I refer to the column Live, don't die for Islam by Mazeni Alwi and the letter Suicide bombings not against Islam by Dr Nazari Ismail.

It seems that Islam can be misinterpreted from more than one angle. One perspective suggests that Islam condones the killing of women and children. The other school of thought is that Muslims are apathetic and powerless to determine their own destiny.

Nazari is right in pointing out the Islamic concept of 'Be done as you did'. However, the verse in the Quran calls for pinpointed and precision acts of revenge. Not random acts of terrorism and wanton destruction.

Muslims must identify the exact individuals responsible for the war crimes being committed against the Muslim communities whether in Palestine or anywhere else.

As for Mazeni's views, there seems to be a lack of will amongst Muslims to wage legitimate wars against rogue nations that threaten the security of Muslims in many parts of the world.

The Prophet Muhammad initiated many wars and he took great efforts to win those wars. The Prophet was even injured and nearly killed in battle. People like Mazeni bring great shame to Islam by suggesting that Muslims should behave like cowards rather than emulate the great victories commandeered by the Prophet Muhammad against his enemies.

My conclusion is that while Islam condemns terrorism and suicide bombings committed against innocent civilians, it promotes Muslims taking up arms and fighting legitimate wars against their enemies ( jihad ).