The Pope Benedict XVI,
The Most reverend Head of Catholic Church,
Head of Vatican City,
Vatican.

Your Reverend and very Exalted Holiness,

This is in reference to the lecture that you gave in Germany and where you quoted an emperor, the emperor was on war with Islam and it was not surprising that he uttered such sentences, but the mention of such quotes by Head of Biggest religion which preaches nothing but PEACE, was Shocking to non only Muslims all over the world but all those who have studied comparative religion. The quote shows ignorance about Islam and its Prophet (May Peace and Allah's blessing be on him). You might not have meant to hurt the feelings of any body but the damage has been done, whole of the world is shocked and bewildered.

As the head of a religion which offers the other cheek for sake of peace to appease a hurt feeling and which preaches nothing but Peace it is but natural that Your Holiness personally elaborate what you actually meant and what made you quote from Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palcologos. Emperor Hercules and Negus were nothing but praise for Islam and its teaching when its was presented to them by Muslim emissaries that time.

Muslims believe in every word of The Holy Quran which is full of reverences and love for Jesus and Maryam. Muslim therefore believe that Christians are their friends because The Holy Quran says in 5:82 "strongest among men in enmity to Believers will thou find the Jews and the Pagan; and the nearest among them in love to the believers will thou find those who say 'we are Christians' because amongst those are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world and they are not arrogant." You have renounced the world. You are a learned person you call yourself Christian. Quoting from a person who seemingly had no knowledge of Islam and its prophet is certainly not befitting of a person of your stature. It is very far from a person who wants an interfaith dialogue for world peace. You have since, stated that you are sorry on the reactions and that remarks were offensive to sensibilities of Muslims. It is hoped that it will settle the issue. Yet it will be fair enough to state what you personally think of Islam.

I pray Almighty Allah the most benevolent. The most Beneficent, The One Allah, The Absolute, the eternal who neither begets nor is he begotten to bestow you the strengh and make you an instrument to bring eternal peace to this earth. Amen

A word in response and an acknowledgment will be appreciated.

Muhammad Rabey Hsani Nadwi
Rector,
Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama,
Lucknow, UP, India
President, All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board