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Quran burnt in Florida church
Controversial US evangelical preacher oversees burning of Quran after finding the holy book "guilty" of crimes.
The burning was carried out under the supervision of Terry Jones. PHOTO: AFP
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA: A controversial US evangelical preacher on Sunday oversaw the burning of a copy of the Quran in a small Florida church after finding the Muslim holy book “guilty” of crimes.
The burning was carried out by pastor Wayne Sapp under the supervision of Terry Jones, who last September drew sweeping condemnation over his plan to ignite a pile of Qurans on the anniversary of September 11, 2001 attacks.
Sunday’s event was presented as a trial of the book in which the Quran was found “guilty” and “executed.”
The jury deliberated for about eight minutes. The book, which had been soaking for an hour in kerosene, was put in a metal tray in the center of the church, and Sapp started the fire with a barbecue lighter.
The book burned for around 10 minutes while some onlookers posed for photos.
Jones had drawn trenchant condemnation from many people, including US President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, over his plan to burn the Muslim holy book in September.
He did not carry out his plan then and vowed he never would, saying he had made his point.
But this time, he said he had been “trying to give the Muslim world an opportunity to defend their book,” but did not receive any answer.
He said he felt that he couldn’t have a real trial without a real punishment.
The event was open to the public, but fewer than 30 people attended.
Life in the normally quiet city of Gainesville is centered around the University of Florida. And while there were public protests against Jones’ 9/11 activities, this event was largely ignored.
Jadwiga Schatz, who came to show support for Jones, expressed concern that Islam was growing in Europe.
“These people, for me, are like monsters,” she said. “I hate these people.”
Jones said he considered this event a success.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.
Reader Comments (160)
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Quran is the exact word of God (Allah) and He promised to protect his book. Millions of Muslims around the world memorized the whole Quran and burning all the copies of the Quran worldwide would not shake an atom bit rather it will backfire those who try to harm his book. Quran is a guide for human being who is looking for true guidance and a warning for those who do mischief on earth and a good news for those who follow his guidance that they will have rewards hereafter waiting for them for enjoy ultimate happiness for ever in the heaven. Quran mentioned about 25 prophets including Adam, Noa, Moses, David, Jesus and Mohammed to whom God send messages for guidance for human kind. While Adam is the 1st messenger, Mohammed is the last messenger to convey the God message to the human kind. Since the last message has to stay intact so that all the forthcoming generations can get the true guidance, the Quran has been protected by God himself and nobody can claim today that any changes took place in Quran since it was revealed about 1400 years ago. So there is no point that you can destroy anything to the true religion Islam because that is the only religion God will accept as mentioned in the Last revelation which Quran. Find out more in the Quran if it is the truth. Quran is a miracle of miracle because everything mentioned since 1400 years ago are still intact and true without any error.Recommend
I posted the following about a week ago. Very unfortunately, events have played out exactly as stated below…I take no joy in this at all — it’s tragic — but the truth speaks for itself…
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/02/world/asia/02afghanistan.html?_r=1
Recommend
@mr. who & @ramon lukban:
Yes, we’ve heard the same defense before in court…”I murdered my wife and my children because my Dad beat me and abused me when I was a child…My Dad is to blame for my actions! I couldn’t control myself!”Recommend
Disgraceful. What have they achieved? Only to show that people are the same everywhere, abusing the freedom which God in His perfect love has given us. They don’t care about the sensitivity of people. How far can one get from God as not to care for his creatures? Unbelievable really. The whole world is against you. Disgraceful… :-(Recommend
this is a henious act of terrorism against the muslim community and i foresee that it will result to a global war for surely Allah guards his books against the disbelievers,disobeyers and haters.let peace fall to those who embrace islamRecommend
It is a shamful act, he didn’t read the Holy Quran, and didn’t try to see what is actually inside this book, and what kind of teachings of this Holy Book, Allah will punish him.Recommend
america burn the quran sarif becose they have fear to risesion islam in america.Recommend
@ All:
My posts keep being rejected for no apparent reason! There is a great article by Christine Fair in Foreign Policy Magazine. It explains the realities of the reactions to the Quran burning better than any other piece — afpak DOT foreignpolicy DOT com. Search for “Murder at Mazar”.
The truth is hard to swallow sometimes when emotionalism and honor cloud the view…Recommend
A crazy mind!
I think, church shouldd punish & charge this man!
Who was servered by this agt? Freedom act in Canada constitution is 100% sure, is against
this type of mentality. The world should claim against the human right crimes like this.Recommend
It is very shamefull act done by these people…These people must answer in the judgement day in front of ALLAH and also the whole world will see there desoster in this world, and why they not think about that this is not an ordinary book but this is words of ALLAH which helps and guide the whole humanity in this world and hereafter….I love ALLAH and his prophet MOHAMMAD (sallalaho aliahay wa’aalaihi wassalam) and his holy book QURANRecommend