B KIDD urges us to "read the Koran and discover that it presents no threat to anyone" (HAS, May 30).

Well, I have read it, and it is riddled with threats to all and sundry, particularly infidels and Jews.

In reference to infidels, it says: "Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers!" (8:12).

"Slay the idolators" (9:5). "Make war on the unbelievers" (9:73). "When you meet the unbelievers in the Jihad, strike off their heads." (47:4).

I could go on.

Of course, the above is not representative of the Koran. But the problem is that, as with the Bible, you can find more or less what you want in the Koran.

And contrary to Mr Kidd's suggestion about Muslims needing to get permission from Islamic scholars to engage in jihad, Muslim extremists just don't bother waiting for such permission. The above sort of quotes from the Koran give them ample encouragement.

Ralph Musgrave, Durham.