Terrorism has nothing to do with religion

Readers say we must oppose terrorism wherever it happens. Other subjects: cycling, breaking glass and school fees.

Parisians rallied on Sunday in solidarity with the victims of the attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices. Readers say we must oppose terrorism wherever it happens. Stephane Mache / Reuters
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In the editorial, Those men were murderers, nothing else (January 12), The National does well to draw a distinction between the actions of extremists and the religion of Islam.

The National is correct in saying that fundamentalism and extremism have nothing to do with religion.

Islam is used as a pretext to do things that violate Islamic principles and the philosophy of life, peace and progress.

However, we need to go further than just denounce this hijacking of religion.

As Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi rightly suggested after his recent visit to Al Azhar university, we need to conduct a proper revolution within our societies to make sure we extirpate the twisting and warping of Islamic values by a whole array of schools of thought that try to use Islam for ulterior motives.

The National is doing a great job, as is the UAE leadership, which remains ever vigilant about the dangers of extremists using the false pretext of religion to spread violence, terrorism and instability.

Salah Cherif, US

I am a Muslim and the offensive activities of the men in Paris are forbidden in our religion.

I, too, call them murderers, terrorists and extremists. What is forbidden stays forbidden.

Majdi Mabrouk, Jordan

Of course, people who do these things are not and cannot be Muslims. They cannot be of any religion.

We must call them murderers and abhorrent terrorists.

Ruba Faza, Dubai

Terror attacks in any form should be condemned.

However, while millions of people assembled in Paris after the attacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine, the world seems to have ignored the massacre in Nigeria of almost 2,000 civilians.

The Paris incident was shocking and unexpected, but in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Pakistan, Nigeria and Libya such incidents have become common and part of everyday life.

The rising number of terror attacks proves that the so-called war on terror has not been very effective so far.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Cycle campaign sure to succeed

It is very interesting to read in Cycing is healthy and practical (January 12) how some professionals in the capital cycle to work.

These people are an inspiration. If they can do it, then anybody can. A little caution, a lot of focus, the right safety gear and a strong will is all that is required to take up cycling.

It has motivated me to read about the people behind the #cycleto­workUAE campaign. This is going to be a success.

Fatima Suhail, Dubai

Thank you for your article Cycling groups in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (January 10).

I have seen so many bicycles around the UAE lately.

Yesterday, I came across a pop-up shop in Dubai Creek area where you can customise your bicycle. I’m probably going to get mine soon so I can join a cycling group.

Clara Faur, Dubai

High school fees sent us packing

I can identify with the people mentioned in Expats tell how their changing financial circumstances meant they had to leave the UAE (January 10).

School fees finally did us in, and we left Dubai. We just couldn’t justify paying the ­ever-increasing amounts.

Name withheld by request

Glass breakage is not unusual

Stories such as Aldar says broken windows in Gate Towers 'an oddity' (January 11) surface every few years.

This is a well-known problem with tempered glass.

Chris Reid, Dubai

Vigilance is key to child safety

Beware of your child behind car (January 12) was a necessary warning.

It is terribly sad that such tragedies continue to haunt us.

As drivers, it is important that we exercise caution at all times. Before getting into a car, it is a good idea to walk around to check for children, stray animals and dangerous objects.

This only takes a few seconds but will ensure that no innocent life is lost due to carelessness.

It is heartbreaking to hear about so many accidents that were avoidable.

Name withheld by request