Muslim Leader Condemns Plans to Burn Holy Qur'an in United States

LONDON, August 23, 2010 - The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat condemns in the strongest terms reports that
the Dove World Outreach Center, based in the United States, is planning to
burn copies of the Holy Qur'an on 11 September. This would be a most
provocative act and would achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger to
millions of peace loving persons worldwide. Burning any religious scripture
is a horrific act and is directly contrary to the teachings of all the
world's major religions.

The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, His Holiness, Hadhrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad said:

"Religious extremism, be it Christian extremism, Muslim extremism or any
other kind is never a true reflection of the religion. Indeed a number of
churches have condemned this act. There is nothing wrong with intellectual or
theological debate but this should be conducted within the bounds of decency
and tolerance. Instead what we are seeing is hatred being spread."

It is most unfortunate that some so called Muslims have tarnished Islam's
name with their cruel and hate filled acts. Those who perpetrate such acts
fail to realise the true teachings of Islam. The Holy Quran was sent as a
gift to mankind and its teachings are filled with love, tolerance and
respect. However the evil acts of the extremist minority have led to a belief
that it teaches hatred, killing and intolerance.

His Holiness continued:

"The world needs peace, love and brotherhood. The world needs an end to
wars. Instead of walls of hatred being erected we need peace to prevail and
for this to occur people of all faiths must join together. As I said there is
nothing wrong with debates but they should take place in a peaceful and
respectful environment."

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat expresses its hope that the Dove World
Outreach Center withdraws its plans to burn copies of the Holy Qur'an. If
they fail to do so then it is hoped that such an act is not allowed to take
place by local authorities.

If however the event does take place the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will
conduct its protest in a peaceful and law abiding manner. Fanaticism should
not be responded to in a like manner but instead in a reasoned and peaceful
way.

Further Information: Abid Khan, press at ahmadiyya.org.uk , +44(0)7795490682