HELP EDUCATE YOUR NEIGHBORS ABOUT THE QURAN

CAIR urges Muslims to sponsor its "Explore the Quran" campaign

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/17/05) - CAIR today announced that it would offer free copies of the Quran to the American public in response to the recent controversy generated by a Newsweek article alleging that Islam's holy text was flushed down a toilet.

An item in the May 9 issue of Newsweek reported that investigators probing interrogation abuses at the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay have confirmed that interrogators, in an attempt to rattle suspects, flushed a Qur'an down a toilet and led a detainee around with a collar and dog leash.

Subsequently, the report of the Quran desecration sparked protests in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Gaza, where 16 people were killed and more than 100 injured, according to news reports.

Although Newsweek has since then retracted its statement and offered an apology, other news reports show that allegations of religious desecration at Guantanamo are common among ex-prisoners and have been widely reported outside the United States. SEE: http://rawstory.com/exclusives/newsweek_koran_report_516.htm

In response, CAIR is urging Muslims to help promote a better appreciation and understanding of their faith by donating to the "Explore the Quran" project. CAIR's "Explore the Quran" campaign encourages Muslim individuals, mosques and Islamic organizations to sponsor copies of the Quran, which will then be distributed to interested individuals nationwide.

The $25 packages include a copy of the Quran with Yusaf Ali's English translation and guidelines on how to handle the Quran.

"In today's climate of heightened religious sensitivities and cultural clashes, now is the time for people of all faiths to better acquaint themselves with Islam's sacred text, the Holy Qur'an," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad wad. "The 'Explore the Qur'an' campaign allows the book to speak for itself and educate those of other faith traditions about the beautiful religion of Islam."

Muslim communities and individuals can donate to the project by visiting CAIR's "Explore the Quran" web site at http://www.cair-net.org/explorethequran/.

Those who wish to obtain a free copy of the Quran, can also submit a request on the same website or call 1-800-78-ISLAM (47526).