Jones’s book burning fiesta, the book is memorized by heart by millions and millions of men and women around the world. And likely by hundreds in Florida alone. Whatever is burnt on Saturday, will be reprinted on Monday. Therefore, Let Mr. Jones exercise his first amendment and enjoy his short hour of fame and glory without incident.
