In my response to questions, I try to restrict myself to explaining the directives (and the corollaries of the directives) of the Qur'an and the Sunnah . In the referred case, I had done exactly that. I explained my understanding of the directives regarding inter-faith marriages in the Qur'an. I do acknowledge that my interpretation may not be accurate. However, it is one thing to differ with my interpretation and quite another to find the directive of the Qur'an unacceptable or inconsiderate. If my interpretation is considered correct, then your observation: "You do not seem to take into consideration what the two persons in love feel, about the marriage. Should they kill all their dreams just because they belong to two different religions?" should be directed toward the directive of the Qur'an, not to me. My jurisdiction ends at clearly explaining the Islamic law regarding a matter. I really do not think it would be prudent on my part to take into consideration the feelings of the individuals in question. It should be left to the individuals to decide whether they are in the position to follow a particular directive of the Shari`ah or not. When someone asks me a question about the directives of the Qur'an, I feel obliged to give an honest answer, on the basis of the Qur'an and not add my value judgments to the answer. In case you disagree with me, please let me know what should my course of action be. An easy way of doing so would be to put yourself in my position. What would you do if I asked you the same question as you asked me and your understanding of the related verses of the Qur'an was the same as mine, what would your answer be? Would you take into consideration my emotional state and give me an answer that was not accurate in your opinion, and thereby be dishonest with me as well as your own self? Or would you simply give an honest answer to my question? I have always done the latter and shall continue to do so, as this, precisely, is what is required of me, as per my understanding. I am extremely sorry for any pain that I may have caused. 23 rd March 2000 Answer published by Moiz Amjad