American soldier uses Koran for target practice
May 18, 2008
“An American soldier used a Koran, the Holy Book of Islam, for target practice in a predominately Sunni area west of Baghdad, prompting an apology from the U.S. military.
The Associated Press reports that Iraqi police found the bullet-riddled Koran with graffiti inside the cover on a small-arms range near a police station in Radwaniyah, a former insurgent stronghold west of Baghdad.
The shooting, which occurred May 9 and was discovered two days later, threatened to further strain relations between the Americans and Sunni allies who have joined forces with them against al-Qaeda in Iraq in Radwaniyah and other areas.”
The incident shows deep-rooted religious intolerance, identified by Shoghi Effendi as one of the ‘outstanding characteristics of a decadent society’. He writes that this ’society must either be reborn or perish’ before mankind will adhere to his command of ‘consorting with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.’
The top American commander in Baghdad apologized to tribal leaders in Radwaniyah. “I come before you here seeking your forgiveness,” Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond was quoted as saying by CNN. “In the most humble manner I look in your eyes today and I say please forgive me and my soldiers.”
The commander also read a letter of apology by the shooter, and another military official kissed a Koran and presented it to the tribal leaders, according to CNN.
This act on the other hand shows great respect for the Book – praised by Baha’u'llah Himself as the ‘mighty Qur’an’ and ‘the surest testimony of God unto men’ – and its Writer – extolled as the ’sovereignty of Muhammad’ and the ‘Day Star of Truth’.
Such is yet another struggle to overcome our ridiculous religious prejudices.
