Title: Practicing Christianity in Muslim Countries... Question: Why does the Islamic religion forbid churches in most Moslem countries? In Christian countries we allow Moslems to freely practice religion, does the Qur'an forbid this? Also, why cant I as a Christian buy meat that is not Halal in Arab countries as I find this as offensive as you find UN-halal meat? Anna Millar Answer: It is not correct that 'most Moslem countries' do not allow Christians to make churches. In fact, all of the Moslem countries do have churches in them and do allow their Christian citizens to practice their religion quite freely. The only exception that comes to mind is that of Afghanistan and that too, only during the last five years. As for your second concern, relating to Halaal and non- Halaal meat, I would request you to consider the issue from a more neutral perspective. As I understand it, eating non- Halaal meat is not a religious requirement for Christians as eating Halaal meat is, for Muslims. I really fail to understand how the two can be compared. The issue would only be considerable if the Christian community were to declare that eating pork was not only allowed to them, but was, in fact, required by their religion. Or if they were to declare that the Christians were not 'allowed' to eat the meat of any animal, on which God's name was recited at the time of its slaughter. This, as you know is not the case. The Christians do not consider any such requirements or prohibitions to be incumbent upon them, in contrast to the requirements of the Muslim creed. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad November 19, 2001