Salman Rushdie fatwa: 30 years on - BBC Newsnight

Summary

Thirty years ago, Salman Rushdie's *The Satanic Verses* sparked global outrage after a fatwa was issued against him by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini, condemning the novel as blasphemous. This led to protests, violent attacks, and a legacy of censorship, with Rushdie living under constant threat. The affair highlighted the clash between free speech and radical ideologies, exposing a failure of liberal voices to defend Rushdie and contributing to a culture of self-censorship in the West. The ongoing impact of the fatwa and the suppression of intellectual freedom remain relevant today, with similar challenges seen in recent global controversies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Salman Rushdie's novel 'The Satanic Verses' triggered a fatwa by Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, leading to death threats and protests worldwide.
• 😀 The fatwa against Rushdie sparked mass protests from London to Islamabad, influencing global discussions on Islam and censorship.
• 😀 Rushdie's life changed drastically after the fatwa, as he lived under high security and often went into hiding to avoid assassination attempts.
• 😀 Several individuals associated with the novel, including translators, faced violence, with some tragically losing their lives.
• 😀 The political climate of the time was marked by the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution and the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan, contributing to a tense atmosphere.
• 😀 The Rushdie affair was a defining moment in the clash between freedom of expression and religious extremism, highlighting the risks faced by writers and artists.
• 😀 Despite the threats, Rushdie remained steadfast in defending his book, emphasizing the importance of resisting censorship and protecting literary freedom.
• 😀 The legacy of the Rushdie fatwa is often seen as a turning point in the perception of Islamic fundamentalism as the dominant voice of Islam globally, though the Muslim world is far more diverse.
• 😀 Some critics argue that the response from Western liberals was inadequate, with a tendency to sympathize with the attackers while condemning Rushdie's actions, leading to a failure in defending his right to write.
• 😀 The Rushdie affair led to widespread self-censorship, as authors and publishers today still fear the repercussions of producing controversial works, as seen in later events like the Charlie Hebdo attack.
• 😀 The discussion touches on broader concerns about self-censorship in modern society, extending beyond Islamic matters to topics like gender, race, and sexuality.

Q & A

What triggered the fatwa against Salman Rushdie?

The fatwa against Salman Rushdie was triggered by the publication of his novel *The Satanic Verses*, which was deemed blasphemous by Iran’s spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, leading to the issuance of a death sentence against Rushdie.

How did the release of *The Satanic Verses* affect the global perception of Islam?

The release of *The Satanic Verses* and the subsequent fatwa gave the impression that fundamentalist Islam was the dominant voice of Islam globally, overshadowing the diverse and moderate currents within the Muslim world.

What were the consequences for those involved with *The Satanic Verses*?

The consequences were severe for those associated with *The Satanic Verses*. Several translators were attacked, and two were killed, including the Japanese translator. This violence demonstrated the extreme risks faced by individuals involved in publishing the novel.

How did Western liberals respond to the Rushdie affair?

Many Western liberals responded to the Rushdie affair by acknowledging the severity of the situation but also implying that Rushdie might have brought the fatwa upon himself by writing the book. Some questioned whether he had gone too far in his portrayal of Islam.

What role did the political climate of the time play in the Rushdie affair?

The political climate, including the recent Iranian Revolution and the Cold War context, was crucial in shaping the response to the Rushdie affair. The geopolitical tensions between the West and the Islamic world added complexity to the situation, influencing both public opinion and political actions.

What did Salman Rushdie's lawyer, Geoffrey Robertson, contribute to his safety during this time?

Geoffrey Robertson, Rushdie’s lawyer, played a key role in securing his safety by helping him go into hiding and ensuring legal and political support. Robertson recalls the heightened security measures, including the need for special protection from police and the British government.

How did the Rushdie affair impact the Muslim world’s perception of dissent?

The Rushdie affair severely impacted dissent within the Muslim world, as it created an environment where moderate voices were silenced, and any criticism or deviation from the hardline stance was seen as dangerous. This effect continues to resonate today.

Why is the Rushdie affair considered a failure of liberalism?

The Rushdie affair is considered a failure of liberalism because many liberal intellectuals and writers failed to vocally and forcefully defend Rushdie’s right to publish the book without fear of retribution. This allowed the far-right to fill the void left by liberal silence.

What are the broader implications of the Rushdie affair on freedom of expression?

The Rushdie affair underscored the dangerous consequences of allowing extremism to dictate the boundaries of free expression. It set a chilling precedent that continues to influence how writers and artists self-censor to avoid backlash from religious or political extremists.

How do current events, like the Charlie Hebdo attack and the Danish cartoons controversy, relate to the Rushdie affair?

Current events like the Charlie Hebdo attack and the Danish cartoons controversy share similar themes with the Rushdie affair, as they also involve violent reactions to works of art or satire that challenge religious or cultural taboos. These incidents highlight ongoing threats to freedom of expression in the face of religious extremism.