Why is Islam so violent? Why do Islamic countries have no religious freedom. I am from India and very proud to be a Christian but my respect for Islam as a faith is diminishing day by day.

Islam is not a violent religion. It does not condone the use of force in suppressing humanity in any way. On the contrary, the only basis on which it allows its followers to use force is to liberate suppressed human beings from the clutches of oppression and injustice. In such cases too, it only allows a state to take up this task. Muslim individuals and groups are in no way allowed to take up arms.

In the wake of recent events, I understand and appreciate the agony you feel regarding Muslims. I am afraid some Muslims have tarnished the shinning face of Islam through violence, terrorism and intolerance. They have besmeared Islam and totally distorted a religion that came to upgrade humanity from the clutches of evil. However, I have no doubt in mind that many of these Muslims are very sincere people who have been misguided.

I would request you to disregard such people and draw your conclusions about Islam not from their actions but from the Qur’ān -- the book of Islam. I respect you and your views and hope that someday a cordial interfaith dialogue be initiated at least between the three great Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.