Sir, David Cameron is to be applauded for asking not to give undeserved legitimacy to criminals by referring to their self-declared caliphate as the Islamic state. However, even referring to them by their Arabic acronym as Daesh, would absurdly perpetuate the myth that terrorism is Islamist in nature; while they are merely outlaws.

This highlights the significant role of interpreters in bridging the chasm between diverse cultures, faiths and languages, and sowing the seeds of harmonious coexistence through knowledge and creative communication.

This organisation is nothing but a narcissistic propagation of cannibalism and barbarity; on a mission to annihilate the grandeur and splendour of Arabian and Islamist past, and deprive humanity of a future of moral values.

These fanatics do not represent the beautiful faith of Islam, in the same manner as those who shot down the Malaysian airline over Ukraine killing all 283 on board; or the pilot who crashed the Germanwings flight into French Alps killing 149; or the Norwegian who killed ninety of his fellow countrymen, or the white supremacist who gunned down churchgoers in South Carolina, or those who abused children in schools, churches, hospitals, health and social care homes do not represent Christianity.

I never heard the terms ‘Christian extremism’ being used to describe such horrible crimes. Isn’t it time to stop giving undue credibility to criminals by associating them with godly religions? Terrorism has no religion.

Yours,
Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob
London