(Washington, DC | Feb 24, 2012) This afternoon, Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) President Imam Mohamed Magid hosted an event featuring senior Pentagon officials and U.S. Military Chaplains. The event served as an opportunity for the Department of Defense (DoD) to deliver an official apology for the actions of American soldiers in Afghanistan who unknowingly burned Qurans at Bagram Airfield on Monday.
Speakers included Dr. Peter Lavoy, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia and Pacific Security Affairs, ISNA President Imam Mohamed Magid, and U.S. Military Chaplain Lt. Col. Abdul Rasheed Muhammad.
VIEW: Watch video clips of Secretary Lavoy's remarks at today's event
Assistant Secretary Lavoy apologized on behalf of the DoD to the American Muslim community and assured attendees that the Quran burnings were an unfortunate mistake. He highlighted the many diverse faiths represented in the U.S. military and the strong commitment by the DoD to respect each and every one of those religious beliefs equally. He also assured attendees that the military is investigating the incident and all troops are being retrained in the handling of religious materials.
Reflecting on Assistant Secretary Lavoy's remarks, ISNA President Imam Magid stated, "We are pleased with the rapid response from the DoD and the White House and with their strategies to prevent these actions from occurring in the future," adding, "This is an opportunity for us to move forward from this unfortunate incident and to build new partnerships."
During the event, Imam Magid delivered the Friday sermon to nearly 1,000 D.C. area Muslims on the importance of facing this challenge with the Islamic principles of patience and forgiveness, while preserving the sanctity of human life.
VIEW: Watch the full sermon delivered by Imam Magid, a message for peace
"The people of Afghanistan have the right to be offended over the burning of the Quran. However, in the face of this challenge, the sanctity of human life must be respected above all else," stated ISNA President Imam Mohamed Magid.
"We must remember that although the burning of the Quran is disconcerting, the Quran can never truly be disposed of or forgotten because millions of Muslims across the world have memorized the Quran and it lives forever in their hearts," he added.
The event at ADAMS Center was preceded Thursday by a meeting with Imam Magid and senior members in the DoD at the Pentagon to discuss strategies to ensure the protection of sacred holy texts from intentional and unintentional destruction at the hands of the U.S. military in the future.
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