Mr. Butt made a very honest point about Muslim denial, which is very common and doesn’t really solve anything but shifting the blame on the West for everything. What Muslims don't want to examine is that there are controversial verses in the Koran and in Hadith, which permit or encourages violence or murder to anyone who is a threat to Islam or Islamic cause.

The British Govt. is soft on Muslim fanatics that's why it's a perfect breeding ground for extremists, who shockingly are silently supported by 'moderates' who always apologizing for them, they failed to demonstrate against them, as the fanatics have the upper moral ground. Demonstrating against extremists by 'moderate' Muslims could be seen as against Islam. That's why we haven’t seen any large demonstrations by Muslims against extremists, despite London bombings, even English people haven’t demonstrated; unlike the Spanish after Madrid train bombings, in case they upset the Muslims.

Adul Malik, London, England

I really am afraid of the world we live in. I am a person who beleives in that A muslim should follow the Quran and Sunnah as per the prophets time. At that time tolerence was very much what the prophet preeched. If you read muslim history, you'd know about OMAR the second leader who ordered one of his mayors to be brought to justice because his son hit a boy who was christian.
Two people that are really not helping Islam today are:
People who call themselves Jihadist like Butt who only do work for a political cause
and those who say they are moderate Islam and they try to speak on behalf of the religion ISLAM is the religion and these people who are criminal terrorists are fighting for political reasons that has nothing to do with Islam.

Khalid, Stockholm, Sweden

This article contains an interesting exercise in doublethink: 'We believe our religion tells us to do this, but we know doing this is wrong, so we must be misunderstanding our religion'.

But the problem is, perhaps, that you are understanding your religion all too well. Christianity lost most of its influence in the real world long ago - that's why most of us in the West are happy, healthy and prosperous now. Islam needs a few more schisms...

Why not wake up and acknowledge the real world? Read Hitchens, Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins! How many more people are going to have to die before you realise you're fighting over nothing?

Jon, Blaxland NSW, Australia

Hassan Butt writes:"What we Muslims need to do is go back to our books"
In fact Mr. Butt, this is the LAST thing that Muslims, Christians, Jews etc should do. The so-called Holy Books are part of the problem.
People who can't get through life without looking for instructions from books written by other humans thousands of years ago are already in denial. They are in denial about the modern world and the reality around them. In other words they are psychologically inadequate. To get through life, one just needs a few basic ideals, e.g., don't kill, don''t lie, don't steal goods, don't steal husbands/wives, treat others and animals decently etc, etc.
You, and other Muslims, don't need an old book Mr. Butt. Instead, you just need the confidence to use your own brains and face the real, not imaginary world.

A simpleton with a few rules, Hamburg, Germany

Many of you who have posted your e mails do not know anything about Islam and talk with such a hatred about Muslims that you are almost in the same class like terrorists who blow themselves up. Islam and Muslims are here to stay for ever while terrorists are product of the unjust world where some people enjoy their life fully while the others have to fight for their existence.
I would recommend you that instead of reading about celebrities and watching soup operas you should read more books about Islam and its culture. It will probably help you to understand why many of Muslims feel humiliated and angry about their treatment.
There are things which are more dangerous then terrorism, like ignorance, prejudices, and narrow mindedness. They eat you up from inside and prevent you to see the reality of the world.

Bess, Uppsala, Sweden

This is most important sentence:

"I believe the heart of the matter is Islam itself and how its teachings are interpreted. If we isolate the problem to that of the extreme fringe, then we are merely skimming the surface."

Hooray. A brave muslim who sees the truth and is willing to state it openly. Now we need 1 million more in Britain and many millions more in the rest of europe.

Don, London, UK

Hasan Butt has written an interesting article. There are lots of issues that muslims need to deal with. But to make violence or defence mechanisms a Muslim problem is pushing it too far. Maybe Butt would like to expand further on violence & killing of innocents in Iraq & Afghanistan by non muslims & further it with the justifications given (defence mechanisms he refers to).
Mulims need to put their house in order, no doubt. We need to marginalise the individuals who use the name of islam to justify thier greviences.
But this is a 2 pronged plan with the west walking with us rather than against us true Muslims who want nothing but peace.
There are wrongs on both sides, so blaming just one side will only form wider divides and more vulnerable individuals to sympathise with violaters (note; i don't want to call them Muslims).

Shahid Latif, Leicester, UK

Just a word of admiration for those of the Muslim faith brave enough to raise these issues and question (not their religion) but how it's interpreted by its leaders. To do so in itself highlights the problem each and every Muslim has to face on a daily basis - a fear of absolute rejection by family, friends and the larger Muslim community for stating what is quite clearly the truth. Hopefully, this trickle of common sense will eventually turn into a sea of understanding and tolerance.

ed white, singapore, singapore

Why do so many people seem to think that there is no comparison between Christianity and Islam in terms of violence? The whole concept of a "just war" is based on Christian theology... it is Christian principles that have led to the acceptance that innocents may be killed provided it is done in the context of a "just war" (look at the apparent lack of concern that our country has participated in events that have led to the deaths of thousands of -innocent- children, women and men). Obviously all violence is a pathetic answer to human problems, but to think that Islam is unique in its violence, or Christianity is unique in its pacifism (hahaha) is insane.

Tom, Rochester, Kent

This verse should clear up some misconceptions about Quranic verses:

3:7 "He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding." Peace!

Mohammed, London, UK

'Non-Muslms have no right to comment on the Koran'
Unwanted Muslim immigrants have no right to commment on the British way of life perhaps.
Strange how all the asylum seekers, refugees and economic migrants could not stand theyir own cultures and were too cowardly or lazy to stay and try to change them but are very brave at telling the indigenous population what to do.
It is the millions of 'moderate' Muslims in Britain who will, and want to turn us into a Muslim state, Who will prevail ? Not a few silly terroists. It the demography ,not the terroism which we shall lose to. Wake up and realise what is happening. If you care,do something about or if ,as most Britons, you could not care less shut and let it happen

peter, Boston,

Well said. Islam needs reformation.

When you look around the world's trouble spots, Islam is usually involved. You'll find it's not Hindus or Sikhs or Buddhists or Jews or Christians blowing up trains & aircraft, but usually Muslims.

Phil, Preston,

Although I agree with much that Mr Butt says, he is simply wrong when he states that the Koran encourages muslims to kill non-muslims. The verses he refers to are clearly revealed in the context of a war in which the early Muslim community was under attack by enemies intent on wiping it out.. It is like taking what Winston Chuchill said during WW2 about the Germans and saying that this shows how Britons should treat Germans today. Those who are being fooled by Al-Qaeda need to read the Koran themselves and they will see that in fact God commands Muslims to treat non-muslims with kindness and justice - the only exception being in the case when they are attacked - "God forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith, nor drive you out of your homes from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just. God only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes..." (Koran 60:8) - pls read it.

Raghib Ali, Oxford, United Kingdom

Why do we hear so little condemnation by the muslim community of these terrorist acts. They sit back and say nothing, when pressed some say the terrorist acts are unacceptable under Islam. It could be construed that the reason they say little to condem these bombers , is that secretly they don't mind a few more non believers being eliminated, They have such deep contempt for us non muslims they would be glad to be shot of all of us.

Nigel Smith, Skye, UK

It really is very difficult to see how you can reform Islam since violence against non-believers is written into the Koran itself.

Many religions are inherently violent. The concept of a "just war" is embedded in the Hindu tradition as well. The philosophy of the just war is at the heart of the Bhagavad Gita.

In Islam and in Hinduism, it has always been easy to argue for militancy and killing. In Christianity it has always been a perversion - a very successful one for many centuries - but ultimately yielded to probing of the source book, the New Testament, which makes it clear that Jesus wanted Christians to love his fellow men, even unbelievers.

The non-violent tradition in Islam has been attacked by the mullahs since the 10th Century and Sufis in Persia and India have been persecuted by kings and theologians for centuries. Islam had a tradition of critical interpretation called ijtihad but it has been suppressed for a thousand years. There´s a lot of work to be done !

cerronevado, Malaga, Spain

This article is great. However, it needs to be published in Arabic in Muslim countries (if those newspapers have the courage which I doubt). We, in the western world know that only if and when the "moderate" Muslims speak out against the extremists who defame their religion, will any real progress be made. Their silence is deafening.

Jim, Pasadena, CA

Don, you made a number of very valid observations that any reasonable person and most Muslims would concur with. Your assertions/analogies are spot on. However, doesn't it remind you of the current situation elsewhere. Hey that's it - the US in Iraq and Afghanistan. The recent report on the conduct of the US Army, where most soldiers had little/no respect of Iraqis highlights this. Iraqis have their most basic rights violated by foreign troops who were never even invited into that country. Please look at the misdemeanors of your own country before passing judgment. After destroying Iraq in the first Gulf War, then imposing sanctions and invading again, consider Dick Cheney when he expects Iraqis to greet Americans as "liberators" with garlands of flowers - quite ludicrous. If you think you are speaking from a higher moral standpoint, then you are sadly mistaken.The US has shamed itself on many fronts in this campaign. Sometimes a little introspection is good for the soul - try it Don.

Azhar Chaudri, Brussels, Belgium

Yes finally someone is talking some sense, if only the rest of the muslims living in the western world would see the sense as well

Rafiki, Nairobi, Kenya

The Bible, Koran & Torah all preach peace. All those books preach about one god. Come on chaps that's common ground to work from. No matter what interpretation of whatever religious book, peace and working for the good of mankind is how things are ever going to change.

I hope they do.

Neal, Reading, England

I have little tolerance for any religion, christianity included. One just needs to look at the acts of religious leaders through the ages to lose any faith that they offer an eternal truth. The world would be a better place without religion, freeing people to find their own beliefs.

Islamic rules are extreme, their punishments barbaric and the attitudes they engender are extremely destructive. Sunnis and Shias surely can't both be following Mohammed's teachings by killing each other? Christianity has had its fair share of barbarism too.

It is lucky for us that Islamic teachings also restrict education, freedom of thought and expression so much that muslim nation's remain far behind western development: where would we be if a truly powerful country like the US was governed by Sharia law?

David, Ghent, Belgium

TO all of you who are commenting on Islam, I would suggest to learn before you comment on it. What you read on the media is an opinion of someone who does not know much about it, only from the surface.

The people who call themselves Muslim today have abondened the ethics and morals of the religion and have adopted ancient cultures.

One example of Islams tolerance is that the third leader called one of his mayors because his son hit a christian boy in his age. He reprimanded the mayor and even asked the young christian boy to wip the muslim mayor. thus was the tolerance that no one was allowed to violate any1 else.
Today we have people like BUTT ignorant and misslead by POLITICAL factions that do not have anything to do with Islam, and he is to tell us how to behave.

Tolerant and Law abiding Muslim

Khalid, Stockholm, Sweden

We hindus wish that there are more people like Mr Butt among the muslim communities so that we do not lose complete faith on the community.

P.Rudra, Kolkata, WB, India

40% of WHAT Americans believe 9/11 was carried out by the US Govenrment? That's pure rubbish. Maybe 40% of American conspiracy theorist believe it, but I'd say the majority of Americans have a bit more sense and understand the basic fundamentalist Islamic threat facing western society for which the poster boy is Usama bin Laden. Moderate Muslims HAVE to speak out and renounce interneccine Sunni-Shiite violence and terrorism as a means to an end for benefit of all.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

TO all of you who are commenting on Islam, I would suggest to learn before you comment on it. What you read on the media is an opinion of someone who does not know much about it, only from the surface.

The people who call themselves Muslim today have abondened the ethics and morals of the religion and have adopted ancient cultures.

One example of Islams tolerance is that the third leader called one of his mayors because his son hit a christian boy in his age. He reprimanded the mayor and even asked the young christian boy to wip the muslim mayor. thus was the tolerance that no one was allowed to violate any1 else.
Today we have people like BUTT ignorant and misslead by POLITICAL factions that do not have anything to do with Islam, and he is to tell us how to behave.

Tolerant and Law abiding Muslim

Khalid, Birmingham, UK

Wow- its amazing how columnist and US subarbanites are able to tell me as a Muslim what I'm thinking and what I should be thinking. And how I live in denial to avoid confronting my demons.

For almost all of my family and friends, 'Islamist terrorsim' is as divorced and alien from our lives and sensibilities as Mormonism or paedophile Catholic priests, or Intelligent Design proponists are from most secular British Christians. We don't personally feel responsible for it and we don't obsess on it or have the need to seek denial or blame Mossad or apologise.

There is no such thing as a 'Muslim community' in Britiain. The Muslim population is as much a diverse mix of cultures, seperated by class, education and background as any other religious group. And as such we reserve the right to have our fair share of cranks, reactionaries, bigots and angry young men with too much testorone and time on their hands.

FSK, London, UK

There are many passages in the Bible that justify violence. Why is it Christians don't mistrue these words like the Muslim faith? The answer...because it preaches tolerance. Just like the "real" Muslim faith does....that is ....if its not taken out of context as these terrorists seek to do.

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

Seems like GOD is at the root of al evil. Ironic huh?
Go atheist. Much less complicated and noboby has ever killed anybody else, "in the name of atheism"
For those who think there's a God, do you think your God would want any of this?

Maurits van Eijck, Billericay, UK

Head in the sand or not, moslim or islamic, whatever you call yourself, the feeling on the street is that we as a nation have had enough. Why should we have to put up with this non integration any longer. This country is awash with immigrants. We dont need anymore gay bashers or anti womens rights cavemen. It was the politicians and not the people who invited these muppets into the country in the first place. The koran needs rewritten, better still,scrapped, as all religion does, but islam is particularly dangerous. Definition of being british? Tolerance of others and keeping ones religious beliefs to themselves.

kenny, hove,

A fascinating article filled with many truths. I would just add this. One of the worst characterizations that can be made of a person or a people is not that they are wrong, or even that they are evil; it is that they are irrelevant. You can be evil but still powerful and repected. But noone wants to be labeled as irrelevant. Unfortunately, in the past millenium, as the Western and Far Eastern worlds progressed, for whatever reasons, the Muslim world, in general, and the Middle East, in particular, stagnated and became increasingly irrelevant. In our present era, whatever else one might say about jihadist Islam, it can no longer be called irrelevant. This sense of regained power, even if it is percieved to be an evil power, is enticing. Today, when a Muslim talks about Islam to an infidel, you can catch a gleam of pride in his eye. He is relevant again, and we are listening to him once again. But I fear his violent relevancy will be short-lived.

Roger W. Gardner, Newburyport, MA USA

You are quoting Quran out of context and missleading people. This particluar line was has a war context. In fact the chapter goes on to say that if they (rivals of islam) seek forgiveness (during the war today's prisoners of wars) then forgive them AND ensure their safety. Which other religious book has that kind of teachings in the context of a war?
Justbecause some muslims may have gone astray one can not start blaming the religion itself.

Saleem, Mumbai, India

What Hassan Butt writes concurs with Susan MacAllen’s article about Cognitive Dissonance – he calls it “……a comforting state of denial…….”.

It is this exact comforting state of denial that most in the West prefer to cling to with regard to terrorism. Rather than recognising what exactly is happening so that a useful resolution can be established, they prefer to blame President Bush who does know the problem, but unfortunately only now has begun to name it exactly. The BBC with its guidelines on how to report terrorism through to the EU with its list of directives are part of the conspiracy that pervades Western governments and the media to the extent that Islamic ideology is spreading with our tacit consent.

Sharon, London, UK

If Islam is all about killing the disbeliever, then in 1,400-odd years no many would have been left. Hundreds of thousands of non-Muslim people (disbelievers) are making a living in Muslims countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE, and not one has been harmed by a Muslim in the least degree on the basis of this Quranic injunction. The Muslims ruled India and Spain for several centuries and today those countries are still predominantly populated by disbelievers. This proves the Muslims didn't do their job. Right? Why is the Quranic interpretation different today? Come on, talk sense. Everyone knows everything about Islam but Satan is working overtime to keep them on their chosen path. Islam will eventually win the hearts and minds of disbelievers, no matter how much they detest it.

Amjad Khan, Doha, Qatar

I agree with Carol Philips' comments. My husband's grandparents were similar to hers, only they arrived at the Tower Pier and settled in East London. They arrived speaking only Yiddish/Russian, but realised that they could only earn a living and support their families if they learned English quickly. The third generation are varied - some are still pretty Orthodox (won't speak to us!), some are like my husband, a baptised Christian, so are his children and grandchildren.
In the case of the Muslims, the younger generations seem to want to regress not progress. In the northern industrial towns in the 1970s/1980s I never saw a Muslim woman in black burqa, now many of the younger women demand it as a right, and object vociferously about Jack Straw's reasonable request.
They have Pakistan to run back to, Carol's grandparents had nowhere. My husband's grandparents valued the fact that they'd been given refuge here, and became good citizens, fought and died in all the wars.

Margaret Stoll, Rochford, Essex, England

The parallels to the world Mr. Butt describes are scarily similar to that of Germany in the 20's and 30's where millions of people demanded: Kill the jews. Kill the non-believers. Kill everyone but us.

People in Europe (and I'm talking non-muslims here) seem to have the same disbelief that their parents and grandparents had back in the 20's. Surely these people wouldn't want to kill us....Surely no right minded people would want to kill all the Jews....Surely no right minded people would welcome fascism to their world. Sound familiar? I fear that history is repeating itself only this time with a muslim face instead of nazi face on it.

Bill, Atlanta, US

AT LAST! A muslim speaks - not some hand-wringing Politically Correct Relativist Liberal who is apologising for our existence in some bizarre 21st Century attitude called Stockholm Syndrome by Anticipation: what Bat Ye'or calls our fatal Eurabian dhimmitude.
And what Hassan says makes so much chilling sense. THANK-YOU for being so frank.
You say that there's a problem: The Ummah is in denial. It certainly is - here is your explosive paragraph:
"What we Muslims need to do is go back to our books: we need to debate the teachings that are used to radicalise young men and legitimise the killing of innocent people."
But in fact, you need to go back to THE Book - to the Qu'ran itself. THAT'S the book that the Salafists and all the others have in their hands with no Islamic authority able to prove to them that they have misunderstood it. The so-called moderates have to win the struggle for the Qu'ran first - and they are far from doing so. As you all know - but as you are still denying.

William, London,

At the heart of the Abrahamic faith has always been the struggle between moral relativism (the good guys who want to spread it and believe in a loving deity) and moral absolutism (the bad guys who want to use it for their own ends and believe in a sadistic racist deity).

Whether you think this faith is one sect, or three, or 700, every branch of it has had its share of good prophets and bad prophets. We're particularly unfortunate to be living at a time when the bad guys have the upper hand in all three of the main branches.

The key is to accept that, however divinely founded, any faith evolves as a human institution, and one that is inevitably a honey pot to people with base motives. All Abrahamic scripture is ambiguous, perhaps deliberately so, and all adherents of the Abrahamic faith should ideally be taught to measure their interpretations by just one golden rule - does my interpretation hurt any human being?

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

Arabs and Muslims, must try t live in the present time. Religion like living must be taken in the present tense. If they read history, they will find that one of the main reasons the Islamic world prospered in the past is because it modernized, and it became for a short while at the forefront of inovation. But once we started to live as people lived 1500 years ago, our situation deteroriated.
Religion should be kept as a private affair. On a public level we should be secularists.

Mohamed, muscat, Oman

I'm happy Hassan has had a change of heart. I converted to Islam 7 years ago, and have always opposed the use of violence. Jihad means struggle in Arabic. I do acknowledge this can refer to a type of defensive warfare, but The Prophet taught this should only be used where absolutely necessary. He forbade Muslims from going to war unless they are under so much persecution they don't even have basic human rights such as the freedom to pray, or conduct their normal day to day activities.

In Britain this is not the case, we are free to practice our religion and our human rights are respected. Therefore we are forbidden to engage in a war with this country. Furthermore even when engaged in a war, Muhammad forbade the killing of women, children or the men who work in the fields – ie. All civilians are not targets, only the enemy's military forces. So what right has anyone to claim terrorism has something to do with Islam? Muhammad taught us the greatest jihad is against our own ego...

Paul Salahuddin Armstrong, Wolverhampton, England

It is very brave of Hassan Butt to speak out - I bet there'll be a lot of angry emails containing death threats, in response to this article.

It is very refreshing to finally hear this in mainstream media.

Matthew MacDonald, Andover, UK

What about beginning and continuing some serious, well reported dialogue between Muslim and Christian leaders and communities? The media could add real value instead of fear. I'm not sure what the average British Muslim really thinks. I'm not sure why the UK is being targetted. An obvious answer is that this is a response to Iraq but our society promotes multi-culturalism and there has never been any question that the UK government or its citizens were anti-Muslim or that the removal of Sadam Hussein was motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment. My concern is that there is a deep rooted opposition amongst Mulsims, particularly extremists, to the way we live our lives in the west. As a woman who embraces all the opportunities that a modern society offers, this could mean that all the things I defend - gender and racial equality, religious and cultural tolerance, freedom of artistic and sexual expression and speech - are at risk. What is Islamic thinking on these subjects?

gabrielle, london,

Is there a simpler explanation even moderate Muslims believe in the convert or die philosophy and they can live with the extremists as one of the many outlets of that belief? So while this article is saying that denial by moderate Muslims is a big problem its not. I lived in a country (Nigeria) that had a 40% Muslim 40% Christian and 10 % other, population and this doctrine is well know amongst moderate Muslims In certain states in that country the non Muslims had to suffer an almost yearly pogrom against its unbelieving inhabitants and the "moderate " Muslims have never said anything why do you think its going to change? If you believe that all infidels are worthy of death then why would you value the death of any and if a fellow innocent Muslim is caught up in an act of terror they are considered martyrs to the cause so we in the west (in which I have lived equally as long) have to reconsider our definition of moderate because we analyse people of faith from the wrong perspective especially as faith plays less of a role in the UK.

Kayode, london, uk

The written word is notoriously open to incorrect interpretation. Emails sent between colleagues at work often lead to confusion and upset when none was intended. Is it any surprise then that religious texts written and re-written centuries ago are open to such mis-interpretation?

Fundamentalist and literalist religions / beliefs of all types can be extremely dangerous ... by taking a belief that is flawed and adding massive passion to it results in world society getting suicide bombing, car bombing (northern Ireland), jehova's witnesses refusing medical treatment. It's no different to football fans killing each other over the colours they wear - total madness.

Parents and elders need to stand up and educate their angry and mis-guided young men to show them the truth and light of their religions. Only understanding and opening of eyes will stop the killing.

Mark, London,

Finally a Moslem who is prepared to call a spade a spade. If he went one step further he would find that Islam and the Koran itself is a collossal deception. Sadly our 'post-Christian' culture has lost the ability to understand the difference between truth and lies. Any belief that enslaves people, prevents escape by threatening death, demands unquestioning obedience to the leader, imposes extreme punishment and justifies deception to further its cause, would be called a cult and outlawed. Any acceptable aspects of the Koran are largely direct takes on Judaism and Christianity, both of which rejected Mohammed as a 'prophet'. No amount of 'interpretation' can help a Muslim who is taught that the Koran was dictated by Allah in Arabic. The West is in one huge unholy mess. Deport them like Greece and Spain did or we become like Bosnia. And chuck out the socialists as well for good measure!

N.Taylor, Albury, Australia

Ahmed Mulla from Hexham quotes (Qur'an, 5:32) but does not explain what “unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land “ means. Here is how Patrick Sookhdeo explains it in The Spectator of July 28th 2005:

The very next verse lists a selection of savage punishments for those who fight the Muslims and create ‘mischief’ (or in some English translations ‘corruption’) in the land, punishments which include execution, crucifixion or amputation. What kind of ‘mischief in the land’ could merit such a reaction? Could it be interpreted as secularism, democracy and other non-Islamic values in a land? Could the ‘murder’ be the killing of Muslims in Iraq? Just as importantly, do the Muslims who keep quoting this verse realise what a deception they are imposing on their listeners?

Mladen Andrijasevic , Be'er Sheva , Israel

Over 40% of Americans believe 9-11 was carried out by the US government – it’s not just Muslims who believe in conspiracy theories. It’s just a sad reflection of the mistrust people have of politicians and politics in general.

jerry fd, London,

Well it's good to hear that at least one person is seeing the light.
First off I am an Atheist but I recognise what the MANY prophets were trying to do at the time with the limited knowledge they had at their disposal. They were trying to bring some order and civilisation to their part of the world. What Jesus, Mohamed, Socrates, Moses etc. was ok at the time but the human race moves on and the religions drag along behind and change, except Islam. It is stuck 1800 years back because the beholders do not allow it to be questioned or changed. Anyone who dares to question or disagree with it are threatened with death, I am sure that if Mohamed was here today he would be disgusted with what people are doing in his name. It is probable that he would adapt to the times as he seemed to be clever enough.

Dave Madley, Alicante, s

Muslims will not criticise the theology that exists that call for killing and/or subjugating of the 'unbelivers; because it stems from Mohammed's words and deeds, so to criticise that is to critice Mohammed. But not only that, it is to look at Mohammed and see him as a person and judge his deeds accordingly, which Muslims will kill a non-Muslim for doing.

Stephanei Anderson, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Muhammad could neither read or write so the Quoran is all what other people say he said...hearsay...he was violently objected to when he first started out his preaching and he stole his brothers wife...

H E Torrance, London, Blighty

First of all I have to say that Islam had contributed our life a lot. We do not have to forget that cornerstone of the sience was put by Muslim sientists such as Avi Cena whos books were studied up untill 18th century by medical students in Europe.
Islam is a religion of peace. Killing another human being is considered as the bigest sin in Islam.

This events with islamic extremists are echoes of atrocities commited by US and British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. This events has nothing to do Islam and Koran.

Rustam, London, UK

Don't just wake up to the fact that muslims are responsible for all those 9/11 deaths, they should also acknowledge the beheadings, stonings to death, hangings, routine torture and honour killings routinely carried out by the muslim community around the world in the name of Islamis teachings. The writer says they are concerned about their honour, why are the muslim community not ashamed of the barbaric and backward way they come across to the rest of the world.

Nigel Smith, Skye, UK

All religions are a cancer in the human psyche. What matters is what we do in this world, not what we subscribe to or delude ourselves with. Humanity is everything and the three big control systems are alien to us.

Tony, Bangkok, Thailand

I think we Muslims should take the onus of learning and teaching the meanings of the Holy Quran and the practice of our Prophet (s.a.w.) and not brush off such incidents as the acts of "a misguided few." If Muslims know the real Islamic ideology, they will not become easy targets for zealots who misinterpret the Quranic verses and brainwash people to serve their cause. If the human rights of Muslims are violated in some countries or our sentiments are hurt, will violent and barbaric acts against humanity redeem that? Have such desperate measures ever brought about a change or ever done any good, to anybody? It only results in retaliation and hate crimes. More innocent people suffer. We can hold anti-terror rallies and speak at conferences condemning the attacks. But what should be done, according to the Shariah, to those who take the lives of innocent people and attribute it to the Word of God? Why is a fatwa not issued against this blasphemy?

Saaima, Bangalore, India

rustam
You wrote 'killing another human being is considered as the biggest sin in Islam' is taken from koran 5:32 and is out of context. koran 5:32 must be read with 5:33. These two verses do not abjure violence, instead they aggressively make clear that anyone opposing Mohammad will be killed, crucified, mutilated or banished.

These Koranic verses are in fact a perversion of the noble sentiments expressed earlier in Mishna, Sanhedrin, IV, 5:
(Mishna,is the first written recording of the oral law of the Jewish people,and as debated between 70-200 CE)

Thus was created a single man, to teach us that every person who loses a single soul, it shall be written about him as if he has lost the entire world, and every person who sustains a single soul, it shall be written, about him as if he has sustained the entire world.

What about the muslim murder of 80 million Hindus, the Barbary pirate raids of murder, pillage and kidnapping on the European coast and so on.

Max E Webb, Seoul, South Korea

finally,somebody is speaking some sense.

john binny, florence, italy

When did the epiphany occur with Mr. Butt?

saurabh jha, PATNA, INDIA

GOD IS LOVE...satan is a thief, liar and a murderer,also a changeling,coward and a stupid bastard...

Does this ring any bells...

H E Torrance, London, Alba

Thanks so much for writer of this article. Although, my english is not developed. I have read carefully. It is essential for muslims to read Quran and interprete ayatis concerning to status of non muslims that is called zimmis.

Dusmamat KARIMOV, Nortwich,

Rustam - after reading your post I can see exactly why the author wrote as he did.

Steamkettle, Gosport, UK

A cultural attitiude that praises what may now be old fashioned behaviour - less loos living and upholding against temptation good living - is to be praised. The denial of failure is perhaps no worse than that of the criminal of any creed or colour who can never accept what he has done.
Isit not time for the Muslim World to debate openly in a public forum the problems actual and perceived by itself and others? Why do not Muslim leaders consider thsi?

Terry John, Purley, Surrey

What countries like Pakistan need is a good state education system where children learn about school subjects such as maths, history, geography and science. Then the maddrasses could become "Friday Schools" for interested parents/children.

Phil, Hong Kong,

"We are at way in Iraq with a Muslim country. how can we expect this not to 'radicalise' and alientate Musims?"

Easy - stop this us and them tribalism dividing the world into Islam and non Islam with hostile aggrieved sympathies. Remember, they only do this for the purpose of Ummah hostility - not humanitarian concern eg caring for Palestinians or intervening in Darfur: also part of the Ummah.

Joe, Manchester,

As the director of a Muslim founded theatre company which has ever since 7/7 took on the problem of extremism head on within our society with our production titled The Truth about Your Father, I do not except the generalisations of Mr Butt. I know of many Muslims, scholars as well as community workers, who have been working tirelessly to counter the influences and presence of extremist operatives in Muslim communities even before 9/11 not to mention 7/7 at a time when Mr Butt was advocating the killing of infidels and the establishment of a global Islamic state.

Unfortunately, this work is not considered as media worthy and ratings-grabbing as an extremist turn confessionist. While I salute Mr. Butt's return to sanity, I would hope that he becomes more nuanced in his portrayal of what Muslims are and are not doing to prevent radicalisation. Why does he not take his own head of the sand and acknowledge and champion some of the good work that is being done up and down the country?

Luqman Ali, Luton,

"When Anglo-Muslims start to integrate 100% with British culture then I will feel there is hope beyond jihadism." - - Carol Philips, London, UK

Sadly in Isreal palestinians are treated like subhumans...

Stanzler, NY, USA

First of all I have to say that Islam had contributed our life a lot. We do not have to forget that cornerstone of the sience was put by Muslim sientists such as Avi Cena whos books were studied up untill 18th century by medical students in Europe.
Islam is a religion of peace. Killing another human being is considered as the bigest sin in Islam.

This events with kamikadze bombers are echoes of atrocities commited by US and British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. This events has nothing to do with Islam and Koran.

Rustam, London, UK

Tony J. (Swanage) : Sir, my father was - he died when i was very young - white, english and anglican. He married an algerian, arab and muslim woman. My english grandmother and grandfather never wanted to see me and you ask muslim people to integrate with you.....

Muslim people don't deny the fact that there is a very huge problem : these extremists belong to a sect. Even though muslims were very pious, the members of this sect killed them during terrorist attacks. Those sectarians judged us as non-believers.

We, Muslim people, keep on fighting against extremism, terrorism. Our primary concern is to protect our children, to educate them and to leave in a peaceful way.

Nobody can weaken our faith : these extremists tried - they killed a huge number of muslims - but they failed. So, say whatever you want about Islam and the Quran...

Peace.

A., A.,

It is interesting that we have people attacking Mr. Butt by saying it's just a few "interpreters" of the Quran who are going astray. If taking the Quran at its word - to mean exactly what it says, including condoning violence against the nonbelievers, the special pleading and double standards on actions that can be taken in defense of Islam and in order to spread Islam, the relentless bigotry against non-Muslims, all of which are literally part of the Quran and not repudiated or abrogated - is an interpretation, fine. But it is these "few" who are interpreting it correctly, and acting literally as the book commands. Quoting "IT WOULD BE AS IF HE SLEW ALL OF HUMANITY" etc., without quoting the context--a condemnation of Jews and Christians for NOT following Allah, which is IMMEDIATELY completed by a condemnation with permission to murder and crucify. The verses quoted are not aphorisms, dicta, commandments; they occur in a context, and in context they are beneficent not to non-Muslims.

Abdul, Dearborn,

Remember the IRA's bombing campaign, both in Northern Ireland and on the British Mainland? Now research how British security services had penetrated IRA, Provisional IRA cells thus to made their attacks more effective. Part of the psyops war to keep the British public on side. Then came the Baltic Exchange bombing ("Spies, Lies and Whistleblowers") where someone got the mix a little wrong. One billion pounds' worth of damage not to mention Britain's credibility as a commercial centre. Oh God, tits up time. After that the Major government couldn't wait to get round the table with Martin and Jerry. Of course following 9-11, US funding for the Irish terrorism dried up.
Fast forward to 07/07/05: "My government would never do anything that wicked." Flush your head out new guy. MI5 have a track record for killing innocent civilians for what they see as the “greater good”. Looks like you’re in for some heavy weather down there in Cheltenham. Rain for the next three days.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Kanagawa

<<The non-Muslim has the ability to look from the outside, however. In my view, ISLAM IS AS ISLAM DOES. >> This is just as reasonable as a parallel statement about Christianity, bearing in mind the devout faith of Blair and Bush.

Fred , brussels,

It's too late, the damage has been done. Most working class people in this country don't care what "ordinary Muslims" think.
We're not interested in the opinion of ex-jihadists or Guardian columnists either.

The pubs and factories in this country are boiling with anger. But our only means of voicing our anger is to vote for the horrible BNP.

Why don't you allow a white factory worker from Bradford to write a column in your paper? Scared he might incite a riot?

Brett, Manchester, UK

The problem with Islam is..Islam. It cannot be "reformed" by it's very nature. The only true hope is in abandonment of it. What passes for a "moderate" Muslim is simply an individual who chooses not to adhere fully to Islam.

Sam, New Jersey, USA

India's soon retiring President, Abdul Kalam, is a pacifist Muslim. He his condemned by many fellow Muslims because he admires Gandhi and because he is a humane vegetarian. President Kalam espouses religious reconcilitaion and reverence for all life and these great messages have not resonated with the vast majority of Muslims. Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and a small segment of enlightened muslims love and embrace Abdul Kalam's peaceful ideology.

Brien Comerford, Glenview, United States

Yes i believe raising awareness in communities is vital if any success is to come towards having a less radical approach
I think religion is a good thing if it helps you to be a better person. But i have noticed the further people get into religion the more biassed they become. I think every faith will agree that the closer someone is to god the more forgiving and peaceloving they become. Terrorism and the imposing of views is contradictory. The understanding of different faith should be respected. Only humans can help each other and work on mistakes as communities for promising change for the better

rahimi, midlands, uk

Irashad Manji's book " The trouble with Islam" should be required reading in all western countries. Particularly for anyone who wants to hold public office or work for the govt. !
It will open your eyes to the lies too many in the islamic community are throwing in your face daily , instead of doing what they need to which is cleaning up their religon !
Far to many in this religon are experts in deflecting, shifting blame, and espousing infantile conspiracy excuses instead of having the courage to take responsibility for the problems they are abetting by their denial and silence !!
It is past time the rest of us gave no quarter to the brain dead philosophy of jihad in all of its forms. Make it uncomfortable for Islam at every turn on this subject , those that are true islamic moderates will come along with us .
In other words... Get a grip folks !!! Stop letting cowards have the comfort of their denial or outright lies while they give aid to our enemies !

Scott, Vancouver, Canada

Thank you Hassan, it is important that these views are heard if non-Muslims are to feel that we have a future where we are able to co-exist with Muslims in peace. It is not self-hating to look at the shortcomings within the Muslim community, it is merely honesty, a necessary first step to helping us all tackle this problem. None of us are perfect, but to blame 'the other' without self-inspection resolves nothing. This is a welcome blast of calm thinking.

RJ, Leeds,

"Take the headline of this story and remove the word "Muslim" and insert the word "Jew" or "Black". Would such a headline be tolerated? ...Headlines like this (and stories like this) create a terrible atmosphere for all Muslims in your societies and will not help. Ahmad Khawaja"

No - because it concerns Muslims not Jews or blacks. And it is accurate. Your response shows exactly the problem!

Joe, Manchester,

Muslims don't do anything well, apart from pretending it's the Middle Ages. That's the problem.

Nathan, London,

If you move to a new country you accept the ways of that country. You accept the language and the traditions of the country as they are. Otherwise you are a declaring war and should expect to be booted out of the country. This is no different than if you are a welcomed visitor in someones home and then you attack your hosts way of living, maybe even kill some of the host family because you want to impose your way of thinking on them to take over their home. Then every host has right to throw you out of his home or take more drastic measures in the worst circumstance.

Don, Chicago,

A country which tries to deny entry to a genuine hero, who put his life on the line in its defence, see the recent case of Tul Bahadur Pun V.C., while allowing virtually free entry to priests, mullahs, pastors, 'missionaries' and other peddlers of religious ju-ju, deserves what it gets. Grow up Britain ! The believers in ONE TRUE RELIGION, won't do so, however much multicultural tolerance you may show them, and will continue to spread their poison as long as you allow it. The only religion which should be tolerated is that which PRACTICES, in word and deed, the right of the INDIVIDUAL to independent belief and action, within BRITISH law. Re Moslems If e.g. a few silly girls want to walk about the streets with carpets over their heads as a fashion statement, let them do so. When imams or families try to impose such actions, or worse abuses such as forced marriages, as a matter of religion or 'honour', then they should feel the full weight of the law, through long-term imprisonment

L.W., Montevideo, Uruguay

What about the Machiavellis that plunged us into a disasterous war in Iraq? How about China's vicious repression of dissenters who are rotting in jail? Look at Hindu mistreatment of widows who must give up all worldly pleasures ... and on and on. The Islamic extremist is just one more depressing representative of that dark corner of the human spirit that deeply fears freedom of thought. Is it any wonder that democratic freedom is under seige everywhere?

Brian Payne, St. John's, Canada

All of this analysis is all very well and good, but in the final analysis; if an immigrant population, for what ever reason, decides to wage war on the Country and people who have offered it the hand of friendship and a place to live, then the time has come for the enemy within to be ejected.

John Lewis, London, UK

Let me report a parallel story. In Italy, organizasid criminals find their strenght in the removal of the problem by common people. 'There is nothing I can do...or the Institutions are not protecting me.. or this is unavoidable'. This means the bandits from mafia, 'ndrangheta, camorra, are in principle no worse that any criminal in the word. What is fueling and protecting them, is common people removal of the problem and delusion on what each one can do to isolate those bandits. In the moment that this disappears, the problem is solved. But it is still to come.

gino, Milano, Italy

Brave, after terror nuts. ''radicals who can point to passages in the Koran, set down in black and white, that instruct on the killing of unbelievers''. Sharia has beheading, stoning and amputation for minor sins. Some of the terror nuts are just paranoid psychotics. Radicals say the precise rules from 630 AD in N.Africa are unchangable. Submit and pay tax, or violence. Genitals of 3 million girls a year are cut out on muddled sharia. Thousands of women are killed for 'honor'. A raped women is sharia executed for sexual sin. Most international measures of sharia countries show violence with social and economic chaos. Sudan, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan etc. take huge global aid. Others use oil funds to kill internally, and export a PR of 'peace' for mosques (and terrorists). Jesus did die historically, so all sins were forgiven and 'Love God; Love your neighbour'. Muslims who read the bible see the koran 600 yrs later 1,000 miles away spins that he did not die.

DJ, London, UK

Imagine we had a large and overt fascist group in this country, who openly displayed their organisation and beliefs, and demanded that they be respected and must not be insulted in any way. Also that they should be the ones who define any insult to them. But they always insist hat they are peaceful and work within the law.
And then imagine that there is a large and varied terrorist threat, which is resulting in deaths on busses, tubes, railways, and airports.
If it was seen that all the perpetrators of those atrocuties were part of the aforementioned fascist orgaqnisation (whose involvement was always denied). What would you be thinking under those circumstances?

Bob, Hampshire, U~K

At last a Muslim prepared to acknowledge the depth of the problem, namely that one can find authority for violence in the Koran.

Denial is not a long-term solution. The problems need to be faced head on as is desribed in the article

salam, doncaster, uk

Yes. If the dedicated fundamentalist islamist wishes to live this life there are plenty of countries offering this life style to their bethren. Funny that they dont want to go?!
Translate the Koran into the language of the host country and the silliness will soon stop. The prison service now insist
upon ihmans speaking english and that the koran is translated into english.
At last not accepting the word of the ihman (the prison service and special branch) they are taking control of the interpretations coming through the teaching network of islam

spike, London, uk

As jihadist ideologies take hold in elements of the Muslim communities living in predominantly non-Muslim societies, the whole issue of violence as a religious duty is becoming an urgent one. Jihadism is not only incompatible with any liberal society, it seeks to destroy it. This is not an issue outsiders can resolve, it must come from within the wider body of Islam.

Tom, Cadiz,

We are at way in Iraq with a Muslim country. We (our government in our name) have killed thousands of Muslims, many innocent. Whether it is justified or not, how can we expect this not to 'radicalise' and alientate Musims? Our troops are still there, and we are not leading by example ie trying to sort out problems in a way that does not endanger the lives of innocents.

How could the money spent on troops in Iraq be better deployed in a non directly confrontationaly way, to help Iraq's people live in peace?

Sarah, Colchester, UK

Mr Butt is obviously a very intelligent , thinking person and very brave too. But he is not the average Moslems in Europe. THese are North Africans, South Asians and middle Easterners or their children. Nothing to do with Europe. They are different in a thousand minor and major ways. Their "holy" book has innumerable exhortations to lie to us, to tax us, to humiliate us and to kill us unbelievers coupled with the odd line about kindness and mercy, much quoted after one of the regular bouts of Islamic terrorism. In Britain a Sunday newspaper poll revealed that nearly 1 of every 2 Moslems want shariah law and 1 in 6 has sympathy with the 9/11 and other terrorists. Islam is absolutely incompatible with Europe. Moeover Moslem women are baby factories with an average of 4 children in Britain. We should heed the Islamic slogan "With your democracy we will invade you. With our religion we will conquer you." We should stop non-EU immigration.

Marco Borg, London, UK

Non-Muslims have no standing to interpret the Koran. While our politicians may talk of a "perversion of Islam" being responsible for these terrorists, this carries no weight where it matters.

The non-Muslim has the ability to look from the outside, however. In my view, ISLAM IS AS ISLAM DOES.

While what appear to be mainstream communities continue to produce these atrocities without much in the way of condemnation we are entitled to conclude that Islam is doing a poor job. We are entitled to show our disapproval of the Islamic community's failure, and to demand that it reforms itself accordingly. It is not for us to micromanage the details of how this is achieved.

Charles, Charlotesville,

The lasting end to violence will come when Muslims admit that Muhammad was a violent man who did not preach peace and that the Koran is a violent book that preaches violence against those who do not follow Islam.

Islam is therefore a wrong faith for any human to follow and as long as Muslims follow this Arabic invention, violence will be a fact among Muslims.

Ted Baines, New York, USA

Seems to me the worst denial of such type of Muslims (for there are many others) is denial that their beloved "traditions" are responsible for the backwardness and poverty of the nation they left for a better life. The better life is owed to women's freedom, secularism, pragmatism and empiricism. Yet they turn their back on it , bite the hand that feeds them and, if left to follow their thwarted logic to the extreme, would willingly kiill the goose that lays the golden eggs (halal only of course). How can one live in such contradiction is something of a mystery to me. Alas, it is also a deadly mystery.

elizabeth schumann, Paris, France

Would all those who have posted comments please read again that by Carol Phillips, London, UK.

She has it in a nutshell: The Muslim people who have immigrated to Britain (or were born here of immigrants) have neither desire nor incentive to integrate with us and accept that our culture is that of Britain.

This is a problem, but there is no way to legislate to make them change their attitude.

We have ended up with enclaves of Muslim communities.

Immigration policy of "free borders" of decades have brought this upon us.

Well, Gordon ... do you have a solution?

Tony J, Swanage, u

What a refreshing read.

I have Ed Hussein's book, which I am about to start reading as it is important for me to understand what is going on in my country. I cannot imagine what it must be like to have a 100% faith in religion whereby some are prepared to murder others while killing themselves and some are so blinded that they will not (not cannot) see the truth. As the first poster stated, it is better to live for your religion, to be able to spread the 'good word' than to die for it, surely?

As I said, the fact that I want to understand them (extremists and non extremists) is important to me, it would be good if muslims wanted to understand non muslims.

Jackie, london, England

Ahmad Khawaja, Lahore, Pakistan. The point is that it is not Jews or Blacks who are blowing up tube trains full of innocent people here in the name of their religion (except insofar that, purely coincidentally, some of the muslims are black). Were Jews and Blacks behind this terrorism than I for one would have no objection to seeing a similar headline about them. When war ceases to be waged on us in the name of Islam, only then will such headlines be unacceptable. If the perpetrators are not supported by the majority of Muslims, let us see that majority reclaiming their mosques, throwing out extremist imams and coming forward to turn in the criminals in their midst.

Bob Finbow, Haverhill, England

Exempli Gratia: Ahmad Khawaja, Lahore, Pakistan

Richard, Dallas, USA

quote: Traditionally, Britons stand shoulder to shoulder to defeat attacks on the country. ;quote.

True, but for the first time in living memory it IS Britons attacking us. Often they literally live a street away and help out in your kid's classroom!

When the enemy is not only within, but standing right behind you saying it will be okay and to trust them...We have a REAL problem.

Dave, Stoke,

there is an element- call them what you will- who are determined to use murder and mayhem to further there maniac cause= perhaps we should call them crimminals?
But thesedespots will gain secur the more we start to see Islam or the muslim community as part of them...
I also feel that the muslim community should be more outspoken in condeming those who are responsible for such atrocities.
It is unfortunate that this is necessary, with the IRA most had some grasp of the religion/politics and criminality of the perpetuators- but today we have only ignorance and fear -the two most secure foundations for the terroist

mike, oxford, england

It is good to hear from "moderate" muslims, expressing their concern as to the growing tense situation in the UK, may they be strong enough to be a major influence in their religion.
Also, the only way a lasting peaceful integration into Britain can be achieved is if Muslims will accept that they must accept the laws of our country as they are, and give up their desire for sharia law, reject the many violent verses in the koran advocating the killing of "non believers" ( those that do not follow Islam, actually ), and ensure that their mullhas are not preaching any messages of jihad to the men attending the mosques.

Michael Neve, Orpington, England

A very large number of British CHRISTIANS believe the 7/7 plot was the work of the security services, just like the 1887 Jubilee Plot ( when government agent Francis Millen set up 2 Catholics as patsies), and just like the Guy Fawkes Plot (when government agents Catesby, Percy and Tresham organised a false flag incident to discredit Catholics).

Sam Smith, Glasgow, Scotland

Terrorism is not limited to terrorists, nor, surprisingly, is it controlled by them. Terrorism thrives because the Islamist clergy dictates the pace through their unassailable 'truths' about the Koran, the treatment of others and the imposition of their beliefs. Meanwhile the majority do nothing, their SILENCE and INACTION condonibg the atrocities while fuelling the continuing negative perceptions and gross injustice to powerless victims of their hate. This complacent majority looks on disinterestedly, steeped in denial, convinced of Islam's righteousness in what is happening, while extremists carry out terrible acts in their name.

Until members of this silent majority are forced to take notice to preserve themselves, their beliefs and their own freedom, just as it is killing off the future of Iraq, such mindless terrorism will only engulf us all on cultural, racial and religious lines.

Elaine Sihera, Maidenhead, United Kingdom

How many ex-jihadists are there out there?! Every time I open a newspaper I see a new one, "revealing" all, usually in tune with the editorial line, of course.

Francis, London,

Hassan, you're a brave boy - now all we need is a few hundreds of thousands more Muslims like yourself to come forward in the UK - and together, you might just start to make a difference :o) For the truth is very simple and you've pretty much hit the head of the cliche nail...it is time for the New Koran to be written.

David Downes, Chester, UK

The "trouble" with Islam is that people actually believe in it 100% - absolutely. In many countries these believers will never hear / be allowed to hear any other points of view. No one wants to stop people believing in whatever faith they happen to have been born into - but an appreciation that it is just one of many thousand pf history's offering would be good. If there is even 1% doubt people are less likely to kill for faith. Better to live for it I would think, building tolerance and spreading kindness.

Phil, Hong Kong,

Hassan :Thank You. Your pauline conversion from your former jihadi persona has been published on the Drudge Report and hung upon by most every observer of the muslim terrorists' onslaught on the unsuspecting West. We needed your insight into this mindset.Your intellect overcame your indoctrination. You recognized the need for a "Reformation" of Islam, just as Christianity evolved and overcame its propensity for violent inquisitional and crusading conversion to its supposed monopoply on the truth. Science shredded its
believability.Atheism and secularism supplanted rigid theology. America instituted separation of church & state.
Hassan , you have correctly identified the need for a new interpretation of the Koran. Many verses call for the
subjugation or, failing that, murder on non-believers- infidels. As with Judaism & Christianity , there is much love in Islam.People all come from the same basic ancestors -2000 humans 60,000 years ago-healing needs you out there Hassan. Do it.

wilfred knight, orange county, usa/california

You will always find a host of Uncle Tom type figures who emerge and endorse the views the majority want to hear. Take the headline of this story and remove the word "Muslim" and insert the word "Jew" or "Black". Would such a headline be tolerated? The headline is clearly discriminatory. There are certain misguided young people in the Muslim community who are committing some terrible acts. Their actions are based on a particular interpretation of their faith. The actions and the individuals who commit them (not the faith of the people who commit the actions or the communities where they live) need to be condemned. Headlines like this (and stories like this) create a terrible atmosphere for all Muslims in your societies and will not help.

Ahmad Khawaja, Lahore, Pakistan

Why is it that ex patriots fom the western world tend to be open minded and embrace the local culture they find themselves in and yet imigrants from the middle east seem to be unusually fervant in their beliefs?

There is something fundamentally wrong for a religion to restrict it's believers' freedoms throughout their lives and yet promise them untold paradise when they die. More importantly, how do we discourage terroist attacks when these people clearly disregard the value of their own lives.

One cannot deter would-be suicide attackers; incarcaration at tax payers expense with a copy of the koran, or ultimately death is of no consequence to them. We need to identify suitable punishments, even after the fact. Family & community honour is almost as important to these zealots as their misinterpreted religion. The shame of having a martyr's immediate and extended relatives deported back to their country of origin would surely make them think twice.

L Wilson, Liverpool, UK

Bravo!!.. to the author of this article and to the authors of the first 6 posts! All very good points and opinions. Its encouraging to see both the Christians and Muslims in agreement here. Just imagine what could be done if that took hold on a much larger scale. But beware...thats not what the radical terrorists want to happen because they know that spells defeat.

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

I generally agree with M. Butt. I would ask a further question: where are the leaders of the Islamic community who are prepared to robustly discuss the question of why there are so few, if any, Buddhist terrorists ?

George Smith, Perth, Western Australia

Certainly a debate is needed among the Muslim community. As a Muslim I have had enough of other Muslims turning a blind eye to extremists in our midst. People keep on asking for the silent majority to speak out, sadly when we do the media pays us little attention and instead it gives the platform to the extremists to voice their twisted ideas.
It is time that we, Muslims, reclaim our religion from the terrorists who are tarnishing the image of Islam.
Let me end my post with a few passages from the Quran:
".....And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you. And whoever commits that through aggression and injustice, We shall cast him into the Fire, and that is easy for Allah. (Qur'an 4:29-30)
'......WHOSOEVER SLEW ANOTHER HUMAN BEING, unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, IT WOULD BE AS IF HE SLEW ALL OF HUMANITY: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all of humanity.'' (Qur'an, 5:32)

Ahmed Mulla, Hexham, UK

My Orthodox Jewish grandparents went to the USA speaking only Yiddish. Within no time at all they were speaking English, shedding their Orthodoxy and raising my mother and her siblings to be productive, secular Americans. Religion played a minimal role in their lives. My mom, and my aunts and uncle all went on to fine careers. My generation? We became ballet dancers, musicians, actors, designers, linguists and film producers. But I have now watched and heard three generations of my Muslim nextdoor neighbours in London only watching Islam Channel and al-Jazeera, never going to the theatre, a concert, ballet or opera, listening to non-English radio stations and having no interest whatsoever in British culture. When Anglo-Muslims start to integrate 100% with British culture then I will feel there is hope beyond jihadism.

Carol Philips, London, UK

Sir, you say "I believe the heart of the matter is Islam itself and how its teachings are interpreted".

I desagree. I believe the heart of the matter is in one word:

SECULARISE.

In another words: Pull off the vail and live like every other western person. After all, you are ALL in the west.

Fabio C, London, UK

A very brave statement, acknowledging what is clear to everyone. Just as Christians have come to realise that much figurative language is used in the Bible to help the reader understand the meaning of the writing, so Moslems need to understand the intention of the Koranic writing and not to quote or use passages out of context from the whole.

This is easy to do, many people have fallen into this trap by taking too literal a meaning from the text or twisting what they have read to suit their own intentions and to stifle a guilty conscience. Many new Christians need modern translations of the Bible to help them understand.

Meanwhile, we must all be on our guard, as one intention of these attacks is to drive a wedge between Moslems and their non-Moslem friends and colleagues to cause fear and distrust between us.

Traditionally, Britons stand shoulder to shoulder to defeat attacks on the country. We must all courageously do the same so that the innocent are safe.

Christine, London, UK

Hassan Butt, like Irshad Manji, is fighting a necessary and sadly uphill battle.

Because it's not just the Muslim communities that are in denial about Islamic terrorism seeping through their midst.

It is the liberal press, the multiculturalists in positions of power, and feckless western governments that have their heads buried too.

Sadly, it's the common westerner that has more idea about the dangers of unchecked Islamism (through popular books) than people in power.

Ethan, Tampa, FL, USA

Mr. Butt has pointed to the real problem. Majority of Muslims beleive what the Imams of their Mosques pronounce on each Friday. If the Muslims were to read and understand the Quran in its proper context, they will discover that these Imams are ignorant not only of the religion they teach but also the world around them. For 1200 years Muslims built an empire based on knowledge and now follow the propaganda spewed by those who would like to impose a make belief pure life as it existed during the seventh century. The muslims who fall to these stories of conspiracy by the West to frame Muslims for the 9/11 and 7/7 is: Would you like to live in a Muslim world imosed by the likes of "Maulana Umar" with his Taliban rules? Those who agree with that, what are they doing here. Its time that we, the Muslims, began to look inward for the shortcomings of the Muslim states.

Maqbool Qurashi, Leesburg, Fl, USA