This refers to Sabria Jawhar’s article “Stirring anti-Saudi hysteria” (Nov. 26). As always, the writer has been very objective and precise in making her point. It is true, post-9/11, misquoting of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith has increased. The writer has rightly phrased it as “a cottage industry” to malign and defame Islam and those who follow this faith. No efforts are being spared to unnerve Muslims and foster hatred among other communities against Islam, which literally means ‘Peace’.

Certainly, I do not profess to be knowing Islam to the extent of interpreting the meanings of the words or phrases of the Holy Qur’an or clarify Shariah-related issues. Also, my knowledge about other religions is much more limited. Hence, if I were to quote any verse from their scriptures or books, I would either be misinterpreting the meaning or quoting it totally out of context.

For instance, there are a few commandments in the list of the 613 commandments known as ‘Mitzvah’ in Judaism which literally call for burning the city of idolators, destroy the idols, not saving an idolator, not to cease hating an idolator, not to let them dwell in the land of Israel etc.

A reader like me would usually take this information at its face value. However, if I were to assume that all of these commandments are categorically correct and applicable without any qualification or condition, and that these commandments are carried or followed just by means of their reference, I would be a real ignorant and end up making myself a laughing stock.

An allegation against Islam is that it was spread by the force of sword, which again is totally preposterous and ludicrous. If that were to be the case, the whole of Spain and the entire Indian subcontinent would be Muslim states.