Amid the controversy surrounding the Dove World Outreach Center's plan to burn the Quran on Sept. 11, Islamic groups have been advising Muslims to not let their frustration turn into violence.
Ziad Ghanimi, spokesman for the Gainesville Muslim Initiative, said the local Muslim community condemns any form of violence against the church's pastor, Terry Jones, or its members.
"It's counterproductive to be violent," he said. "We should try to engage in a discussion."
Ghanimi said an attack on the church would only bolster Jones' stance.
"Violence will not make him change his mind," he said. "It will just confirm his position - especially if those that are violent are Muslims."
The condemnation comes after The Gainesville Sun reported receiving a death threat directed toward Jones Tuesday evening.
According to the article, the Sun gave the letter to the Gainesville Police Department, who is investigating the matter.
In a statement released by The American Muslim Association of North America on Wednesday, the group condemns the Quran burning but denounces violent reaction to the event.
"We would like to remind that Islam calls for vigorous condemnation of such hateful acts, but always within the margins of law and order," the statement said.
The statement was signed by 15 imams - Islamic leaders - and Ahmed Al Mehdawi, president of the Islamic Center of Gainesville.
Sofian Zakkout, director of the American Muslim Association of North America, said Muslims should exhibit tolerance and control because violence only weakens America's sense of unity.
"Our enemies would be looking at us and laughing at us," he said. "We would be doing their job for them."
