In the Name of God, the
All-beneficent, the All-merciful
Media
outlets have exposed an American preacher who is insisting on
burning copies of the Holy Quran as an expression of his hatred
towards the divine religion of Islam.
This
abhorred act is not in-line with the role of the religious and
spiritual leadership, whose role is to enroot the values of love
and peaceful coexistence amongst followers of diverse
faith-traditions and ideologies, all based upon mutual respect of
one another's rights.
The
authorities in the United States of America are urged to prevent
such a heinous act from proceeding. If such an act were permitted,
the repercussions would be unfavorable and may even be dangerous.
Using freedom of expression as an excuse does not justify such
shameful behavior. This act represents a blatant attack upon the
beliefs of others and what they sanctify, and will lead to the
creation of an environment conducive to more tension, struggle and
violence.
The
Office of the Supreme Religious Jurist [Grand Ayatullah Sayed Ali
al-Seestani] strongly condemns such an assault on the Holy
Quran and stresses the urgency of preventing such a violation from
occurring. Furthermore, it strongly urges Muslims, wherever they
may reside, to maintain the highest levels of self-control and that
they do not commit any act of wrongdoing towards any Christians,
always reminding themselves of the words of The Almighty
God:
"O you
who believe! Be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice,
and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act
equitably;
act equitably, that is nearer to piety, and be careful of (your
duty to) Allah; surely Allah is Aware of what you do."
Holy
Quran 5:8
The
Office of Sayyid al-Sistani
The Holy
City of Najaf
Please
allow the image to download for the Arabic
translation
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