I refer to the letter Leave interpretation of Islam to the experts by Mahdar Tahir. I find it both amusing and puzzling on what Mahdar has written.

He sarcastically accused Dr Syed Alwi Ahmad of calling himself 'expert' in Islam and wanted to re-interpret the religious text. However, I read through Dr Syed Alwi letter again but couldn't find anything that he had said which indicated he would be the expert to do the re-interpretation. Dr Syed Alwi merely called on all Muslims to think about the urgency of the said task.

Like some writers before him, Mahdar wanted Dr Syed Alwi to provide proof of subjects that what the 21th century have which didn't exist or applicable in 10th century, but failed to provide a single one to back his own. Is this a man who knows his subjects before he argues with sincere intention or merely a parrot who play safe by repeating the opinions of someone before him. Only he knows for sure.

I quote Mahdar Tahir's comment:

"If Dr Alwi believes there is no compulsion in religion even for Muslims and gives his children the freedom to believe and embrace any religion they wish, that is fine, but you can't force it upon many Muslims who does not share the same believe."

From what I could understand from his letter, Dr Syed Alwi didn't promote nor did he glorify apostasy. He was promoting 'free will' and the simple idea of not imposing one's belief on another person. Mahdar just did what he said Dr Syed Alwi shouldn't do, i.e. imposing his own belief on his children or people under his charge.

Not a knowledgeable person in Islamic history, I have a few questions for the learned Mahdar:

• Was there already interpretations of the Quran and Sunnah before the works of the scholars in 10 and 12th centuries?

For the sake of a great religion like Islam, which is supposed to be the religion for all humankind, please give your sincere answer and don't shoo me away with this convenient and effective (in Malaysia only) statement: non-believers, keep away from Islam.

May God bless us all.