UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Sir, - Brian Graham (letters, February 21st) asks: "Can it be true that there are no churches existing on the Arabian Peninsula…

Sir, - Brian Graham (letters, February 21st) asks: "Can it be true that there are no churches existing on the Arabian Peninsula?" In the Sultanate of Oman, at least, they do exist. Oman has a history of tolerance of different religions, particularly in recent years, and Hindu temples, churches and mosques are found in close proximity to each other.

In fact, the Sultan of Oman has been personally associated with measures supporting non Islamic religions. It is said that the organ in one of the Christian churches near the capital, Muscat, was donated by him, as was the land on which the churches have been built. Religious celebrations, including Christmas and Easter, are quite public events with large attendances, particularly from members of the Keralite community from India. Yours, etc.,

Churchtown

Dublin 14.