The Qur’an: For Learning, Not Burning!

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I just returned from purchasing a copy of the Holy Qur’an. For the past few weeks we have been hearing about a Florida pastor’s plan to burn hundreds of copies of the book central to the religion of Islam today. Of course, after considering a warning by General Patraeus that such a provocative action would put U.S. troops in danger, the pastor reconsidered and canceled his plans. This does not mean that he has extinguished Islamophobia from his heart.

In contrast to this ignorance – which goes well beyond the book burning controversy and the so-called “ground zero mosque” debate – I decided to do something very simple; buy a Qur’an and read it. I would have already done so, but I dropped out of Qur’anic studies at the University as the syllabus coupled with my history courses seemed to be too much! Nevertheless, today, I resume that open minded inquiry that I had years ago. I encourage you to do the same.

On this 9th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01, it is important to cultivate a culture of coexistence away from the ashes of fundamentalisms so that one day perhaps we may truly enjoy each others’ company in peace.

About Gabriel San Roman