We need to tolerate those who uphold faiths, leaders say

By Ali Abdi

Isiolo branch Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Secretary Sheikh Harun Rashid has urged Christians to tolerate other religions.

Addressing thousands of Muslim faithful at Isiolo Stadium to mark Idd-ul-Fitr, he condemned earlier plans by a US church to burn copies of the Quran.

Rashid termed the plan by the Florida church provocative and meant to portray Islam as a religion that advocates violence.

He said the move was likely to cause religious animosity between Christians and Muslims.

"We call on Muslims to voice their concern against the plan and pray for pastor Terry Jones, (head of the Dove World Outreach Centre) to be a person of tolerance," he said.

The church had intended to burn copies of the Islamic holy book this Saturday in remembrance of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on World Trade Centre in New York.

However, Jones called off the event as global outrage mounted, with US President Barack Obama warning the plan would swell the ranks of al-Qaeda.

Rashid praised Obama for defending Islam.

At the same time, the clerics appealed to the faithful to sacrifice part of their earnings to support the needy.

"Muslims must take this opportunity to alleviate suffering among the needy by providing basic needs and other necessities according to God’s teachings," said Rashid.