THOSE WHO RIDICULE THE PROPHET

THOSE WHO RIDICULE THE PROPHET TIME Magazine featured a report on Rushdie’s book in its February 27, 1989 issue. Consequently, TIME received 240 letters, one of which was from Margareta du Rietz, stating, “Very few people took notice of this novel. Now, thanks to Khomeini, it has become world-famous.” Salman Rushdie expresses his controversial ideas solely in his book. However, due to the uproar caused by some Muslims, his ideas gained widespread coverage in newspapers and magazines worldwide. Consequently, many people became unnecessarily interested in reading his book. It has now been translated into more than 20 languages and was published in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and other countries, enabling non-English speakers to read this ‘famous’ book. Regrettably, the foolish actions of some Muslims led to chaos in the name of “Kill Salman Rushdie,” resulting in the loss of Muslim lives and injuries numbering in the dozens and hundreds. Meanwhile, Salman Rushdie has become a literary figure and is currently under the protection of the British royal authorities. 2. Statements made by Muslim leaders regarding these incidents often mention that the book has offended the sentiments of millions of Muslims. This phrase, however, has no basis in Islamic teachings. The Prophet never used such words when faced with a similar situation. Additionally, there is no provision in the Islamic “Criminal Code” that declares hurting the feelings of Muslims as a criminal offence punishable by death. It is undoubtedly an innovation (bid’aa)