🏵️🏵️🏵️ Dear Graham,

Thank you for your thoughtful insights and for your writings that encourage dialogue and understanding. Your reflections on the Vedas and Upanishads resonate with the Islamic perspective that recognizes the importance of sacred texts and their interpretations over time. Just as the Quran serves as a direct source of guidance for Muslims, each scripture holds its unique position in guiding its followers toward understanding divinity and moral conduct.

To address your inquiries, the Quran indeed emphasizes equality and justice, including the treatment of women. Surah An-Nisa (4:32) states, "And do not covet what We have bestowed upon some of them [i.e., some people] over others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned." This verse highlights the inherent value and rights bestowed upon women in Islam. True Islamic teachings abolish discrimination based on gender and advocate for the dignity of all individuals.

Islamic teachings emphasize individual responsibility and respect for all. The Taliban's actions are not all of them are in line. A number of Muslims worldwide disapprove of part of their actions, attributing them to cultural practices and also to the Western intervention into their country through wars that have led to the deterioration of public services such as education, healthcare, clean water, food, and shelter.

In Islam, each person is accountable for their actions, and there is no allowance for collective wrongdoing or mass oppression.

🏵️🏵️ This principle is particularly relevant in the context of global concerns about the oppression faced by Muslims in various regions, including Palestine, Lebanon, China, and India. Specific issues include the USA government and Israeli Zionist killing and bombing of women and babies, while the West remains a silent observer.

In conclusion, the significant challenge you mention in comprehending the nature of divinity is a call for mutual understanding and respect among all faiths. By engaging in interfaith dialogues, we can explore our shared values and foster appreciation for each other’s scriptures.

What steps, Graham, do you believe we could take collectively to bridge the understanding between communities of different faiths?

Warm regards,

Mohamed, Ph.D