THE WORD OF GOD

ASK MAULANA Controversy marred author Salman Rushdie’s appearance at the Jaipur Literature Festivals, 2012 and 2013. His visits and even a video conference with Rushdie had to be ultimately cancelled. India Ink spoke with Muslim leaders about the situation, their feelings about the book 'The Satanic Verses' and whether politics played a part in this controversy. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is the founder of the Center for Peace and Spirituality, New Delhi. He has received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honor in India, and the Demiurgus Peace International Award. Malavika Vyawahare of India Ink, spoke to him at his home in New Delhi and the following conversation was published in The New York Times, 27 January 2012. What is your reaction to the protests against Salman Rushdie’s participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival? These protests were by a tiny minority, who are not representative of the Muslim community. The protesters were completely wrong in doing what they did. Salman Rushdie has every right to come to this country. I heard his interview after the video conference was cancelled and agree with him when he said that all other freedoms rest on the freedom of expression. If you abolish the freedom of expression, all other freedoms will cease to exist. According to Islam, you have to counter a book with a book; statement with statement. Countering a statement with violence is not right. It is un-Islamic. Protest and argument are two different kinds of reactions. The Prophet himself faced many negative things, abuses, but he never protested. The prophet’s life is a model for Muslims, thus violent protest in this manner is against the spirit of Islam. What is it about Mr. Rushdie’s work that has offended you personally, and is offensive to the Muslim community? I have read the 'Satanic Verses'. The book is not based on historical facts. This author has quoted an event that did not happen and is