5 JANUARY 2008, Page 20

Millions of Mohammeds

Sir: I agree with Charles Moore’s curiosity (The Spectator’s Notes, 15–29 December) over the varying attitudes to the use of Jesus as a name in Christian countries (particularly Britain), in reference to Mohammed the teddy bear. What puzzles me, however, given the acute sensitivity of Muslims around all the issues regarding the Prophet, is the absolute abandon with which they take his name for their children. Is not this the ultimate presumption on the sanctity of the Prophet, to give millions of children his name without a second thought?

Clarke Hayes

Hastings