I have been reading with interest the debate over Jim Carrey's new movie: 'Bruce Almighty'. As a non-Muslim Westerner who lived in Malaysia for 10 years I would have thought that the whole question is rather moot.

Isn't it true that in Islam the depiction of any form human or animal in art is forbidden? In that case shouldn't all movies, pictures, paintings or voice recordings that portray living things be haram ? Or at least wouldn't this be the case if society was driven by its most conservative members?

I am in no way questioning the basic beliefs of Islam. I would not dare. But you know there is one thing for which none of the major monotheistic religions give God much credit. For if God is great (and of course He is) then He must also have a great sense of humour as well.

That those believers who seem to feel that we must be solemn and serious all the time, and not laugh or celebrate life seems to me to be a great waste. The idea of what an ordinary mortal would do if he had all the powers of God is funny. If you don't think so then don't go to see the movie.

Bob Hope, who recently passed, was a great example of a believer and a man of humour. If those two factors allowed him to live a full life of over 100 years, then it is something that perhaps we all could consider letting into our lives.

I for one would love to hear the sound of God laughing. It must be a wonderful thing.