Ignore Pastor's 'foolishness', say clerics
While there are protests raging in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other Muslim countries against the Quran burning call by a United States pastor, Islamic clergy and intellectuals in India have played it down as 'an act of foolishness of one person lacking knowledge of Quran'. Prasad Nichenametla reports.
While there are protests raging in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other Muslim countries against the Quran burning call by a United States pastor, Islamic clergy and intellectuals in India have played it down as 'an act of foolishness of one person lacking knowledge of Quran'.
Even as reports suggest that Terry Jones, a Florida-based pastor took back his call, the Imams of prominent mosques want Muslims to celebrate Eid undisturbed by such moves and spread the peace message of Quran.
"The Pastor's call is nothing but foolishness. Quran is a religious scripture, which like Gita, or Bible spreads the message of peace. There is no need or reason for Muslims to react to such calls," said Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid.
"Quran does not target anyone. There is no meaning in burning the holy book. Instead of reacting or replying in same coin which can disrupt law and order, Muslims should pray to Allah to bring peace to entire world," Dr Mufti Mohhammad Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam of Fatehprui Masjid in Delhi said.
Following Home Minister P. Chidambaram's appeal to the US for strong action to prevent the outrageous act from being committed, US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer who met the minister on Friday strongly condemned the burn call.
"I condemn such acts as disrespectful, intolerant, divisive, and un-representative of American values. The deliberate destruction of any holy book is an abhorrent act," Roemer said later.