Disrespect to the Book is the mankind's own loss

Newsweek had to withdraw its report of alleged Quran abuse due to an uproar throughout the Muslim world. According to the published report, US military investigators had found evidence that American guards at the detention centre in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, had committed infractions in trying to get terror suspects to talk, including in one case flushing a copy of Holy Quran down a toilet.

The reaction of the Muslim world points to the miraculous nature of the Quran and further signifies the divine relationship that exists between the Creator and those who adhere to His path — the path of moderation and peace.

Although Newsweek has retracted its story under immense pressure, it has highlighted the fact that any desecration of the holy Book cannot go hidden, regardless of time and place. Even in the dark, high security cells of Guantanamo Bay, the Protector brought this hideous crime to light and forced the wrongdoers to think twice.

The Quran is protected for very obvious reasons. It’s Allah’s last message and gift to mankind. It is the fulfillment of His promise to Adam and his descendants: "There shall come to you guidance from Me, and whosoever follows My Guidance no fear shall be on them, neither shall sorrow visit them." [Quran, 2:38]

Therefore, it’s indeed the greatest injustice to mankind if the last Book of Guidance is desecrated. This incident also brings Muslims closer to another reality: Muslims are Allah’s vicegerents on earth. It is for the Muslims to protect the Quran by learning and teaching it, and memorising and respecting its laws and provisions, and knowing thereby what is permissible and what is forbidden. It is for Muslims to honour those who understand and have memorised the Quran and make themselves aware of Allah’s Message and His promises and warnings.

Talking of the powerful message the Book offers, Allah says: "Had We sent this Quran down upon a mountain you would have seen it humbled, rent asunder from the fear of Allah." [Quran, 59:21]

Another verse reads: "Assuredly, it is a generous Quran, in a Book kept hidden, which none touches save the purified; a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds." [Quran, 56:77-80]

"Had it been possible for a Quran to cause the mountains to move, or the earth to be torn asunder, or the dead to speak — but Allah’s is the whole command." [Quran, 13:31]

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, in a hadith narrated by Bukhari on the authority of Osman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him: "The best of you is he who learns and teaches the Quran."

He also said, as reported by Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Musa al-Ashari: "Hold fast constantly to this Quran, for by Him in Whose hand lies the soul of Muhammad, it escapes from one more easily than does a camel from its hobbling-cord."

They also relate the following on the authority of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him: "Envy is permissible only in respect of two men: one whom Allah gives his book, and who stands reciting it day and night, and a man whom Allah gives wealth, which he gives in charity day and night."

The above-mentioned verses and prophetic sayings instil in Muslims a desire to understand and apply the Quran. They also lend encouragement to non-Muslims to analyse the message of the Quran and approach learned Muslims with their queries.

At the same time, Muslims need to convey an important hadith of their noble Prophet to the offenders of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "Verily Allah raises nations by this book (the Quran) and puts down (i.e. destroys) others by it." [Muslim]