Rushdie Affair
Definition
The Rushdie Affair refers to the global controversy resulting from the publication of Salman Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses in 1988. The novel was criticized by many Muslim authorities as blasphemous, leading to widespread condemnation, bans, and violent protests.
Etymology
“Rushdie” refers to Salman Rushdie, the author of The Satanic Verses. The term “Affair” denotes a matter with widespread consequence or controversy, originating from the Old French term afaire, meaning “to do.”
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: قضية رشدي (Qadiyyat Rushdi)
- Turkish: Rushdie Olayı
Historical Context
The controversy over The Satanic Verses began soon after its publication, drawing immediate criticism from Muslim communities around the world. Its perceived irreverence toward Islamic traditions and figures incited wide-ranging responses.
Key Events:
- February 1989: Ayatollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, issued a fatwa declaring a death sentence on Salman Rushdie, along with individuals involved in the novel’s publication.
- Global Reactions: This call to execution led to widespread protests and even violence, with notable incidents including book burnings in England and demonstrations in Pakistan leading to casualties.
- Bans: Countries such as India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Iran prohibited the sale and distribution of the novel.
- Revocation of Fatwa: The fatwa was stated to be “revoked” in practice under the regime of Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in the late 1990s, though some debate exists over its formal retraction.
Effect on Muslim-Christian Relations
The Rushdie Affair strained interfaith relations, leading to complex dialogues about freedom of speech, religious sentiment, and respect for religious beliefs. While the controversy highlighted stark differences in cultural and religious values, it also opened discussions on the importance of sensitivity and understanding in pluralistic societies.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam and the West: The Making of an Image” by Norman Daniel
- “The Rushdie Affair: The Novel, the Ayatollah, and the West” by Daniel Pipes
- “Offence: The Muslim Case” by Kamila Shamsie
- “Blasphemy: How the Religious Right is Hijacking Our Declaration of Independence” by Alan Dershowitz
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Rushdie Affair underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and potential friction points between different cultural and religious paradigms. It also catalyzed extensive dialogues around censorship, the role of literature, and global religious solidarity.
While the fatwa on Salman Rushdie remains a controversial historical note, the affair’s broader implications continue to influence discussions on literature, religion, and intercultural relationships.
