Satanic Verses Flashcards
What has been occurring throughout the world against the Islamic Tradition?
Cases of blasphemy, all of which have their own consequences
What book was declared blasphemous by Islamic followers?
Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie
What was Rushdie accused of doing?
Criticising Islam
When was a fatwa issued?
February 14th 1989
Who issued the fatwa?
Ayatollah Khomeini
What did Ayatollah Khomeini claim against Rushdie?
‘Armed censorship of this kind is totally unacceptable’
What did Ayatollah Khomeini call for people to do?
He called for ‘all zealous Muslims to execute quickly wherever they find them’
What happened later the year Rushdie was issued with the fatwa?
Muslims unsuccessfully sought to invoke blasphemy laws against Penguin Books
Why did they try to invoke blasphemy laws against Penguin Books?
For simply publishing the novel
Why did they believe they needed to go against Penguin Books?
As they believe anyone involved in the making of a book seething with blasphemy should therefore be punished
What did many Muslim’s believe Rushdie’s book questioned?
It questioned faith and the meaning of Islam
What did Khomeini find the work as?
Extremely offensive
What did Ayatollah Khomeini want to ensure as a result of this book?
‘That no one would dare to insult Islamic sanctity ever again’
Why was Rushdie forced to retreat to a safe house?
As there were bounties placed on Rushdie’s head
What is Rushdie’s case an example of?
How Islamic Authorities were willing to go to extremes in order to protect their faith
What did the fatwa cause many people to do?
Led to a number of influential novelists, writers and journalists to campaign against blasphemy
What are these people in favour of?
Freedom of speech and the right to freedom of expression
