A Response to the group "International Burn A Koran Day" ( A Facebook

group)
“On September 11th, 2010, from 6pm - 9pm, we will burn the Koran on the property of Dove World
Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the
evil of Islam.”

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Islam is an extension of the Abrahamic tradition. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all trace their
origins from Abraham. They are faiths that recognize a spiritual tradition which share common
values and practices. There theological continuity is profound.  For example:

 "All the Abrahamic religions affirm one personal eternal God who created a contingent
universe, who providentially rules history, who sends prophetic and angelic messengers and who
reveals the divine will through inspired Scriptures. They also affirm that obedience to this
creator God is to be lived out historically, and that one day God will unilaterally intervene in
human history on the day of judgment and will determine for all humanity their eternal destinies
of heaven or hell based upon a person's beliefs and actions."

 If Islam is of the devil  (as the group claims) than should the other Abrahamic religions be also
considered devilish since Islam drives much of its tradition from Christianity and Judaism? I
don't think so. Often religion is manipulated or misunderstood to further what the individual
believes are of the teachings of that specific religion. However, those misguided beliefs are
contrary to the fundamental principles of religion; which are harmony, peace, neighbourly and
forbearance. There is no doubt that much wrong has been done in the name of God and religion.
But it does not make any religion evil. Humans are violent, extreme, and arrogant ... etc.
Religions aim to bring peace to the believer and harmony to society.  

 I wonder, what will anyone gain by burning the Quran? There are billions of copies worldwide.
Wouldn't this create more conflict and hate? Besides Muslims have died in the 9/11 attacks as
well. What will you remember them by if you burn the book they believe in? Is it not
dishonouring some of the victims of 9/11 by burning the Quran?

 I urge you to return back to common sense and put a stop to this as it only serves to create more
hate, bigotry and conflict. Instead, let’s create a page that calls for the unity of Abrahamic
religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and promote peace and the common good of
humanity.

Peace and God bless!

Ahmed A. Abdullahi