The Editor, Sir:

I would like to respond to a letter titled 'Jihad and Islam' by Hamid Woodham in The Gleaner of September 26. Woodham is incorrect in claiming that the concept of holy war is foreign to Islam. In fact from the time of Islam's inception, Islam has maintained a 'holy war' against all non-Muslims which are labelled 'infidels'. This is taught in Muslim schools to children as a form of indoctrination at a very early age. The Catholic crusades were nothing more than a form of self-defence against Muslim invasions, which continue unabated around the world today in the form of terrorism.

Ongoing invasion

Today's ongoing invasion by Islam throughout the world in various nations is not political as Woodham claims, but is rather inspired by religious aspirations of world domination. In various Muslim nations today, i.e. nations where there is no state-church separation and hence no distinction between politics and religion, there is no religious freedom and often direct persecution of Christians and Jews.

Woodham's own harsh criticism of Pope Benedict XVI's recent address merely demonstrates and proves the veracity of the Pope's remarks about Islam. It is not surprising that Muslim leaders feel free to criticise the Pope but not the Muslim terrorists. If Islam is really a religion of peace, one would expect a constant outcry by Islamic leaders against terrorism. But they remain silent except (in the case of Iran) to threaten Israel with annihilation! Herein lies the crux of the problem.

I am, etc.,

PETER MORAL

peter_moral@yahoo.ca

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica