These "scholars" are asking President Obama, Florida Governor, and Gainesville Mayor to intervene. Such a request to the elected officials proves these "scholars" neither have any knowledge of the American laws, nor they bothered to consult a lawyer before writing this letter. These "scholars" must understand that the same first amendment to the US Constitution that gives every person living in the US the right to express their feelings towards anybody and anything (freedom of expression includes the right to burn effigies of public figures, burn the US flag, and even burn the US constitution), grants freedom to all Americans to burn religious books. Unlike Sultans, Kings, and All-Powerful heads of states Muslims are familiar with, the US president, the Florida Governor, and the Mayor of Gainesville are sworn to be subservient to the US Constitution, including all the amendments; these elected figures cannot intervene in the legal system, on a case by case basis.
Muslims must grow a thicker skin and learn to ignore acts of provocation, instead of reacting to them and propelling small town news to an international level and making Johnny Nobody famous.

Photo courtesy of CBC News.

====and the original letter=========

Muslim Shia Council
In the Name of God the Beneficent, the Merciful

AN OFFENSE AGAINST THE HOLY QURAN

* Our letter and appeal to all the believers in North America
* Suggested letter to the officials
* Information and mailing details


OurLetterThe Letter from the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars in North America
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Peace & blessings upon you (Salam Alikum)

On September 11th, a group in Florida is organizing a day to burn the Holy Quran. The Council of Shia Muslim Scholars in North America is sending this letter to:

* The United States President Mr. Barack Obama
* The Governor of the State of Florida Mr. Charlie Crist
* The Mayor of Gainesville, Florida, Mr. Craig Lowe
* Senator of the State of Florida, Mr. Bill Nelson
* Senator of the State of Florida, Mr. George LeMieux

We urge you to please show your support for our position by sending this letter from your own e-mails or home address to the detailed addresses below (please refer to the end of this e-mail for the detailed information.)

In this Holy Month, the month of revelation of the Holy Quran, the least we can all do is defend the Book of God by communicating this position to others.

May God shower with His Mercy and accept your work.
Thank you.

Peace & blessings upon you (Salam Alikum)


OfficialLetterSuggested Letter to the officials in support of the position of the Council
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Dear ____________________,

Kind greetings to you.

Surely, you are aware of some of the radical voices calling for burning the Holy Quran on the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy. This issue is becoming increasingly worrisome to American citizens with each passing day.
We, the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars in North America, with the responsibilities we hold toward our fellow citizens - whether they be Muslims or not - and with that which is entrusted to us by thousands of our adherents from mosques and Islamic centers across the United States, say the following:

Indeed, we thank the majority of our Christian brethren as they have denounced this grave offense against one of the world's major religions. We truly do extend our gratitude to the religious personalities and groups, church officials, and humanitarian organizations that have condemned this attack on more than 1.5 billion Muslims. Still, we write to you because you are responsible for the security and stability of this nation and one of the greatest priorities is to prevent potential harm from reaching American citizens. These proposed irresponsible appeals are no more than attempts at causing sedition that can rip the fabric of the American public by playing on the strings of faction and religion - the connection between a human and his Lord and Creator.

We have complete confidence in your ability to absorb and deal with a situation of this gravity, realizing its repercussions. We also have hope in what the American people have become familiar with in your awareness, boldness and courage. Thus, we anticipate that you will intervene to stop the likes of these provocative and troublesome acts which are targeting people this time by exploiting the garb of faith and posing with sacred robes in the hearts of the faithful.

Sincerely Yours,

_______________________


AddressesAddresses & Information
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1. President of the United States:
* The President, The White House, Washington, DC 20500
* http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
2. Mayor of Gainesville, Florida
* Mayor: Craig Lowe, Gainesville, Florida
* mayor@cityofgainesville.org
* lowesc@cityofgainesville.org
* 200 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32601
3. Governor of the State of Florida
* Governor Charlie Crist (Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com)
* Office of Governor Charlie Crist,
o State of Florida,
o The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St.,
o Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
4. Senators of the State of Florida
* Senator: Bill Nelson
o 716 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
o Tel: (202) 224-5274
o Fax: (202) 224-5274
o Web Form: billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm
* Senator: George S. LeMieux
o 356 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
o Tel: (202) 224-3041
o Fax: (202) 224-3041
o Web Form: lemieux.senate.gov/public/?p=EmailSenatorLeMieux