It's the Taliban who blaspheme

As a female doctor from Pakistan, I am disgusted by the assassination attempt against 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani blogger and women's rights activist ("Outspoken teen shot," Oct. 10).

In my view, this attack was actually directed at the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad, who declared that "seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman." He added that believers should "seek knowledge even if you have to go to China."

Aisha, the prophet's wife, was a learned woman who imparted knowledge to both men and women.

It is time for the Taliban to face up to the fact that their cowardly atrocities against women are more blasphemous to the life and spirit of the Prophet Muhammad then any video ever released or any cartoon ever published.

Aasilah Loan, Baltimore