Plane Crash

Having just lost a cousin in the EgyptAir crash of Oct. 31, I was disappointed at the insensitivity of The Times’ Nov. 17 front-page article suggesting suicide by a co-pilot. The suggestion demonstrates unfamiliarity with both Islam and the Egyptian culture.

None of the alleged religious statements made by the co-pilot are categorized as prayers for “facing death.” In fact, it is impressive that the co-pilot’s religious convictions would be expressed in such a crisis situation. Moreover, it is incompatible for a man of such devotion to take his own life knowing that Islam gives that right to none but God. People of other faiths might have said, “Oh my God!” under such a situation without ever being considered suicidal.

EBA SHAHAWY

Whittier