PERSPECTIVES

The impending Qur’an burning scheduled for September 11th by the fanatical Dove World Outreach Church in Gainesville, FL is likely to do more harm to Christians, specifically Americans, than Muslims.

The extremist pastor orchestrating the hateful act, considered a sacrilege by both Muslims and moderate Christians, is conducting the demonic deed to demonstrate his disdain for Islam.

Bible burnings in reciprocation are unlikely, as Muslims acknowledge the Divine origin of Christian scripture.

It is however probable that the Qur’an burning will spawn hate crimes toward churches and Christians in the non-Christian world, particularly American citizens residing abroad.

This concern is also echoed by military officials.

Americans are also likely to be seen as a hypocritical community that preaches equality of religion only when it suits their interests.

The planned desecration has been outlawed by the state of Florida though no real action has been taken to enforce the prohibition.

Prudent action would be for state authorities to prevent this outrage from wrecking American-Islamic relations and jeopardizing the security of Americans and Christians worldwide.

In an effort to make Taraweeh easier for congregants during long summer hours, masjids try many different techniques.

Some don’t finish one Juz each night, others import Qaris with rapid fire recitations.

Muslim Center of NY implemented a unique approach that merits mention and emulation.

During the first twenty days, the Qari read more than one Juz each night.

By the time the last ten nights came around only five Juz remained, leaving him with an easy half Juz per night.

This was not only a relief for the weary Taraweeh regulars who could use the extra time toward their Qiyams at home, but was also an ease for the irregulars who come to the masjid in only the last ten nights.

Genius.

Ramadan is not just the month of the Qur’an, it is preferably the month of completing the Qur’an.

The tradition of Qur’anic completion is traced all the way back to the beloved prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم‎

The archangel Jibreel would visit him in this month and review the entire Qur’an with him. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم‎ would undergo this review twice in the last Ramadan of his life.

Here are the completions of some of the early Muslims in Ramadan:

• Qataadah ibn Dia’amah – Every three days in Ramadan, once every day in the last ten days*
• Al Aswad – Every two days in Ramadan*
• Ibrahim an-Nakha’i – Every three days in Ramadan, every two days in the last ten days
• Imam al-Bukhari – Once every day in Ramadan*
• Imam Shafi’i – Twice every day in Ramadan

We’ve got big shoes to fill.