I read with interest Warner Montgomery's article on the Middle East in the July 10, 2009, issue as I traveled to Saudi Arabia last November for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. I must comment on your statement, "The first question asked by the judge of any accused person is, 'Do you believe in Allah and accept Mohammed as his only prophet?'"

Surely that question must be "Do you believe in Allah and accept Mohammed as his prophet?" or perhaps "Do you believe in Allah and accept Mohammed as his last prophet?"

Muslims believe in all of the prophets and messengers of God starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus (Peace be upon them.). But Allah's (God's) final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God, as God has said:

"Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of God and the last of the prophets... " (Quran, 33:40)

Muslims believe that all the prophets and messengers were created human beings who had none of the divine qualities of God.

Thank you for your articles and the pictures. I look forward to the next installment.

Teresa Mutakabbir