As the month of September started a new controversy in America began. Pastor Terry Jones decided to make an “International Burn a Quran Day” in response to the proposed Muslim Center near Ground Zero. Tensions between Muslims and Americans were seen as citizens voiced their opinions about these issues. Some agree, others oppose, while others don’t see a problem at all. Are we in the process of beginning a modern “crusade” with so many tensions with the Islamic religion?
The intention of burning the Quran began with the controversy of the plan to build an Islamic Community Center two blocks away from the former site of the World Trade Center. Pastor Terry Jones, a Florida preacher who has strong beliefs against the Islamic religion, declared his plan on burning the Quran on September 11, 2010. He asked people all around the world to follow him and burn the Muslims’ sacred book in memory of the families of 9/11. His plan caught the eyes of the media and it became worldwide news. As the days passed and the scheduled time to “Burn the Quran Day” approached, Pastor Jones began confusion by calling on and off his plan.
Islam is a very strict religion, with its followers obeying 10 practices which include: fasting, praying 5 times a day, refusing evil, and a pilgrimage to Mecca. Some Muslims are stricter than others. Those with more serious views are radical Muslims, mostly known for been responsible for the 9/11 attacks. They are fundamentalist who strongly believe on what the Quran says about slaughtering all non-Islamic believers. This is one of the main reasons of why Pastor Terry Jones wanted to burn the Quran.
The mistake of Pastor Jones is his mixing of radical Muslims with moderate Muslims. Moderate Muslims are the ones who are more open minded, respect other religions, and are more independent. Many moderate Muslims have integrated with the American society and have a special affection for the United States.
Under the First Amendment of the Constitution every citizen has freedom of speech and free exercise of religion. This amendment has made the United States a country of freedom. Because of this Pastor Jones was in his uttermost right to burn the Quran, yet is it morally right? Even if anyone tried to judge his beliefs of Islam, including President Barack Obama and other politicians, he still has the freedom to say and do whatever he likes. Even nowadays the controversy and debates about burning the United States flag hasn’t been declared unconstitutional because of freedom of speech.
Still the question remains of the morality of the people. What is the ethical thing to do? Shouldn’t we all respect other people’s beliefs? What if they are too radical? Why if we are a country of freedom some people still discriminate against some religions? Senior Jessica Medina ’11 expresses her opinion about these issues, “The Quran shouldn’t be burned because it’s holy to the Muslims. If something is sacred it should be respected. [Also], if [the Muslims] want to build a mosque let them; it’s like building a Church.”
Free exercise of religion applies to the planning of the Muslim Center near Ground Zero, just like it applies to Pastor Terry Jones. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, founder of Park51, the Islamic Community Center previously called Cordoba House, insists that Park51, planned to be built in Lower Manhattan, is for the whole American community, not only for Muslims. This center would include: fitness facilities, cultural amenities, a library, childcare services, a prayer space, or mosque, and a September 11 memorial open for all citizens regardless religion.
In a CNN interview with the Imam, meaning Islamic leader, he explains that the reasons to build a Muslim center was to “establish a space which embodies the fundamental beliefs of Muslims, Jewish and Christians to love our God and neighbor…to build a space of culture of worship…to get to know each other.” The Imam Feisal understands the opinion’s of Americans and knows the controversy his project has raised. He acknowledges that Americans find the area around Ground Zero as sacred ground yet he doesn’t find them so sacred. He points out that this area is not sacred because it’s filled with strip clubs and other things of such matter, “…lets be fair, you can’t say a place with strip jointers is sacred. We have to be just. We are a country of justice for all, not justice for non Muslims only.”
Even President Barack Obama believes Muslims have the right to build a place of worship and to have their faith respected. Some people share his thoughts while others seem not too open minded. Some people are not well informed and that’s why they make the wrong assumptions. Many people still have the image of seeing two airplanes hijacked by Muslim terrorists crashing into the World Trade Center. Americans still remember the victims and will do so forever. This has made them have a certain opinion and seclude themselves to it, some without hearing any reason from others. They stereotype that because Muslims were the ones who crashed the planes on 9/11 then all Muslims are the same.
So what will these controversies lead us too? What would happen between Americans and Muslims? Will tensions continue to increase? Imagine that Park51 goes as planned and is constructed. Muslims and non-Muslims become members, and enjoy its facilities. What if Americans visit the Islamic Center and realize that there was nothing so wrong after all? What if they realize that the Muslim community is trying to connect and befriend the American society? What if they are trying to do their best to relief the pain by remembering those who died in 9/11?
The most important thing to remember is to respect everyone no matter the religion, ethnicity, and culture. Morality and common sense are key for societies to coexist peacefully.
