We must always keep the needy in our thoughts

A reader praises the effort of volunteers of the Food Drive UAE initiative. Other topics: ISIL, property market, lexicon

A reader says initiatives such as Food Drive UAE help remind people of their duty to serve the poor. Jeffrey E Biteng /The National

It is heartening to read that Food Drive UAE, an organisation in Dubai, is providing for the less fortunate families in the emirate (Food Drive UAE feed the underprivileged during Ramadan, June 29). It feels great to see this enthusiasm, generosity and spirit of giving during the blessed month of Ramadan. It is important that we, as members of the community, donate generously and always keep the poor and needy in our thoughts. Those volunteering in these charity drives deserve praise. May the Almighty bless them all.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

We can only pray for peace

Regarding your editorial ISIL's violent war requires a united front (June 27), most of the developed countries are busy with solving their own problems.

So it is not practical to expect any major external assistance in terms of fighting terrorism. Our only option is to pray to the Almighty for peace in the world.

Shashi Parameshwar, India

The terrorists acts in Tunisia and Kuwait are shocking. The evil called ISIL is posing a threat to all humanity. The fact that they have been attacking indiscriminately during the holy month of Ramadan is even more shocking.

Antonio Martinez Niembro, Abu Dhabi

This is not Tunisia's problem alone (Bardo hit tourism hard, Sousse could finish it off, June 29). Every nation needs to unite to fight this insidious evil called ISIL and all Muslims who do not support these disgusting acts need to speak out and unite.

It is not enough to be silent. It is not enough that only governments speak out and act against these murderers and rapists, everyone has to join hands against them. Only when all the people are of one mind and are vigilant against these criminals will we be able to stop them. It should be clear by now to anyone with any intelligence that this is not a terrorist versus the West scenario, but a bunch of murdering, cowardly thugs against everyone else, only out to further their lust for destruction of everything good in this world.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Property market is not so simple

So everyone around the world should sell their investment property (The returns on buy-to-let property 'no longer add up', June 27)? I think more research was needed on this subject. The writer should look at Germany, which has strong controls on the rights of both landlords and tenants.

This means that renting an apartment is affordable and many people are happy to rent long term. On the contrary, steep rises in rents and property value in London are shutting a generation out. Your article is based solely on the premise that owning property is about investment and high returns. Dubai benefited hugely after the financial crash because life became more affordable. Housing is not just about investment, it’s about society and people, so I welcome sensible controls.

Name withheld by request

Buy-to-let is a scam, a bubble. It’s a predatory practice in every part of the world. And it leads to ecological destruction as well, fuelling an irrational and overpriced building boom.

Sanchita Guha, Dubai

Impression that ‘you guys’ give

I think "guys" is a lovely and warm word (Fo shizzle, 'you guys' should not be recognised, June 28). For instance, if someone asks me: "Are you guys coming to our wedding party next week?" I will understand that my husband and I have been cordially invited. It's an informal expression, which indicates closeness.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi