German government moves to block Quran distribution

Hürriyet photo

Angela Merkel´s ruling Christian Democratic Union Party recently began a campaign to prevent an Islamic group from distributing copies of the Quran on the street in Germany, private broadcaster NTV reported on its website.

Ibrahim Ebu Nagi, a Salafi Muslim of Palestinian descent, began his “Lies!” campaign to distribute Islam´s holy book in Oct. 2011. The campaign has distributed over 300,000 books in 35 German cities, and is funded largely by Turkish families living in Germany.

German politicians have initiated a counter-campaign to end the distribution, saying the “Quran in every house" campaign should be stopped. The Islamic organization’s move threatens religious freedom, a member of the Christian Democratic Union Party said.

Hurriyetdailynews

Angela Merkel (or the German Government) obviously does not want Quran to be in popular and wide circulation among their non-Moslem population.

Understanding the motives of Angela Merkel is only possible,

1. If we can establish Quran´s orders to Moslems, regarding how Moslems should conduct their relations with Non Moslems, clearly and sincerely for ourselves first.

2. Then realize how the same rules are read, interpreted and understood by likes of Angela Merkel.

Perhaps there are some misunderstandings in average non-Moslems´ minds, that Moslems should have clarified long time ago. This can be a hard task; any volunteers ?

I don´t really understand why the Arabic Qur´an should be in every house. Isn´t it a holy item for the Muslims which should be handled with respect and in the state of purity? A German translation, commentary, yes maybe, but why a mushaf?

But I don´t think this was Merkel´s concern.

An ordinary German can not understand Arabic. I reckon there is an German translation along with its original[Arabic] in the copies they distribute to German people.

Logically at least.

free quran... possible but it is not right to push people walking on the street to take your free quran. the better way is to write a "free" sign and not to stop anyone to take it.

in usa some people from church i think, delivers free religious christian magazines. about ten times they came to me and keep talking until i get their free magazine while i was waiting on the bus stop! i cannot go away because i wait for the bus! so i take the magazines. i read one or two pages maybe, and throw more than ten magazines into trash!

How true is that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In USA, YES!!!! They can!

Can Christians freely distribute Bibles in many Islamic countries? You even cannot aboard a plane to Saudis with your personal Bible in your pocket.

Stop moaning, people! Look at yourselves first. Look what you did to Christians in Malatya and many other unreported incidents.

There are many Christians and Chrisitan missionaries are killed in Moslem countries every month. Also Christian converts from Islam are persecuted and murdered.

I never heard any moslem missionary got killed in Christian countries, beheaded or dismembered.

You moslem people are often shameless and cruel. Really! A tiny thing, a tiny mistake made to one of moslems is over victimized, traumatized. But you never make a tiny attempt to see your own cruelty to others.

How dare you demand justice or good treatment while your attitude to so called Kafurs are disgusting.

Why dont you clean your own garden first? Why dont you stop persecuting non moslems in your countries?

For goodness´ sake how can an item be holy? How can a piece of paper can be holy? Is it God?

Those who believe god sent them a divine book for their enlightenment consider that book "holy" not because of the stuff it is written on, but for the message it carries.

Lemon, pls do not sound like a religious fanatic in your posts. Can you keep your discussions at an intellectual level ?

You should look up "Crusades" in history books...you will find many answers.

Just to make sure you know the facts I tell you, lemon, that according to Islamic theology Qur´an is a revelation from God, literal God´s word. It is a miracle and it´s not from this world. There is nothing man-made in it. Not a word changed in it during its presence on earth. A piece of paper where a word of Qur´an is written is not a piece of paper. If only the word Allah is written on an item you shouldn´t step on it or take it into dirty places. You shouldn´t recite Qur´an if you are not in the state of purity.

That´s why I was wondering why a Muslim wants to give it to someone who doesn´t understand its value.

The history of Qur´an is very much different from that of the Bible and these books shouldn´t be compared. You certainly know this.

Whether you or anyone else believes in the holiness of Qur´an or believes not is not my concern. My opinion is there are no tools to discuss things like this because for the one who believes everything is proof and the one who doesn´t sees this proof with different eyes. I don´t have the time or the interest. I have a language to learn.

I often wonder why any government wants to get involved in the affairs of it´s adult citizens´ private lives.  If someone offered me a Koran, I would either take it or decline it.  I am an adult.  I can decide what I read and don´t read...what I believe and don´t believe. 

What everyone believes the Koran to be or not to be is not the issue.  The issue is a government limiting free speech.  The religious course of a nation should be decided by the people not the government. 

We, as people, must be very careful about how powerful we allow our governments to become.  Once we say it is OK to decriminate against one group, we open up the doors for descrimination of all groups.  I don´t believe any government has the right to dictate what people believe, how they live their personal lives or what they wear...

I agree with Elizabeth. As long as the audience is grown ups who can make their own decisions there must be no legal burden keeping people from publicizing their opinion or selling/distributing any legal book.

There is an old saying that goes like "most thefts occur in the vicinity of a police station." There are so many cliches firmly establishing Europe as the cradle of civilization that we don´t expect what is considered the "norm" for others to be so flawed and so unjust. I wrote in an earlier post that Europe is not at good hands. All the major nations are run by people lacking qualities to open up new paths in all aspects of life for people. Instead, they do their best to create a monocultural Europe disregarding the need for becoming more versatile and more dynamic both economically and culturally.

Unless their voters wake up to the reality, it will soon be too late for Europe...

Hmmm.....interesting indeed. I find it interesting Mr. Nagi is being catagorized as a "Salafi Muslim and of Palestinian descent". Salafism seems to have a self destruct built in, as it´s so joyless not many can stand it for long. I can´t see many Turks supporting such a thing. After all, Turks being from the home of Yunus Emre and Rumi have a much more pragmatic and gentle interpretation of Islam.

As long as there is no force, if people want to take the Qurans, let them. I wonder what translation is being given away? Maybe there is more to this story?

Alpha, with all due respect to you, aksakal, please, we are not going back to pre-medivial history. (I can refute all arguements and I am ready.)  We are talking about today. Can I go to Turkey and distribute Bibles at any bazar, on any street? Can I do this in Egypt or Iran, Iraq, Afganistan not mentioning Saudis, etc etc?

I disagree with Elizabeth.

Oh, how wonderful of you guys to blame on the governments HAHAHA easy way to get out of the embarassing situations. Something doesnt work point at the governemnt! 

Not that I agree with German government (or any government) or the course they took, but come on, you want freedom? Show me that in your own countries first!

Look at yourselves: HAHAHA  you all think you are good people, each of you are so deeply convinced of themselves as good and wonderful. 

The punishment for sin is DEATH. Seek Salvation before it is too late!

Lemon we are good people. Everything we do is right. We are bound by our own wisdom. If we thought we sucked, we would do something to change ourselves. You are that way too. There is no need for a referee in the presence of so many faulty people. We are all excellent, and equally incomplete. Truth be told, there is a tug of war among nations and the best way to survive in this to pull harder. Think of your shortcomings and you´ll lose without putting up any fight.

As for what would happen if they sold the Bible in the marketplaces freely in Turkey? There is no need to wonder, I have seen quite a few places where they give away Bible copies. Is it complete safe to do so? No, every five or ten years we hear of a major incident but this is kind of expected in any country.

Unless you want us to fall on our knees and repent or confess, this will go on like this forever. With all its flavours, ours is a unique culture, it may appeal to some people and some may detest it. Whatevert the case, there is no magical button that changes such profound things like culture, religion, hatred etc.

I really wanted to reply to Lemon but I found the replies of Abla and Vineyard are more than enough...

Thank God I dont have to read your post to me.

I think we should do the lemon test In hindu shops you will find a glass of water with a slice of lemon in it. when you drop the lemon in a glass of water, if the lemon sinks in the water, there is some negative energy or evil eye in the place. if it floats up then it means there is no evil eye in the environment.

I think we should start a list of things a lemon is good for.

Pouring lemon juice around  areas that ants frequent will repel them.

1/2 cup or borax and a cup of lemon juice is a great toilet bowl cleaner.

Im glad I dont care for the Hindu nonsense.

loooooooooooool this is the funniest news i´v heared since ages.......  what´s so freaking about sharing the quran with others???? what worse could happen? 

aeople would have a better understanding of islam ; thus  end islamophobia

b: they could embrace islam. 

c: they might not read it at all

stopping people from spreading quran only shows that this book is not ordinay!!!! they fear it cuz they know it´s powerful. how can it be anythig else when it´s nothig but the words of the almighty allah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

loooooooooooool this is the funniest news i´v heared since ages.......  what´s so freaking about sharing the BIBLE with others???? what worse could happen? 

aeople would have a better understanding of TRUE GOD ; thus  end ALL PHOBIA

b: they could embrace HEAVEN. 

c: they might not read it at all 

stopping people from spreading BIBLE only shows that this book is not ordinay!!!! they fear it cuz they know it´s powerful. how can it be anythig else when it´s nothig but the words of the almighty TRUE LIVING GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(OOOPSAH! how does this sound now? )

dont be cruel lemonk`ku!

I respect both Bible and Quran

1) plagiarism that´s the way it sounds to me looooooool ..... anyway, i dont think the angila markel stopped spreading the bible, right????? ........  what would ur reaction be  to that?

2) u know what i find weird???????  it´s when christians see their notion of "Jesus"  being humiliated, made fun of , insulted and they dont react.   but when a muslim wants to let people know about islam they freak out...  what does that mean?????..........mmmmmm     what a strange way of showing that one cares about his religion

3) Is the Bible the word of God? Ahmed deedat in his public debate with  Jimmy Swagger answered  this question

Bible says you cannot serve two masters. 

*Dont take me wrong, Im not fighting against Islam. Theres no point in doing so. I did in the past and I think it was kinda waste of time, although learnt a lot.

*As for plagiarism, have to send you to the definition of it.

*They freak out because fruits speak for themselves: terrorism all over the world.

*Listened to Deedat many times. Poor man died unhappy in fear and agony. I think deomns took his soul away.

*My advise: dont discuss with me. You dont posess even 5% of my knowledge.You are no match to me. Sorry

where is this pride of yours coming from ? I dont think it is coming from Bible.

Proverb 8:13, "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

We would do the same thing what German government wants to do if some people tried to give so many Bible copies freely in the streets. I am not against it. But what I say is a fact. So I dont blame them.

I am not proud, Im tired. I have discussed a lot. I dont wish to discuss with teenagers. If you know what I mean. I really think he is no my match. Sometimes you can tell that from the persons posts. 

Spiritual matters are deeper than the ping-pong arguments in the sandbox style.

Oh, thank you for googling Bible verses even though you havent got a clue what you quote. 

You know that governments are ordained by God. It is Him who choses the nation leaders and athorities to whom we should obey.

I think it is actually you who hasnt got a clue what you talking about. If you had you would be a good witness of Jesus and instead of being a stone of stumbling for others.

A small advice for you ;

Matthew 5:13 You ARE the SALT of the earth. 

Be salt — that is, flavor and a preservative to all around you.

Live for God before people, and you will impart a positive flavor to any gathering of people.

Live for God before people, and you will be a preserving force against corruption.

As you determine to be salt and light before others, you exert a positive influence upon them.

Sorry but I cant taste the salt in your words instead I taste lemony stuff..

Give me an example,

Im pretty sure that you dont understand the teachings of Jesus.

I think I am a very good witness to Jesus because Im showing you that you are a evil person, without Him you will see no salvation and no heaven.

If I told you are a good person you would think you deserve Heaven and no need to seek Gods will.

Jesus was a stone of stumbling for others. If you read the New Testament you would know why.

You have got wrong taste buds formed to feel only shallow taste. You have to develop them to be sensitive to heavenly tastes which cannot be found in this world not even a pre-taste.

@lemon hehhehehhehehehehehhe .......u almost make me miss my old debates.....  maybe we met somewhere on utub .... mmmmm...nonono i dont think so cuz i dont remember debating with such a modest creature...

*let me help u with the definiton: plagiarisman: an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another 

author without authorization and the representation of that author´s work asone´s own, as by not crediting the original author

do u see urself somewhere there??????

*about deedat, u´r going off topic. instead of of offering arguments to support the bible being the word of god. u´r talking about him being in " fear, agony and unhappy, taken by demons". "did he tell u that???? mmm i bet he sent u a letter from his grave. this is the only logical way for u to know such intimate info about him.

*"You dont posess even 5% of my knowledge." => the enemy of knowledge is not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge. the only thing u did so far is praising urself. 

* terrorism !! yeah all over the world unfortunately !!! when u have an american foreign policy based on selling wars to its own people and  invading other countries and yet nobody is stopping it. it´s just sick!!  the US administration is the biggest terrorist of all times. !!!!!!!!!!

*"You are no match to me. Sorry " => apology accepted.sure i´m no match to u, i´m above u canim. 

I try to serve well my Lord.

As for being quarrelsome, apostle Paul would get a medal in this category. I stand then no chance. 

Notice, I only provoke to thinking ans seeking. I do not need extra enemies nor that I look at you so.

All you do is google a few verses without understanding them. Pick and stick style.

 How do you know that I dont understand them my friend ? I studied old and new testament and read lots of books on christianity with understanding them unlike you. I tell you what I am fed up of showing your contradictions and wrongs..All you do is provoking people...I dont know how old are you but grow up and try to respect others faith. Allah akıl fikir versin. [ May Allah give you some wisdom] 

Well, I warned you about the consequences of rejecting the salvation given by Jesus.

Think of me whatever you wish. You may think I am provoker or proud or stupid or maniac. I guess it makes you feel better. However, none of us is able to avoid the punishment which is death.

In comparison to you I made a good choice because I have realized that I am a sinful rotten creature who never can achieve any salvation through good works and good behavoir so I give up and cling to Jesus who saves me mercifully when I ask Him.

The knowledge or wisdom or good heart I may have are not able to separate me from the wrath of God falling upon me, only pure and sinless sarcifice can do.

May God show you the Way, the Truth and the Door!

(How do I know if you understand or not? Your posts speak all, they stand witness to your comprehension. And you know that I am right, that you havent got a clue but only google)

If you know and follow Jesus ; WHY are you 

1. quarrelsome ?

2. unkind to others ?

3. judgmental ?

4. proud ?

All these things are against Bible..You know you are wrong..but you still trying to justfy yourself.

Go and ask your pastor in your church. I am sure He will be agree with me. Blind fanatism will bring nothing. try to learn love others. I dont expect you to love your enemies although it is commanded in Bible. But just show some affection and respect to other´s beliefs.

You are quarrelsome as we all witnessed your quarrels all the time.

You are unkind to others --->  14 Apr 2012 Sat 06:45 am ´Look at yourselves: HAHAHA  you all think you are good people, each of you are so deeply convinced of themselves as good and wonderful. ´

3. You are judgmental  --> 20 Apr 2012 Fri 06:16 pm Oh, thank you for googling Bible verses even though you havent got a clue what you quote.

and SO ON .....

Are you not tired of being proved wrong ??? I dont know what things you are doing for others but HERE on this TC site YOU ARE NOT A GOOD EXAMPLE for others ..Sorry...

No use just showing love to believers [in this case christians], you forget the very basic law of God in bible which is "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURS" Loving neighbours means Love everyone..

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Are you a priest ??? Or you are the one who gives Indulgence for sinners, so that God forgives them ???

There are many people who needs you and seeks your help and prayer....go for them, don´t spend your precious time with "shameless and cruel Muslims", we don´t deserve it.

Leave us with our ignorance & sins, we are very happy being like that....go to people who understand your language because we DON"T !!!

May you rest in peace...