Letter: Islam does not oppress women

MARK HERTSGAARD states that 'the Catholic and Islamic faiths are both oppressors of women'. ('Hands that rock the cradle', Review, 25 April).

Regarding Islam, does he not know that certain forms of contraception such as the Pill, coil and condom are allowed? Also, Islam gave women the right to choose their own husband, vote, own property, inherit, make contracts, etc, 1,400 years ago?

Does he also not know of the high position given to women both in the Koran and the sayings of the Prophet Mohamed? He may care to study the injunction to the husband to give proper sexual satisfaction to his wife before obtaining his own satisfaction - very progressive coming from a man of 1,400 years ago.

Amanda Smith

London NW1