In view of the many problems facing the Muslim world today and Malaysia in particular, I am compelled to write this letter. Generally speaking, Muslims take religion very seriously. There is nothing wrong with that - provided you put religion in its proper context.

However some people go further and assert that religion is the 'absolute truth'. In other words, religion need not be put in context and that it is literal with no burden of proof. They practise (and want others to practise) - a 10th century interpretation of Islam. I totally reject this.

To me the claim of 'absolute truth' is so strong that it requires concrete evidence before we take it seriously. Alas! The arena of religion is one where proofs are lacking - precisely because the domain of religion is 'faith'. Not science.

The problem with absolutism is that it negates all other opinions - and this leads to bigotry and chauvinism. Nothing could be more dangerous than the fascist implications of absolutism. Absolutism rejects rational arguments because it is premised upon the supernatural with no rational proof needed.

As a scientist, I cannot simply accept beliefs without question. And there are many questions to be asked of religion. Indeed, true scientists have to be skeptical of many things and an honest scientist must ask all sorts of questions - and not simply take things on faith. But that is the heart of the matter.

The business of religion is not 'truth' - but it is in fact, 'faith'. It's not 'absolute truth' that religion seeks - but it is 'absolute faith' that religion wants to instil in its believers. Is 'absolute faith' good for humanity?

There are ample examples where the 'absolute faith' of religion has been twisted and warped by vested interests - and used to consolidate power for the few. I do not believe that 'absolute faith' is good ; it is far too dangerous.

'Absolute faith' is often used to obtain 'absolute power' and this leads to 'absolute corruption'. In this day and age, I think that people should have a degree of skepticism in them.

At a superficial level, all religions are good. And things should be left at that. It is only when religion attempts to portray itself as the 'absolute truth' in order to get 'absolute faith' - that's when trouble begins.

Because when rationality and reason is thrown out the door in favour of 'unquestionable dogma', absolutism, and then, fascism set in. That's when alternative views and differences are no longer tolerated.

In the 21st century there should not be any more 'unquestionable dogma'. All ideas should be rationally analysed in the free market of intellectual discourse. No stones should be left unturned. Indeed, the 'unquestionable dogma' of religion is a form of tyranny.

How many people have suffered because they dared to question religious dogma in favour of rational science? Remember Galileo? ... I believe that the situation in Islam is the same in that there should be a reformation in Islam to weed out those fundamentalists who subscribe to an absolutist picture of Islam for 'absolute truth' seeks 'absolute faith' - and 'absolute faith' corrupts absolutely.

All religions are good - provided we view them with some skepticism and adopt a 'mature and enlightened attitude' to the claims and beliefs of religion. Dogma must not be confused with fact. This is the predicament of the contemporary Muslim world.

Muslims - by and large - take Islam too seriously as representing the 'absolute truth'. There is too little questioning of Islamic dogmas. What the Muslim world needs is a dose of skepticism. It is when Muslims can view Islam objectively with some skepticism, that is when the Muslim world will progress.

Otherwise it will just languish as some medieval, irrationality cloaked in 'unquestionable dogma'. We need a mature and enlightened understanding of Islam in order to fit into the world of the 21st century. Malaysia must say no to absolutism - now.

Which brings me to the letter Apostasy: the Prophet has spoken ... by Mohd Elfie Nieshaem Juferi. I would categorically say that Elfie is most welcome to practise whatever religion he believes in.

However - and this is the punch line - he is not free to interfere in the religious matters of others. Yes, I am a liberal Muslim and have been accused of apostasy, heresy and what not by the likes of Elfie.

For people like Elfie - the world is in black and white. Either you are with them or you are against them. (And I thought only George W Bush had such ideas.)

I would like to tell Elfie that I live in the world of colour. All infinite shades of them. I enjoy diversity. Plurality is paradise to me. I never impose my values and world-view on others.

Hence I also demand that Elfie does not impose his beliefs and views on me. To each his own.

What I find so hypocritical about Elfie is his quote at the end of his letter - 'God knows best'. Well, if God knows best then I think that people like Elfie should leave it to God to decide the fate of the apostates.

To me, a good person can be of any faith. Let me end my letter with a quote from Shakespeare:

' What's in a name ? That which we call a rose by any other name - would smell as sweet.'

C'est la vie ...