I refer to the Imam’s statements carried in article entitled “Maltese Muslim community expresses shock, sorrow over Coptic Church bombing” (TMIS, 9 January).

It is comforting and spiritually satisfying to read or hear the views and pronouncements of Imam M El Sadi conveying the messages of noble religious thinking emphasising universal rights, welfare and mutual cooperation between peoples.

His high ideals and principles stand out in stark contrast to the hellish preaching and acts by some foreign fundamentalist groups hell-bent on imposing their irreligious beliefs of hatred and destruction on others.

His is undoubtedly an effective and admirable approach for encouraging goodness and love of neighbour in accordance with his convictions.

Inversely, he utterly rejects and condones shameful acts and declarations that leave such an enormous black mark on and cause distrust of the faith he represents.

The Imam belongs to the praiseworthy group of people who make it their life’s mission to preach and spread the virtues of stability, togetherness and love among all people irrespective of their colour, creed and race but who basically accept and believe in one unique Deity.

How admirable also is his belief that love of God is nobody’s monopoly but may be found also deeply embedded in the hearts of other faiths irrespective of some disagreement in their respective holy book of conduct and practice.

Society in general owes a huge debt of gratitude and appreciation to such uncommon individuals and should accordingly pray for their protection and to continuing safely along this chosen path opposed to human discord and brutality.

May the good Lord look after and bless dear Imam El Sadi.

Edwin Calleja

BALZAN