Muslim scholar appeals for release of three American students imprisoned in Iran

The following is a personal appeal by Ambassador Akbar Ahmed to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Hoseyni Khāmene'i, to show Islamic compassion during Ramadan, the month of fasting, and free the three young American hikers who have been held in Iran for over a year. The appeal comes in advance of the Night of Power, which falls in the last days of the month. It is the time when Muslims are called to show special mercy and kindness. Ambassador Ahmed delivered this appeal, the first on behalf of the hikers by an Islamic scholar, to the senior most Iranian diplomat in Washington, D.C. last week.

The following is the text of the letter:

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/akbar_ahmed/2010/09/an_appeal_by_an_islamic_scholar_to_grand_ayatollah_khamenei_of_iran.html