BURNING THE QURAN - A Position Statement

I would love to ignore that hateful ignoramus the "Reverend" Terry Jones of Gainesville, FL, USA, but I need to issue a statement because to say nothing might be construed as either support or indifference to this. I do not know what Terry Jones may or may not do.  I do know that what he proposes to do is wrong, wrong, WRONG!!  As a Sikh, I respect all religions and am bound to treat others' holy books as do their adherents.  I treat the Holy Bible, the Holy Quran and all other sacred scriptures as sacred scriptures with respect and love.  I may not - I do not - follow their teachings, but I do accept that they are inspired writings, revered by their followers and worthy of respect.

It has been pointed out to me that part of the reason for Sikhi coming into existence was the persecution of the religious groups of India, primarily the Hindus, by the Muslims.  Excuuuuuuse me!  The persecutors, sure enough, were Muslims, but not the only Muslims.  The Mughal rulers were a small group of tyrants and, it must not be forgotten that those who hunted down and killed Sikhs for a bounty were almost entirely Hindus.  It seemas forgotten that Guru Nanak Dev Ji's dear friend and traveling companion was a Muslim, the cornerstone of Harmandir Sahib Ji was laid by a Muslim, and we mustn't forget Sheik Fareed and Bhagat Kabir whose writings are included in Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, our eternal Guru were Muslims.

I remember seeing birs of Guru ji burnt in the Sikh Genocide of Delhi, 1984.  These pictures are very painful to look at.  Here, see what I mean.

 I cannot wish this on anyone.  Let all Sikhs everywhere condemn this idiot's plan to burn the Holy Quran.  Whether or not this happens, the very idea is so repulsive that it must be vociferously condemned.

The Persecution of Iraqi Christians.

Yesterday I received an e-mail with a heart-felt plea to place a blurb similar to the ones I have for Darfur and for Burma in the right-hand column of this blog. This one would be for the Christians of Iraq. I just now saw on 60 Minutes a segment on Iraqi Christians and their current persecution at the hands of the Muslims there. As a Sikh, of course, I am opposed to all religious persecution. I also understand how very ruthless the Muslims can be to those who do not convert to their religion. There is little difference in attitude between the Mughals of old and the Iraqi Muslims of today. My heart hurts for the Christians of Iraq. They certainly should be left in peace to practice their religion without fear.



So to the Christian group that sent me that request:

As soon as you Christians stop trying to convert my Sikh sisters and brothers in Punjab and elsewhere, by fair means or foul, I will be happy to post your piece on both blogs! Fair enough?

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WHY TRY TO FIT IN?
YOU WERE BORN TO STAND OUT!