Muslim practices and the 1st Amendment
I have no objection to Sabiha Khan’s call for Eid sales at American stores (Current, Dec. 25). However, her claim that Islam teaches Muslims to respect and understand other religions, including Christianity and Judaism, is either false or Islam does a very poor job of doing so.
Features in the Muslim press and sermons in mosques around the world regularly deny the Holocaust and contain such “truths” as Jews being descended from monkeys and pigs, blood libels and the Protocols of Zion, and include calls for the extermination of Jews. I also note that Jews are not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.
Perhaps Khan has learned respect for the People of the Book from Islam. If only she would spread that respect for other religions among Muslims instead of denying the hatred and lies her co-religionists believe and act on.
HOWARD S. SECOF
Los Angeles
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“The Constitution states that government may not endorse one religion over another,” according to Khan. Not quite accurate.
The 1st Amendment reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Not “one religion;” not “a religion;” just “religion.”
Granted, Khan’s interpretation can be found in a number of court rulings, but not all. The “one over another” versus the “any” interpretations have long been a sticking point where the establishment clause is concerned, and will likely continue to be.
STEVEN A. WELLS
Glendale
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