I read one Khalid J's letter concerning interfaith marriages and his reference to Dr Sarah Verghis's earlier letter regarding Yasser Arafat's wife not being forced to convert to Islam. Is the good doctor saying the late Palestinian leader is a good Muslim role model?

Well, Khalid is right in quoting certain passages in the Holy Book but he should also have quoted other passages which caution against interfaith marriages.

I would like to draw his attention to the passages in Surah Bakarah where it is clearly stated that marriage to a servant/slave is preferred to marriage to a non-believer, even though he/she allures you.

Time and time again, we are told not to marry for love, for beauty, for wealth, or for position, but we should marry a person for the person's superior piety to one's religion.

It is true that Muslims are not discouraged from marrying the people of the Book. But as Muslims, we have been told that "the Book" is no longer being followed. So how could there be people of the Book now?

As Khalid is planning to marry a Christian, he may look to the Holy Quran for passages supportive of his actions, but it is sad that he has opted to ignore the parts which do not support him.

As a Muslim, the Holy Quran is a way of life. It should never be used to aid anyone to support his argument, especially if that person is drawing away from the religion.