New drive to spread Qur’an message in North America
A Canadian Muslim associated with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is spearheading a campaign to spread the message of Islam in Canada and the United States.
He intends to distribute tens of thousands of English language copies of the Holy Qur’an with the support of Muslim philanthropists. “A copy of the Qur’an will cost only $1.25 if we print it in large numbers,” said Suhail Kapoor.
The move comes after a nondenominational church in Gainesville, Florida, announced plans to host an “International Burn a Qur’an Day” to mark the 9/11 attacks.
“Ours is a proactive move and we hope it will have a positive response. Many people turn against Islam because of their ignorance about this divine religion. If they get a chance to read the Qur’an, which is a miracle from God, it will definitely change their mind,” Kapoor told Arab News.
Kapoor, who has been engaged in the propagation of Islam ever since he embraced the religion in 1990 while working in Saudi Arabia, spoke about the mesmeric power of the Qur’an in winning the hearts of people.
“You know, it was the Qur’an that changed the mind of Omar bin Khattab (the second Caliph) who, before coming to the fold of Islam, had pledged to kill the Prophet (peace be upon him). I know that thousands of people are still accepting Islam after reading this holy book,” he explained. He has already distributed thousands of copies during the last 10 years.
Born a Hindu, Kapoor himself embraced Islam after reading a translation of the Qur’an given by one of his friends in Saudi Arabia 20 years ago.
Kapoor wants to take the message of Islam to policymakers in North America in order to change their attitude toward Islam and Muslims. He believed the renaissance of Islam would come from the West, with hundreds of people embracing the religion every day.
Kapoor is the author of a book called “Islam: Balancing life and beyond,” which presents the basic teachings of Islam in a simple way and highlights the commonalities of the three Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
He urged Muslims to represent Islam in the best manner. “The commitment and passion a Muslim revert has is lacking in born Muslims,” he pointed out. “It’s the sense of understanding and sense of value that makes it different.”
By Arab News
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