The novel that evoked book-burning, library threats, bookstore attacks, and more turned out to be, in my opinion, a rather subtle and philosophical read. I can see where the problems stemmed from but ultimately felt as though it wasn’t as big of a deal as it was made out to be. I will say however, I know how sensitive the Islamic culture is to the reception of criticism, uncertainty in religious practices, or straying from cultural norms. Outsiders are not accepted with open arms, sometimes the entering and exiting of the religion can be punishable by death. It is a realm of religion that must be tread carefully, word choice is imperative, thought development trained and controlled, and actively monitored and guided. I have a really good way of not taking things personally if people disagree with me, or even call my faith, belief or thoughts lies. Some people aren’t so understanding. According to Wikipedia, the novel evoked such strong emotions amongst the people that on 14 February, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran and one of the most prominent Shi’a Muslim leaders, issued a fatwa calling for the death of Rushdie and his publishers. This created a major international incident that persisted for many years. Rushdie had committed a dangerous literary act, promoting the idea of religious questionability. I agree with this act, I think questioning things we have been told to accept, believe and practice with little to no evidence is a brilliant idea. Apparently, “On 18 February, Iran’s President Ali Khamenei (who would later that year succeed Khomeini as Supreme Leader) suggested that if Rushdie “apologizes and disowns the book, people may forgive him”. Following this, Rushdie issued “a carefully worded statement”, saying:

I recognize that Muslims in many parts of the world are genuinely distressed by the publication of my novel. I profoundly regret the distress the publication has occasioned to the sincere followers of Islam. Living as we do in a world of many faiths, this experience has served to remind us that we must all be conscious of the sensibilities of others.”

If Rushdie wrote a novel with such strong opinions, what could possibly make him take it back? The imminent and promising threat of death, punishment, whatever you want to call it. I think it was a book that needed to be written and discussed, and I’m glad that it exists. The world is not a perfect place and I believe it is the act of questioning, doubting, and changing that allows for it to become better.