Holy Books Placed On Top For Equality

By Staff

Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 12:07

The Library officials in Britain's Leicester city will now be placing all the 'Holy' books including the Bible on top shelf to observe religious equality. As reported by the Telegraph, the advisory has been issued in order to appease the religious concerns of the Islamic community.

The Muslims have voiced their displeasure over the Holy Koran being placed lower in the library shelves as it is considered above 'common place things'. However, the idea of placing the holy books at the top shelf has caused the Christian charities to worry as they feel it would place the Bible out of reach and sight of the common man.

The situation was brought to light in guidance published by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, a quango answering to Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, on how to handle controversial materials. A certain Muslim individuals have been placing the Koran to the top shelves as it is an insult to place the holy book at the lower position.

After consulting the the Federation of Muslim Organisations, it was finally concluded to place all the holy books on top shelf to ensure equality. A case study on the matter has also been written in the appendix of the guidance which is available on the MLA website.

The critics have stated that now the books will be treated as abjects to revere rather than books to read. Robert Whelan of the Civitas think-tank told The Daily Mail: "Libraries and museums are not places of worship. They should not be run in accordance with particular religious beliefs. This is violating the principles of librarianship and it is part of an insidious trend."

Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute said: "It is disappointing if the policy of libraries is dictated by the practices of one group. It is particularly disappointing if this is done to put the scriptures beyond reach. I hope there will be a rethink."

According to Inayat Bunglawala, of the Engage think tank, the organization that encourages the Muslims to play an important part in the public, believes that there should not be a 'one fist all rule'. However a MLA spokesperson has declared that the practice of book placements need not be practised by all the libraries. AGENCIES