Mixed reactions to Muslims' outdoor praying

I refer to the report Muslims Gather In Prayer Along Sliema Front (May 2).

While I must state that I was not one of the Muslims praying on the Sliema front on the day in question (I have always performed Friday prayers at the Mosque in Paola), I cannot but help feeling sad at some comments reportedly made by "a group of Maltese onlookers who warned that if this happened again there will be trouble".

One family seems to have been so scandalised by this event to the extent of commenting "...not here where I get my children to eat and have a good time. I would have no problem if they were Catholics...in Malta we are all Catholics..."

It is amazing how in this country we are scandalised by a group of people worshipping God who, after all, is the same God worshipped in Christianity, the God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them) and then no one raises a finger at the fast decay of values and morals taking place all around us. Maybe those who made such comments should visit Paceville on a Saturday night and then ask themselves where the safest and most decent place for their "children to eat and have a good time" would be.

Besides, "...in Malta we are all Catholics" is an offence to the Muslims of Malta. Islam is the second largest religion in Malta, there is a community of Maltese Muslims many of whom, like myself, were born and bred (and pay taxes) in Malta. Others have been naturalised and are also, at least for all legal purposes, Maltese citizens. Talk about minority rights!

Another onlooker reportedly said: "If you were to do the same in their country, they would stone you."

Personally, I strongly believe that non-Muslims living in Muslim countries should be allowed freedom of worship, as indeed already happens in many Muslims countries, we Maltese Muslims refuse to be held accountable and will not be made to pay for policies adopted by foreign governments in foreign countries.

Having said all the above, I cannot leave unmentioned other (positive) comments made by some onlookers who described these worshippers as "friends and clients" and one particular remark which attracted my attention: "Why shouldn't they be allowed to pray quietly outdoors if we can have noisy feasts and drunken brawls?" Indeed! Thank God that common sense still prevails in (I believe) most of the Maltese people.

Crusades and religious conflicts are out of fashion. Let tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect and understanding characterise our times.