CAIR is offering free Qur ans to promote understanding

5/21/2005

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, based in Washington, is offering free copies of the Qur an to the American public in response to controversy generated by a Newsweek magazine report alleging that Islam s holy book was desecrated by U.S. interrogators at Guantanamo Bay.

The May 9 issue of Newsweek s report that investigators, in an attempt to rattle suspects, flushed a Qur an down a toilet , triggered protests in Afghanistan. The magazine has since retracted the article, which was based on information provided by an anonymous source.

CAIR said it is offering free copies of the Qur an to increase an understanding and appreciation of Islam. Requests can be submitted online at www.cair-net.org/explorethequran or by phone, 1-800-784-7526. Muslims interested in sponsoring distribution of Qur ans in their local community may contact CAIR at the same number.