Local Muslim leader forgives pastor planning to burn Quran

As a Gainesville church gets worldwide attention and even death threats in response to its plans to burn around 200 copies of the Quran, hundreds of Central Florida Muslims are expected to pray and protest the church’s decision.

“It was a surprise to hear that a Christian pastor would do that,” said Imam Muhammad Musri, president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida. “We are taught in the Quran, itself, that the closest community to us that worship the same God are Christians.”

Musri said he doesn’t hold a grudge, and is not angry.

He said he has spoken with many religious leaders who are against what Pastor Terry Jones, of Gainesville’s Dove World Outreach Center is doing.

“I forgive him, and I pray for him to learn what he is doing, because eventually this will backfire on them,” said Musri. “What does he achieve by doing this? Does it stop people from reading the book, or following the book? Absolutely not. We do believe this does not represent Christianity or good Christians. This is a publicity stunt.”

Still, Musri said he will join hundreds of people in Gainesville Wednesday morning in prayer and protest.

There are over 50,000 Muslims in the greater Orlando area, according to Musri.