Extremist US pastor Terry Jones announces plans to burn Quran again

Anti-Islamist Pastor Terry Jones, who was sentenced to death by an Egyptian court in November 2012 for his ties to a film wrongly protaying Muslims that sparked Islamic riots, is planning a mass Quran burning to mark the 12th anniversary of Sept. 11.

A press release from his organization “Stand Up America!” states that on Sept. 11, 2013, group members and followers will hold an “International Burning of 2,998 Korans” to send Islam a very clear warning. The 2,998 reportedly represents the number who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

“On September 11th, 2013, to remember those who were murdered by radical Islam, and to send Islam a very clear warning that they will not get their foothold in the American Constitution as they have done in Europe, we will be holding an International Burning,” he said, in the release.

Jones’ event, if carried out and given prominent media coverage, would likely provoke some Muslim communities in the world which feel threatened by such inflammatory gestures. Burning copies of the Islamic holy book might also inflame anti-Muslim attitudes in the United States. He has once again announced plans to desecrate Islam’s holy book Quran by burning it, a move likely to spark worldwide outrage.

In November, 2012, an Egyptian court sentenced Jones, in absentia, to death for his role in the production of a blasphemous anti-Islam movie. The $5-million US-made movie Innocence of Muslims was financed by more than 100 Zionist Jews, and sparked massive demonstrations across the Muslim world.

“And We send down of the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) nothing but loss.” [Al-Quran,Surah Al-Isra’, 17:82]

“Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).” [Al-Quran, Surah Al Hijr, 15:9]

Not only does the burning of holy texts reflect the darkest days, but it is hard to think of anything more un-American and un-human. This objectionable act has already caused alarm in the Muslim world, stirring up hate and discrimination.

In a Gainesville Sun article of August 26, 2010, Pastor Terry Jones stated that he has never read the Quran. I find this unfortunate and urge all non-muslims to Read the Quran.

So let’s say you’re a non-Muslim and you’ve decided to support this act of Jones. What now?

Be sure to read a modern translation of the Holy Quran. I’d recommend “The Noble Qur’an: The English Translation of the Meanings and Commentary“, translation by Muhammand Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali and Muhammad Muhsin Khan. (Download a copy here)

And use a biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Try “Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar): Biography of the Prophet“, by Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri. (Download a copy here)

May Allah provide healing and mercy to all, and as for the wrong-doers and transgressors, He will punish him. Ameen!