Arbibi Ashoy ('Focus on vital aspects of Islam', Aug 20) is wrong to regard as petty issues certain practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Who are we to decide the 'weight' of the various laws in the Islamic Shariah?

Most Sufi masters and disciples place utmost importance on the practices mentioned by the writer as one of the various ways to achieve a high level of spirituality that will enable one to overcome minor (in Sufi philosophy) issues like oppression, murder, illiteracy, poverty, war, crime and cruel leaders.

The arguments put forth by the writer smacks of Wahabism and anti-hadith movements which seem to be a growing menace in Islam. Traditional mainstream Islam (Sunnah Wal Jamaah) had always had the highest of esteem for the Hadiths of the Holy Prophet.

Personally, however, I do agree with the writer that Muslims should have a choice over the religious aspects that he/she wishes to practise and uphold, major or minor. He /she, and no one else, is after all answerable to the Lord Almighty over his/her affairs.