Criticism: Most of the write up on Jihād and the relationship of Muslims and non-Muslims in the article ‘Islam and Non-Muslims: A New Perspective’ (March2002) published in ‘Renaissance’ seems to be in favor of the non-Muslims. In fact, I have started to doubt if the website is not a Jewish web.

Response: I would like to assert that we hold what we find to be the true purport of the Qur’ān in all matters. The author of the article you refer to has studied the Holy Qur’ān and the Sunnah and has drawn a conclusion. He has presented his arguments in his article. The only thing where we can turn to in all the religious matters is the Holy Qur’ān. It is the only source of our beliefs and doctrines and contains ruling in all the religious matters. Therefore, you can judge his arguments on the yardstick of the divine word and present your reservations if any.

I find your judgment remarks very disheartening. It is sad that you have issued a statement that does not befit you. We believe and submit to what the basic sources of Islam require us to. A person of sound moral character and proper religious knowledge is expected to present his observation properly and raise objections academically and not to make judgments. It is not appropriate for a Muslim to declare others non Muslims or doubt their intentions. We do not declare that we possess the ultimate truth and that our findings are error free for no sane human being can claim that. We will welcome any well-argued criticism that is forwarded to us. We do not hesitate to embrace the truth no matter how and when it is revealed to us. I pray to the Almighty that he gives us the courage to accept the truth.