Reverence, respect and free speech

To The Daily Telegraph

Let me put into perspective the deep reverence that Muslims feel for the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). Muslims hold on dearly to his example and take inspiration from him in nearly all aspects of their lives. It is no exaggeration to say that insulting him is deemed an act immeasurably more heartwrenching than the vilest insult of their own mothers.

Fareed Rehman, New Malden, Surrey

To The Daily Telegraph

I am grateful to Fareed Rehman for putting into perspective the reverence Muslims feel for their Prophet Mohammed. Likewise, the degree of “immeasurably heart-wrenching” hurt resulting from a perceived insult to their prophet. I should, however, like to put into perspective the deep and sincere love and respect for the freedoms the people of Britain have fought for and nurtured over many centuries, not least the freedom of speech.

Although Britain is ostensibly a Christian country with the monarch at its head, tolerance, respect and acceptance of all faiths – and those who have none – are enshrined in law and etched into the character and conscience of the people of this country. The majority of Britons will defend the right of Muslims (and any other faiths) to practise their religion and publicly voice their beliefs, within the law. But what is not acceptable is any minority group attempting to force a diminution of our treasured freedoms through intimidation or actual violence.

Leslie Mills, Peterborough