Apropos the article “Confronting Islamophobia” (Feb. 22) by Seema Sengupta. The writer has interpreted the Islamic teachings as follows: “From vicious attempt to project Islam as a radical religion preaching hate and violence — because jihad or holy war is an integral part of Islamic teachings — to labeling Muslims as intolerant fanatics, a sustained effort to create phobia against Muslims in popular mind is going on continuously in nuanced and often direct manner.” As a matter of fact, Islam is a peaceful religion, and never ever allows its followers to carry out destruction on earth.

The concept of holy war in Islam arises only in self-defense, which is everyone’s right. Throughout the Muslim history, and during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslims fought when attacked by the opponents of Islam.

If a war was forced upon Muslims, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave clear instructions to his companions to spare women and children, the old and infirm, and desist from destroying homes and ruining farms.

What a few deviant factions are doing in the name of Islam is actually against the religion. Islam means peace, it respects all religions, that was why, under Islamic rule in the past, non-Muslims were totally safe, and they were given just justice whenever disputes arose between Muslims and non-Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught the followers through his actions.

The enemies of Islam have always been trying to tarnish the image of Muslims and the religion, but the fact is that Islam will prevail.