LETTER: I read Mark Norwood’s letter (Shropshire Star, June 5) regarding bigotry and I am quite shocked about his ignorance of Islamic teachings.

He tries to justify his argument by indirectly labelling Sharia law as being synonymous.

For Muslims, the Sharia is a divine law of guidance and is not prejudiced against any individual as Mr Norwood may suggest. Regarding legislation, any Muslim has the right to legislate so long as it does not go against the Sharia.

For Muslims, the best example is the Prophet Muhammad. The first Islamic state was established when the Prophet Muhammad made a formal agreement with the Jews, pagans and the main tribes and families of Medina.

This included various responsibilities and rights for the Jewish, pagan and Muslim communities of Medina which brought them within the fold of one community.

The first Islamic state was founded not in the shadow of swords as is commonly believed by some people, but in the security of a social contract called the Charter of Constitution of Medina.

There are approximately 57 Muslim countries and not one of them can be called as an Islamic state.

We may have the Islamic Republic of Iran and Islamic Republic of Pakistan but this is just for show and the political leaders use this label for their own agendas.

I am aware that there are some extremist, hot-headed and bigoted Muslims and it is these Muslims who people like Mr Norwood deliberately portray as though they are exemplary Muslims which is not the case.

Muhammad Azfar

Hadley