The Issue of Blasphemy

THE STORY OF RUSHDIE as the introduction of uncivilized individuals into a civilized society. It is indeed perplexing that Islam, a religion of peace with a Prophet who came as a mercy to humanity, is perceived as a societal threat by some individuals. The Verdict of the Riyadh Conference The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) held a meeting in Riyadh from March 16 to March 19, 1989. The conference was attended by the foreign ministers of 46 Muslim countries. Alongside the issue of Afghanistan, the topic of Salman Rushdie was one of the most sensitive matters on the agenda. The conference began with an inaugural speech by the Saudi ruler, Shah Fahad. Over three days, the representatives of the Muslim countries deliberated on various aspects of the issue. On March 16, 1989, a joint verdict from all countries participating in the conference (except Iran) was issued, firmly rejecting Ayatollah Khomeini’s death fatwa against Salman Rushdie. Diplomats considered the rejection of the Iranian fatwas to be a significant step. The conference declared Salman Rushdie’s book as an act of maligning Islam and urged the international community to avoid offending the sentiments of representatives from different religions. In his inauguration speech, Shah Fahad emphasized the importance of allowing wrongdoers to repent and called for moderation in addressing such issues (Qaumi Awaz, March 17, 1989). This verdict indicates that the self-proclaimed Islamic Government of Iran stands as an exception in advocating