This memo is to address the sensitivity Muslims have when non-Muslims handle the Koran. It directs hospital personnel not to handle the Koran and to have the Chaplain or Muslim interpreter handle it if necessary. It also instructs personnel not to disrespect the Koran, because this could potentially lead to a lack of cooperation from the detainees and could provoke a violent reaction from the detainee. This is listed as Standard Operating Procedure Order Number: 080
DETENTION HOSPITAL SOP NO: 080
GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
Title: HANDLING OF THE KORAN/QURAN Page 1 of 2
Effective Date: 14 JUN 05
SCOPE: DETENTION HOSPITAL
REFERENCE: (a) Camp Delta SOP
(b) United States Southern Command News Release dtd 03 Jun 05
I. BACKGROUND: The majority of detainees at Camp Delta practice the Muslim religion and therefore use the Koran/Quran as their guide for the Muslim faith. The Koran/Quran, or last revealed word of God, is the primary source of every Muslim's faith and practice. It deals with all subjects that concern the relationship between God and His creatures, wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, etc. The way Detention Hospital staff interacts with and handles the Koran/Quran is very sensitive, and must be taken seriously.
IL POLICY:
a.
Detention Hospital personnel will not touch or handle the Koran.
b.
In the event that the Koran must be moved, and the detainee is unable to accomplish that movement secondary to a medical condition, the Chaplain or Muslim interpreter will be contacted to assist following guidelines outlined in reference (a) and (b).
c.
Ensure that the Koran is not placed in offensive areas such as the floor, near the toilet or sink, near the feet, or dirty /wet areas.
d.
Do not disrespect the Koran. This could potentially lead to a lack of cooperation from the detainees and could provoke a violent reaction from the detainee.
DOD JUNE 749
DOD055999
TITLE: HANDLING OF THE KORAN/QURAN SOP: 080
Page 2 of 2
STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES
Detention Hospital
Guantanamo BayCuba
,
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
1(b)(6)
14 JUN 05 Officer In Charge Date
IMPLEMENTED BY:
1(b)(6) 1
1 14 SUN 05 Director for Administration Date
Senior Enlisted Advisor Date
ANNUAL REVIEW LOG:
By: Date: By: , Date: By: Date: By: Date: By: Date: By: Date:
SOP REVISION LOG:
Revision to Page: Date: Revision to Page: Date: Revision to Page: Date: Revision to Page: Date: Revision to Page: Date: Revision to Page: Date: '
ENTIRE SOP SUPERSEDED BY:
Title:
SOP NO: Date:
DOD JUNE 750
DOD056000