I refer to the letter Killing of Korean won't help Islam's image . First of all, the writer hasn't a clue as to what Islam is all about. Islam's priority is 'the family unit'. In Islam, before you enter a person's home you must get his permission. You must wish him 'salam-alaikum'. If he does not answer, it means permission is denied.

This rule applies to everyone. Even Prophet Muhammad was unable to simply walk into a person's home no matter what excuse he may have had. Islam is not like secular law where you can kick down a person's door, drag him and his family out just because you have a piece of paper called 'a warrant' or because you are called 'the government' or because you have a 'United Nation's resolution' empowering you.

In Islam, a person's home is his sanctuary which is out of bounds to all except to whom he may please. In Islam, if a person is in his home, you cannot arrest him until he comes out. Thus, it is important to note here that the Koreans were not taken by force from their homes.

The writer seems to make it look as if though the Taliban left Afghanistan, invaded South Korea and kidnapped the people. As far as I know, it is the Americans with their South Korean allies who are going into the homes of the Afghan people and kidnapping them and then detaining them either in secret locations within Afghanistan or in Eastern Europe or in Guantanamo, Cuba.

However, I urge the Taliban to be compassionate towards the Korean hostages. Do not adopt the wicked ways of your oppressors. I understand that the leader of the Taliban, Mullah Muhammad Omar, lost his wife and children when Americans bombed his home and massacred his family. I hope can he can see beyond his pain and be forgiving.