Letter: Saudi nurses

Sir: It is astonishing to see today many criticisms and attacks in all Western media against the Islamic punishments prescribed by God and in relation to the two British nurses who killed an innocent nurse in Saudi Arabia. Because of this wide ignorance about Sharia laws, it is important to put these facts.

In the case of murder, only the close relatives have the right to decide about implementing capital punishment. Forgiveness and the taking of compensation is recommended.

Capital punishment is practised today in most so-called civilised countries, such as the United States and many others.

Punishment in Islam is so severe in order to deter people from committing crime. Another deterrence in Islamic punishment is public humiliation.

Lastly it is well known that if any one lives in a country, its laws of punishment will apply to any one committing a crime. This applies to Muslims in Britain.

Dr A Majid Katme

Islamic Concern

London N13