Learn Islam’s message

I read with interest a letter concerning a certain Quran verse that calls for violence against infidels. The verse essentially negates the entire Islamic message of love, peace and hospitality. The letter writer’s approach is fundamentalist, with no concern for context. He should read the book “The Muslim Next Door” by Sumbul Ali-Karamali. She explains the Five Pillars of Islam: one God, practice of prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage. Taking one or two verses to explain an entire religion is shortsighted and leads to hate. Instead of hate and fear, take a walk in Muslim shoes and see how it feels. I wonder if the writer knows that Jesus is held in great esteem as a prophet in Islam and that the Virgin Mary has a whole Quranic chapter to herself.

This story was originally published August 19, 2016 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Learn Islam’s message."