I received the following email in response to my statement on PAS’ resolution on Sisters In Islam:

[Email removed upon the request of the author.]

This was my response:

Dear Sdr BH [author's name removed],

Thank you for sharing your views with me.

I believe you are a good and reasonable man, that’s why you bother to engage me on this issue.

Frankly, I find it hard to believe that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, asked his followers to stop people from discussing Islamic teachings unless they are “qualified”.

Indeed, I find the teachings of Islam very sensible and just. Moreover, I believe the concept of ijtihad encourages us to study the religious teachings and apply them accordingly in the situations that we find ourselves in.

Well, for what it’s worth, I respect your right to your point of view, and I hope all of us can do the same for others.

In any case, we are all one. Tawheed, isn’t it?

Thanks again.

Salam,
Jonson

Your comments are most welcome…