Widespread anger arises over the threat to desecrate the Qur’an, coinciding with the ninth anniversary of 9/11 and occurring just after the conclusion of Ramadan
A US church’s threats to burn the Qur’an in observance of the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which aligns this year with the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, have drawn strong condemnation from Muslim and Arab countries.
In Iran, a government spokesperson issued a warning regarding an “uncontrolled” response, while a senior cleric from Syria called for Muslim unity against “the enemy.”
Lebanon’s Christian president, Michel Suleiman, criticized the Gainesville, Florida threat, stating it is “in clear contradiction to the teachings of the Abrahamic religions and of dialogue among the three faiths.”
Mainstream media outlets, acutely aware of the controversy surrounding plans for an Islamic 
centre near Ground Zero in New York, reported that the US government condemned the Floridian threat, quoting General David Petraeus, head of US Central Command, who cautioned that it would serve as a propaganda victory for the Taliban and exacerbate anti-American sentiments throughout the Muslim world.
The issue received significant attention on popular Arabic satellite channels, such as al-Jazeera and its Saudi counterpart, al-Arabiya.
Clearly, some damage has been inflicted. Abd al-Razzaq Mu’nis, a former Syrian deputy minister of religious affairs, remarked on al-Aalam TV, an Iranian Arabic-language channel, “We are accustomed to the arrogant governments in the USA and Europe offending Islam and the Prophet Muhammad in various ways, fueling repulsive sectarian fanaticism.”
In Abu Dhabi, the Khaleej Times denounced the actions as “an insane act by an extremist pastor.”
Ramin Mehmanparast, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, cautioned Western nations against “desecrating” Islamic places of worship, emphasizing the need to avoid “sensitive situations between public opinion and Muslims.”
On Sunday, thousands gathered outside the US embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, demanding “jihad to protect the Qur’an.”
This controversy is occurring at a time when the end of Ramadan is imminent. Muslim and Arab nations plan to announce tonight whether Eid al-Fitr will commence tomorrow or Friday, contingent upon the sighting of the new moon. Eid al-Fitr represents one of the two most significant Muslim holidays annually.
As reported by a correspondent for Saudi Arab News from Ohio, “There is a feeling of unease as Eid al-Fitr approaches, close to the anniversary of 9/11.”
Commenting on the al-Manar TV website, which is operated by Hezbollah in Lebanon, an Algerian named Lily stated, “Allah will protect his book from harm. This Ramadan, Muslims are praying to Allah to deal with the hateful crusaders.” An anonymous Moroccan added, “Provocations of this nature will only strengthen the power of Islam.”
