I love Sholeh Patrick’s column on Sharia, and I am reading it from far away. I am a Coeur d’Alene teacher on leave, living in the desert community of Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. I can vouch for everything she said about Islam and Sharia. I, fortunately have been blessed with an abundance of Arabian hospitality since I began teaching here. In fact, the doorbell just rang and my Jordanian neighbor just sent over dinner like she does twice a week. I am often invited to locals’ homes and ride their camels.

Anyone who takes the time to learn and understand will know that for the most part, Islam, like Christianity amounts to peaceful people who are interested in raising their family and enjoying their life. Sadly, it is the extreme, of all religions, that mar the reputation of the whole. I am hoping that my North Idaho friends, associates and neighbors read Sholeh’s article and accept it intelligently. Insha Allah.

VERN HARVEY

Coeur d’Alene/

U.A. Emirates