Build Bridges; Don't Burn Them
By: Riyaz Muhammad

Dear Editor,

Most unfortunately, religious fanaticism is slowly gaining a stronghold in America. A small group in Florida is planning to burn the Qur'an this upcoming 9/11. Presenting spurious, weak arguments in favor of their decision, I feel their intolerance rivals that of extremists of all, or no, religions.

As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which has always verbally and practically followed its motto "Love for All Hatred for None," I would request this group to abandon the event. I call on all other American religious and non-religious institutions to foster efforts of their own much like the recently launched “Muslims for Peace” campaign (www.muslimsforpeace.org), designed to create peace and trust between all Americans.

Also, Muslims are observing the month of Ramadan at this time to spiritually refine themselves. They should benefit from this monthlong moral training and completely shun any non-peaceful responses to Jones’ endeavor. Otherwise, they will be no different than the fanatics.