On February 14, 1989, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for the death of British Indian author Salman Rushdie. The edict was a direct response to Rushdie’s controversial novel The Satanic Verses, which many Muslims considered blasphemous for its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad and Islamic themes. Khomeini’s decree not only targeted Rushdie but also urged Muslims worldwide to execute anyone involved in the book’s publication. This unprecedented move ignited a global firestorm, thrusting issues of free speech, religious sensitivity, and political extremism into the international spotlight.
The fatwa had immediate and far-reaching consequences. Salman Rushdie went into hiding under police protection, living in secrecy for years to avoid assassination attempts. Publishers and translators associated with The Satanic Verses were also targeted; tragically, Hitoshi Igarashi, the Japanese translator of the novel, was murdered in 1991. The edict strained diplomatic relations between Iran and several Western countries, leading to protests, book burnings, and debates across continents. While some viewed the fatwa as a defense of religious values, others condemned it as an attack on artistic freedom and human rights.
Global Repercussions and Polarized Reactions
Decades later, the fatwa’s influence continues to resonate in discussions about freedom of expression and the limits of artistic license. The Rushdie affair highlighted the fragile balance between respecting religious beliefs and upholding the right to free speech. It forced governments, publishers, and artists to grapple with the risks associated with controversial works. Rushdie himself became a symbol of literary defiance, advocating for free expression even while living under constant threat.
The Evolution of Censorship in the Modern Era
In the years since the fatwa, the landscape of censorship and religious sensitivity has evolved, but the core issues remain relevant. The internet and social media have amplified both free expression and the potential for backlash, making it easier for controversial content to spread—and for outrage to escalate rapidly. Incidents like the Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015 and ongoing debates about “cancel culture” echo the tensions first brought to the forefront by Khomeini’s decree.
Rushdie’s Enduring Legacy
Despite the threats, Salman Rushdie continued to write and speak publicly, embodying resilience in the face of oppression. His works, both before and after The Satanic Verses, challenge readers to think critically about religion, identity, and power. The fatwa, ironically, elevated Rushdie’s status as a literary figure, ensuring his influence extended far beyond what might have been without the controversy.
The fatwa against Salman Rushdie remains a pivotal event in modern history, a stark reminder of the complex relationship between religion, politics, and the right to express dissenting ideas. It exposed the vulnerability of artists and intellectuals to ideological violence but also demonstrated the enduring power of words to provoke thought and challenge the status quo. On this day, we remember not just the decree itself but the broader struggle for the freedom to write, speak, and think without fear.