Now, I uphold the first amendment fully and support the absolute right to ones own opinion, as long as it stops at the tip of my nose. I also support, but do not agree with the burning of books. The fact that this Imam is calling for censorship based on his being insulted that someone set alight three Qur'ans outside an Islamic center in Dearbornistan is telling; only Islam wants all expressions of free speech regarding Islam restricted or outright banned.
From the Press and Guide June 17 by Aysha Jamali
(UPDATED) Qurans burned at Dearborn mosque; imams consider new law
From the Press and Guide June 17 by Aysha Jamali
(UPDATED) Qurans burned at Dearborn mosque; imams consider new law
DEARBORN — Several Qurans were burned in front of a mosque at about noon Tuesday in possible connection with anti-Islam Pastor Terry Jones’ expected visit to the city Saturday.
The three copies of the Quran, Muslims’ holy book believed to be the word of God, were set on fire and left to burn at the curb in front of the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center, 15332 W. Warren Ave.
The imam of the mosque, Sheikh Husham Al-Husainy, confirmed that the incident occurred and that police are investigating.
Al-Husainy said he met with public safety officials Thursday including the FBI and the city’s police chief.
“I’ve been in this mosque for 20 years, and this never happened,” he said. “It’s the first time.”
The mosque is the center of Dearborn's Iraqi Shi'a community and is often visited by people interested in its history. Al-Husainy said visitors come each week and for group tours.
People were beginning to gather for the afternoon prayer when they saw a fire in front of the mosque, he said. When they went to put it out, some people trying to use their bare hands, they saw it was copies of the Quran, he said.
A group of local imams convened Thursday at the Islamic Institute of Knowledge in Dearborn to discuss how to handle the situation. Although a connection of Jones’ visit was not confirmed in this incident, the imams discussed his visit and agreed to continue to ignore it.
Jones said the Quran burnings had no direct connection with him or his organization, Stand Up America Now.
“But, of course, we will support the Quran burnings under expression of First Amendment rights,” he said.
Jones is visiting Dearborn again to rally against Islamic Sharia law. The Florida native is the featured guest speaker at the Dearborn Freedom Rally, an event held by the American Patriotic Bikers.
Jones plans to speak in front of the Islamic Center of America on Ford Road but, because he did not obtain a permit from the city, spoke in front of City Hall, one of Dearborn’s designated “free speech zones.”
Imam wants new law banning burning of holy books
Several attorneys also met with the imams at Thursday’s meeting. Al-Husainy said they helped with legal advice in his plan for a new law making it illegal to burn or desecrate holy books.
“We want all of the religions to cooperate with us to bring respect to the word of God, whether the Quran, Bible, or Torah,” he said.
He said he understands it will be a challenge.
“But again, a journey of 1,000 miles starts with one step,” he said.
The three copies of the Quran, Muslims’ holy book believed to be the word of God, were set on fire and left to burn at the curb in front of the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center, 15332 W. Warren Ave.
The imam of the mosque, Sheikh Husham Al-Husainy, confirmed that the incident occurred and that police are investigating.
Al-Husainy said he met with public safety officials Thursday including the FBI and the city’s police chief.
“I’ve been in this mosque for 20 years, and this never happened,” he said. “It’s the first time.”
The mosque is the center of Dearborn's Iraqi Shi'a community and is often visited by people interested in its history. Al-Husainy said visitors come each week and for group tours.
People were beginning to gather for the afternoon prayer when they saw a fire in front of the mosque, he said. When they went to put it out, some people trying to use their bare hands, they saw it was copies of the Quran, he said.
A group of local imams convened Thursday at the Islamic Institute of Knowledge in Dearborn to discuss how to handle the situation. Although a connection of Jones’ visit was not confirmed in this incident, the imams discussed his visit and agreed to continue to ignore it.
Jones said the Quran burnings had no direct connection with him or his organization, Stand Up America Now.
“But, of course, we will support the Quran burnings under expression of First Amendment rights,” he said.
Jones is visiting Dearborn again to rally against Islamic Sharia law. The Florida native is the featured guest speaker at the Dearborn Freedom Rally, an event held by the American Patriotic Bikers.
Jones plans to speak in front of the Islamic Center of America on Ford Road but, because he did not obtain a permit from the city, spoke in front of City Hall, one of Dearborn’s designated “free speech zones.”
Imam wants new law banning burning of holy books
Several attorneys also met with the imams at Thursday’s meeting. Al-Husainy said they helped with legal advice in his plan for a new law making it illegal to burn or desecrate holy books.
“We want all of the religions to cooperate with us to bring respect to the word of God, whether the Quran, Bible, or Torah,” he said.
He said he understands it will be a challenge.
“But again, a journey of 1,000 miles starts with one step,” he said.
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