2/13/06, Letter to the Editor, printed in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

(Printed in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 13, 2006, in response to “Cartoon focus misses big picture”)

“Muhammad Cartoons: Protests offensive, as Quran rejects violence”

Dear Editor:

I write as a Muslim who came to America 15 years ago and received my college education here ("Cartoon focus misses big picture," @issue, Feb .10).

The protesters of the cartoons have taken their reaction to extremes by burning flags and buildings and causing deaths. But as a civil society, America should hold itself to higher standards. It would be arrogance and ignorance to claim a right to blaspheme and offend.

The Quran rejects violent acts even in wartime, much less in peacetime protests. It also clearly bids Muslims not to blaspheme the leaders of any sect, cult, religion, etc., and holds all prophets of God in respect.

Qamar Ahmad