Burning the Qur'an...?

The imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday said that a US pastor�s threat to burn copies of the Holy Qur�an was an act of terrorism and an incitement to terrorism.

Delivering his Eid sermon to the nearly 2.5 million faithful who thronged the mosque, Sheikh Saleh Bin-Humaid also called the move an act of aggression against Islam, its followers and its sanctity.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, senior princes and Cabinet members attended the congregation.

Bin-Humaid, who is chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council, urged Muslims to establish better relations with other communities and cultures.

�We call for more solid relations, greater understanding, mutual respect and cooperation between peoples,� the imam said, stressing the importance of interfaith dialogue.

�It�s from this holy city, the capital of Islam and Muslims, the interfaith dialogue conference set off in order to build bridges of dialogue and understanding and peaceful coexistence and reject all forms of terrorism and fanaticism,� Bin-Humaid said.

The imam described Islam as a religion of truth, moderation and tolerance.

Bin-Humaid said the Holy Qur�an is an eternal miracle as Muslims during the past 14 centuries have been linked with the Holy Book.

�It�s not a historical artifact or a rare document. It�s the basis of the Islamic faith and a book of guidance, law and morals.�

The imam said God Almighty has promised that He would protect the Holy Qur�an until the Day of Judgment. He also reiterated Muslims� continued faith in other prophets and divine books such as the Bible and the Torah.

�Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best manner,� the imam told Muslims, quoting a verse from the Holy Qur�an.

In Madinah, Sheikh Ali Al-Hudaify, imam of the Prophet�s Mosque, cautioned Muslims against Al-Qaeda�s extremist ideology that encourages to kill and frighten innocent people.

�Those who support them with money or encourage them by words or give them cover are sinful like them,� the imam said.

ref: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article133785.ece