“No Heavenly Choir, No Tunnel Of Light” - Salman Rushdie On His Near-Death Experience

Renowned author Salman Rushdie shares details about the stabbing attack that nearly took his life. Stick around for more with Salman Rushdie and learn more about the attack in his new book, “Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder.”
#Colbert #SalmanRushdie #Knife #Books
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@ashridhar]

Salman Rushdie's sense of humour is not lost after such a vicious attack.

[@s2Capacidade2s]

Loved when he appeared in Curb, such a good sport.

[@naomiarram5187]

And a fatwa against him and years of hiding for his life

[@mose192]

holding respect for ideas that are scamming you makes you a useful idiot. respect people not their bad ideas. people have rights not people. Because you are clueless about power of liberalism so come talk to us at atheist republic so you can understand why USA is best we have.

[@beverleyreid8258]

True

[@velikovskysghost]

@ashridhar Nope once they take that away they've beaten you. I admire what Salmon Rushdie went through and how as he says it "fortunately love wins" and I can assure anyone that this is absolutely true!

[@wailinburnin]

Dang man, stabbed 14 times and all you get is 6 months of writer’s block! Salman Rushdie is a complete inspiration for artists everywhere.

[@j.x.x.r3645]

I agree with the second part but he did lose an eye

[@wailinburnin]

@@j.x.x.r3645 I’m not so with it, I didn’t realize.

[@dpelpal]

​@@j.x.x.r3645 He may have lost an eye, but he gained sight most of us will never have.

[@AlexaOleksa]

I have 6 years of artist block😅

[@DiogoSalazar]

Meanwhile GRRM… 👀

[@NewMessage]

I'm not the hero worship type.. but man, this is an impressive human being.

[@mose192]

holding respect for ideas that are scamming you makes you a useful idiot. respect people not their bad ideas. people have rights not people. Because you are clueless about power of liberalism so come talk to us at atheist republic so you can understand why USA is best we have.

[@artlesscalamity348]

I agree. I’ve met him a couple times and he is very thoughtful and has a unique perspective from his life. I disagree however with some of his views on “absolute free speech” in the digital era. It’s not “censorship” to moderate hate, disinfo and extremism - failing to do so has bad consequences. Ironically, his own attacker was radicalized by the internet. I also study media and culture and have seen a lot of research showing how digital platforms ELEVATE riightwing ideas, rather than “censor” them.

[@idlehour]

Yes

[@seang3019]

I once danced with him at a Martin Amis event...well, danced at him!

[@deenormus1975]

Right?!

[@pikiwiki]

No hatred in his voice, no bitterness. Just a retelling of facts, from his perspective. That's conscious control

[@andizhanstuey]

His message to his attacker is genius. Its on here, you can search for it 👌

[@lovelock-up5bq]

​@SMG63854it's not jews but Romans crucified Christ..FYI Even he himself forgave it still you are carrying it to over centuries

[@batosato]

You're kidding me. He has written books after the attack multiple times to further incite his critics and make monetary gain

[@pikiwiki]

@@batosato You mean he's doing this out of spite??

[@batosato]

@@pikiwiki yep

[@howards8535]

He confronts worldwide jihadist hate directed at him for exercising our freedom. He does this with grace and humor. What a brave extraordinary man.

[@zohrarasekh6661]

Your comment show ignorance… When someone slander Muslim faith it is always freedom of speech. But when someone criticizes Christianity he/she is outcasted as an anti-Christ. Worse even is when someone criticizes the Zionist Jews genocidal crimes. That is not a freedom of speech, it is a crime under the American law and the person is charged for the crime of antisemitism and will be punished. If Islamophobia is considered a freedom of speech, why anti-Christ and anti Jew propaganda are not freedom of speech. Do you see the hypocrisy of the Western societies when it comes to freedom of speech as a right. Very sad and disgraceful….

[@rananayeem6920]

Wrong! Most Muslims think and associate him with the Devil himself!

[@batosato]

He did that to himself. Offending people, mocking their belief got him out of India. This is an easy way to buy your way into Britain on an asylum

[@nananou1687]

​@@batosatooffending who again? Only one section of the populace got offended, no need to guess which one. Guess who made the fatwas against him? Also, he was not really from India anyway, he was always based in the UK, as a student. It is strange you are defending a section of the population who are eternally triggered when their beliefs are challenged. Beliefs are built to be challenged.

[@batosato]

@@nananou1687 are you out of your mind? He was born and raised in India. Regardless of where he got his education from he is still an Indian who received a British passport under asylum because India failed to provide him protection. There is a thin red line between intellectual criticism and criticizing a population based on unverified information. Try criticizing Jews on Palestine, you will be branded as antisemitic.

[@rajfc]

Buying the book would be the best way of supporting everything Salman Rushdie represents

[@TabethaAurochs]

I was thinking the same thing. Also, the physical design of the book is stunning. I say that not to diminish its contents. Rather, in a time when book design emphasizes digital readability-nothing wrong with that!-a beautifully designed physical book is an increasingly rare joy.

[@keksi6844]

You would rather follow someone that sells you fantasy instead of following God.

[@goldenhorde106]

@@keksi6844 Yes.

[@amadeus5889]

@@keksi6844Absolutely.

[@medusaslair]

@@keksi6844 And following "god" is not even as enjoyable and beautiful as fantasy, it's sickly dillusion. But besides that, Rushdie doesn't sell fantasy, he shares facts. The Abrahamic religions was made up by misogynistic men who invented a mangod in their own image to gain more power for men, all the while demonizing women and nature. The Abrahamic religions are patriarchal control systems based on oppression and hate, in particular misogyny. They have nothing to do with spirituality. They stole holidays from other spiritual traditions, warped them and turned them into their own versions, all the while banning all real spirituality in connection to nature. They murdered and plundered their way around the world and forced people with violence to convert to their cult, everyone who refused were killed. Literally billions of people, the vast majority being women and children, have been tortured, raped and murdered in the names of the Abrahamic religions for the past 2000+ years, and it's still going on today. And about the Abrahamic religions only being 2000-2500 years old, homo sapiens have existed for about 300 000 years. In Europe we fought tooth and nail for hundreds of years to take back our sovereignty from Christianity, and to separate the state from the religion to create a sane and healthy society after their sick murderous rampage that tortured millions of women to death. The Abrahamic religions are plagues originating in the Middle East that have caused more damage, suffering and death to humanity than anything else, more than all the wars combined. They have outkilled everything. They are misogynistic murder cults that need to be banned. They are the very definition of evil and they are the biggest stain of shame in human history. And anyone who supports any of these religions are either embarrassingly ignorant or just as evil themselves.

[@SN-sz7kw]

A profoundly courageous man. He stood up to Islamic supremacists ages ago when there was no protection. And in spite of fatwa after fatwa has continued to speak, & write, his mind. Nothing but respect. Be safe, dear man.

[@ismetbanyu3552]

Jika ingin melihat keindahan Islam,lihatlah moslem Indonesia ❤

[@Alhilohe6336]

The teaching of Muhammad is the problem for humanity if you followed his footstep

[@birdwellbrown5391]

I met him years ago when he gave a lecture in my city. I’ve never been more impressed by anyone in my life.

[@kiranrathod7469]

Lucky you!!! I've been just wanting to get in touch with him for many many years. I have read all his books.

[@birdwellbrown5391]

@@kiranrathod7469 it was a real privilege to meet him.

[@marioceva7163]

Te conformas con poco.

[@petebetz5358]

I'm not sure I could go around talking about being attacked like he does. He's a total badass...

[@coolbreeze5683]

I think artists and creative people need to analyze and express what they've gone through in order to help them with the healing process. For authors, turning it into a story to tell helps them see it and process the trauma from a distance.

[@MichaelSplatkins]

I love his wisecracks. That dry wit is just superb.

[@fanmael1]

Except no one was laughing

[@darrenleiberman6250]

​@fanmael1 Their loss I fear.

[@beback_]

@@fanmael1 Because it was so dark they felt uncomfortable.

[@nata3467]

He is 76 years old- wow. Such an impressive person

[@chrischris8550]

I normally don't watch what the celebs have to say section. But, i watched this one. Hope he lives longer than his critics!

[@dpelpal]

He's always going to win because he's on the right side.... and they hate that.

[@tracevicente]

Same!

[@mahlstadt]

Agreed. Who cares what an actor has to say?

[@aravinddnivara803]

He is not a celebrity like singers or actors. He is a writer who inspires people in positive ways… so, don’t degrade him by calling him a celebrity.

[@chrischris8550]

@@aravinddnivara803 Whatever!

[@rajeshnair1192]

Great to see Mr.Rushdi back. Thanks Stephen for having him on your show.

[@DemPilafian]

If Salman Rushdie had been interviewed by Jon Stewart, Stewart would have criticized Rushdie for surviving.

[@artlesscalamity348]

@@DemPilafian Glad I’m not the only one disappointed with the “new” Jon Stewart.

[@DemPilafian]

@@artlesscalamity348 The "original" Jon Stewart was one of the greatest things to ever happen to TV. The "new" Jon Stewart is like seeing your favorite athlete retire and then get arrested for a reprehensible crime.

[@mitakondria6691]

@@DemPilafian Um, no he wouldn't have. What are you even going on about?

[@GhostWriter11181]

What a wonderful inspiration this man is! We are fortunate to still have you Mr. Rushdie.

[@marksanders1301]

Glad to hear Salman Rushdie is doing okay. He has such a positive attitude, and this is inspiring.

[@kimmariefaber4636]

My heart broke when I saw him stabbed, and the prognosis wasn’t good. My relief and sheer joy at seeing about again!

[@alantrinacty4444]

Stands up for what he believes with little regard for his well being. True hero.

[@dan_hitchman007]

He does regard his well being as most people do. It's just that the venue had poor security.

[@user-zi4es4zi6v]

From iran admire your diligence.

[@user-uh4pt6kw9q]

Marg bagh amerika

[@christofferjenzen78]

​@@user-uh4pt6kw9qDerka...

[@jgp1294]

Liar, if you were in Iran you wouldn’t be writing this…let alone watching this.

[@jgp1294]

@@user-zi4es4zi6v haha coming to you straight from UAE…with a bunch of Iranian friends ✌️ They know what’s up, and that you can’t even watch that over there. Try again.

[@user-zi4es4zi6v]

@@jgp1294 it's not my responsibility to prove you where i live and where i come from and who i want to support . It's you own problem and more you reply mre i get your fake account

[@TheJonathanNewton]

Amazing that he was able to analyse the event to the point where he was able to bring out such a symbolic story… truly an indication of a great intellectual.

[@TabethaAurochs]

I choose to believe "nothing happened" because the Universe immediately insisted we still need Mr. Rushdie here with us. ❤️❤️

[@thenostalgiabusiness]

It’s a wonderful sentiment, but I believe Mr. Rushdie would insist that the universe insisted nothing, and it was blind luck and the heroic efforts of emergency responders and medical professional who insisted we still need him here with us.

[@TabethaAurochs]

@@thenostalgiabusiness Oh I have no doubt Mr. Rushdie's take would stand not only in polarized opposition to my own in contexts philosophical, metaphysical, spiritual, etc., but also in the quality of his own written expression, which is more than deserving of an entire book 😁❤️

[@SpukiTheLoveKitten75]

Yup. Also, not everyone remembers their NDEs when they happen. Some remember a vivid afterlife scene others remember nothing but waking up when they regained consciousness. Either way, he's a cool guy. Finally, I don't mind if some are atheist. Deeds should trump creeds.

[@dod2304]

Sounds like nothing happened because he could've died, would've died very shortly without the immediate care he received, but he didn't "die" as in his soul left his body. He didn't describe anything that sounded at all like actually dying, then being revived (coming back).

[@robwilliams6753]

@@dod2304 nothing happened because nothing happens. we are just molecules.

[@scully47]

“Love wins.” That gave me goosebumps.

[@andizhanstuey]

Can we talk about that book cover? Stunning! ❤❤❤😊

[@12thDecember]

100% agree! All I could find was that Caroline Cunningham designed the cover, but I couldn't find a website for her or any other info.

[@kokopai]

Agreed! Genius

[@pho3nix-]

I was almost stabbed to death last year - I think I need to read this book. Stumbling upon these recent interviews of Rushdie and learning he wrote this book with a particular title that resonates with me personally, I feel is a sign. Strange how life works.

[@GordonWolters]

So honoured to have met him a few years ago. So glad he’s doing well.

[@tommyt1971]

I watched the 60 Mins piece on him from this past Sunday and it was incredible. He had a great amount to say about censorship and that one of his docs told him he was very lucky that the guy who attacked him with a knife didn’t know how to kill a person with a knife. I hope that animal rots in jail for life.

[@sukhkaur9440]

Finally a real Hero & not just a reel hero.

[@Kreepyb5]

Amen ❤

[@shareika]

I don't believe there is a God protecting those who truly serve humanity. But if there was, I imagine this is what that would look like. May you have a long and happy life, Mr. Rushdie.

[@dpelpal]

Well said!

[@user-tr7yg7zo3j]

If you can say that God is energy, then that is what saved Salman: his beautiful, strong, inner energy, a spiritual gift. As a novelist (with a tenth of his talent, if that) I can tell you that “It’s harder to write a novel than to design and build a high-rise building.” That’s a quote from a great architect.

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

but maybe He is protecting you. ?

[@sarahharris2729]

48 hours before the attack, he had a dream of being stabbed in a gladiatorial fight that felt so real, he felt afraid to go to that talk. He was rolling on the ground trying to get away. Maybe it was a past life, maybe it was just a dream but prophetic dreams are one of the 40 plus signs of a prophet in the Quran ironically enough.

[@batgurrl]

Salman Rushdie is a living legend. He is articulate and with much wit and wisdom. His premonition almost left Stephen speechless

[@aellaaskew4263]

I love that, "well I couldn't write anything else" a true writer is the one that writes the story that needs to be written. ❤

[@SARGENTO007A]

5am and this comes up. I am in utter shock. Well done Stephen Colbert.

[@LimitlessThinker]

Salman Rushdie as a guest was very interesting.

[@lamontcranston3177]

Always. Too bad speaking his mind is so dangerous.

[@controllerbrain]

I'm surprised he's on colbert.

[@filipisandre]

very very happy that he’s alive and strong!

[@manazon6945]

Neither the Ayatollah, nor the attacker, nor 99% muslims have even read his book. The book is about those who misuse religion and god for power, and how people shpuld not fall for such "seniors in religion" but think for themselves, and develop their own understanding of god. Ayatollah just proved him right.

[@Wingedmagician]

I didn’t even realize I was almost crying while watching this. This man is a hero.

[@jillparmley5286]

Stabbing for some reason is that thing I don't think I could handle. Man, this dude was stabbed sliced and diced, and he's so chill just doing his thing 🙂

[@Quagmire238]

He is a bigot that does nothing but spreads hatred towards a one group of people.

[@artlesscalamity348]

Rushdie’s personal story is a reminder of how fanaticism and the internet are making our world so much more dangerous. His attacker said he never even read a book by Rushdie - he just saw things on the internet and decided he should kill this person. Ironically, it’s an example of why “free speech absolutism” does not work in the digital era. Moderation and accountability are necessary for public and private well-being.

[@GGoAwayy]

So was I. I think I realized the feeling making me almost cry was happiness and gratitude that he is still alive to tell the tale. If he had died it would have been a massive injustice. Even what he went through is an injustice, but Im happy because I know it almost was so much worse.

[@michellelivingstone904]

Agree

[@AtticusFinch.]

Dear Salman. I'm glad you're doing well. May you have long,happy and enriched life. Wish you and your dear ones all the best and all well

[@jplater9191]

Salman Rushdie is a giant of humanity, arts and intelligence. Such so he’s become threatening to the smallest of minds. Him being alive is a beacon of hope for those of us who still believe in a world where love wins.

[@kuribojim3916]

Salman Rushdie is a hero. He exhibits more grace, tolerance, and wisdom than any of his crazed attackers.

[@jahnaveebarkakati2397]

Last time I saw him in person he had two good eyes. Now he has one! A very brave and totally honest person!

[@suzanjurist2339]

How that man was allowed to attack him on stage is unbelievable. I hope he has good security tonight

[@artlesscalamity348]

His attacker was radicalized by things he read on the internet. Ironically, it’s an example of why content moderation is necessary. It’s not “censorship” to put extremism in check.

[@jimgravesus]

@@artlesscalamity348 Absurd. Content is no excuse for murder .The guy who attacked Rushdie was an evil piece of crap. He wasn't radicalized. He wanted to murder someone for no reason and was looking for a flimsy excuse. You have to be a one lousy piece of crap to attack an unarmed man with a knife.

[@deepdiver849]

Unbelievable? 😂 common which planet do you live in ? There are plenty of mass shootings, rape, knife stabbing, every single day... specially in the US... So many cops got killed on Jan 6 in capital hill... nothing is unbelievable for me... specially these days... specially a knife attack.

[@sarahharris2729]

ironically the talk was about security for controversial authors.

[@CarlZend]

Sir Salman Rushdie - a brilliant writer and thinker. We are fortunate to have his perspective on life’s issues.

[@zenzender3790]

He's pathetic, and cheap. Got what he was asking for, if you read one of his book he calls all "Londoners" as "Bastards".

[@cynthiarucker9090]

A MasterClass spokesman despite having almost lost his life. A Hero of paper and pen. Humor over all odds. Undying love to you and your loving wife. Many happy years before you! Thank you . 🙏🏻

[@retro_sounds]

Today I've been listening to the audio book of Knife, which is narrated by Mr Rushdie. There are no words to explain how much I admire this amazing and brave writer. I have loved his novels and essays for all of my adult life. He's always reminded me of my favourite writer from my teenage years, James Joyce - both for his style and his irreverence. I am glad he survived this attack, I am delighted that he is still writing and I am hopeful his voice will make the world better for a good number of years to come. Everyone should have the freedom to believe in whatever religion they wish, but we should all also have the freedom to question, criticize and even mock all gods, prophets, "holy" books and beliefs. This courageous man - who did not for a second turn his back on the ignorant coward who tried to take his life - exemplifies that freedom.

[@AnEvolvingApe]

I tried to read Joyce but didn't like it. The language was too complex. Would I like Rushdie?

[@prateekdhingra292]

From Delhi india. Love salman rushdie son of the land

[@julienrocher1]

I have always admired Salman. He is deep, honest and kind. I was really shocked to hear of the attack on him.

[@christopherwright2153]

"You can't defeat hate with hate, it only breeds more hate. The only thing that can defeat hate is love." -Jim Jefferies

[@victorpradha9946]

Don't know who said this but..."To answer injuries born from fear and anger with hate will only serve to expand the pain this world endures." Fires of fear, anger & hate cannot be doused with more fuel in the form of retaliation and resentment and harbored grievances, they can only be smothered with the embrace of love and compassion and understanding and patience.

[@dod2304]

It's a beautiful sentiment. No... more than that; it is a capitol "T" Truth. However Mr Jeffries was quite remiss if he didn't credit the man who he is paraphrasing/ quoting; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that" From a sermon he preached at Dexter Baptist Church in Montgomery Alabama on November 17, 1957.

[@christopherwright2153]

@@dod2304 now that you show that, I remember reading excerpts from that sermon. Thank you.

[@mlg1279]

​​@@dod2304 Not really. The idea is much older than Luther or Jeffries

[@gerryboudreaultboudreault2608]

And so said Jesus.

[@kimmariefaber4636]

Salman is an amazing writer, an amazing person and my hero since I was 16 ( I am 60 now)

[@EssvariAI]

I may not be a fan of Mr Rushdie before but his tenacity and perspective on life itself had made me a fan now. Salute to you sir 🫡

[@hasan14598]

'Unfortunately Love wins' what a soothing satirical slap on the face of those whose hearts are full of hatred. Long live man ❤

[@DanCookMovieReviews]

Such an incredibly impressive man

[@adamlayneandersen]

As so few are these days❤❤❤

[@jasoncox7244]

Shalimar the Clown is to this day one of my favorite books of all time.

[@adamlayneandersen]

❤❤❤Rushdie!!! The spirit of Hitchens is with you. Thank you for being so 💪 in the face of so much ignorance. ❤

[@bradfordjhart]

Ahhh Hitchens he will be missed

[@ahartify]

The 'spirit' of Hitchens? I didn't think you were supposed to believe in such things?

[@hilarytherien5342]

Similar to the spirit of the law, meaning keeping with the vibe essentially​@@ahartify

[@mrush5969]

Ah I miss Hitch man

[@realityjunky]

@@mrush5969 So much.......

[@victorpradha9946]

Eckhart Tolle himself said if you're able to laugh then you are beginning to see the absurdity in taking this life, comprised of mostly ego-driven actions in defense of ego-extension possessions, too seriously. Mr. Rushdie is absolutely correct, those who cannot laugh at life are a danger to the peace and joy that life may offer!

[@old_grey_cat]

Reminds me of the satirist who said something like "You've got to laugh, or you'll throw bricks."

[@wasseofficial]

I'm honored to have watched this. Thank you for sharing Sir. Cool glasses.

[@audunmagnusmoss]

Interview more writers, please!

[@jessragan6714]

Hey, Craig Ferguson used to do it, and he had a gay skeleton robot as a co-host. A little culture's not going to hurt your audience any.

[@JoRiver11]

Yes to more writers! Often the most interesting interviews.

[@rikkiechambers4959]

His foreshadow of the events was remarkable .. and not to be taken lightly .. what an incredible human ❤

[@shazanali692]

There are some theories that we are living in a universe that is repeating itself over and over again, physics is strange

[@zeitakulobusta9708]

I love the pin-drop silence when he's describing the event

[@boesvig2258]

Salman Rushdie is one of my favorite authors. One of the few true intellectual giants we have. The small-minded people trying to kill him should try reading him instead.

[@SomethingSomethingg]

They never will. All they care about is the Quran and nothing more.

[@chamamemestre]

As having been near death for 3 times, I can attest to the veracity of this man's words. There is nothing. No flashback either. Nothing. Only the urge to keep yourself alive no matter what. You don't think of your kids, family, wife, parents, nothing. Just the primal instinct of keeping yourself awake and alive.

[@sudipchatterjee]

What an incredible person! Ordered the book as soon as it arrived on Amazon. ❤🙏

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

What presence. Powerful man

[@user-sl3lt4cz9g]

Salman Rushdie is a great author and wonderful human being!

[@kfffisher]

He is a remarkable person. Love to him and his family.

[@hermenshastri3476]

An inspiration to so many of us

[@bunnynooryani7020]

I’m so glad you made it, Mr Rushdie.

[@Rev_Oir]

Rushdie's response to the attack is similar to Teresa Saldana's. She made a movie about being knifed by a crazed stalker, AND PLAYED HERSELF IN THE MOVIE. Absolute badass move.

[@sarakunb621]

So happy to see his is alive and doing well! A medical miracle 🎉

[@nursenurse3577]

Love wins.Thank you for that.

[@aftersexhighfives]

Salman is a gift to humanity. I'm so glad he's still here. ❤

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Mr. Rushdie is an amazing human being. Capable of such deep intellectual thought and easy going enough to have a tremendous sense of humor. In Bridget Jones diary he was hilarious.

[@estera0009]

Shiiiivers. Glad he’s okay ❤

[@1amybean]

Incomparable writer, resilient and thoughtful human being. The attack was horrifying. What good fortune that this brilliant thinker and artist survived and is willing to explore the experience in his new book. I can’t wait to read it.

[@alcrow1458]

I read Satanic Verses to see what the whole fuss was about. While I found the book a challenging read, I found nothing in it that should have offended any adult with a normal brain. It was a very good book.

[@zenzender3790]

The book can be a figment of jus imagination but that doesn't leave the fact that it's full of made-up lies by him that have been criticised and refuted. What can possibly be good about insulting the figures held in high respect by billions of Muslims?

[@geebster.]

@@zenzender3790 None of that justifies bombings and killings of innocent people or murdering him. Also... Satanic Verses is a work of fiction. Its a story. The correct response to it is to critique the facts and debate him if he is willing to do so (and has many times publicly). It is not to commit murder.

[@zenzender3790]

@geebster. It doesn't ofcourse. Prophet Muhammad(SAW) is not a fiction though. He would have been against the treatment or response he got, that's because he was such a person which is why he is loved so much by Muslims. However the attacker probably attacked him for writing something against Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran.

[@zenzender3790]

@geebster. There is nothing to debate when it comes to fiction. The Qur'an itself refutes him. He just took an isolated verse from Qur'an and in order to create a controvery named the novel based on that while in reality it only makes up a small part of novel. What he did was playing with western ignorance of Qur'an and Islam because at that time the internet was not so widely available, people were less globalised and ignorant.

[@zenzender3790]

@geebster. What debate should there be when he refers to all "Londoners" as "Bastards" in his book? I think the debate is very settled that he's just a cheap individual that tries his hardest to ride controversy and have earned respose of his stupidity and disgusting behaviour.

[@cheknfaks]

Dreams have meaning to our lives. I was in a car accident and had dreamed it before it happened.. saved my life bc I had took it seriously and prepared ahead of time in which caused me less injury.

[@deepdiver849]

Some dreams yes... some are just movies

[@MrTomVatt]

Salman Rushdie is a pure inspiration to the current generation. I wish him and his wife a peaceful and happy long life..

[@RipleysReasons]

A hero of mine. “Midnight’s Children” is a masterpiece

[@shubhamnema8281]

Shout out to the artist who did a brilliant job designing the cover of this book

[@LifeisaHorrorMovie]

I remember reading somewhere, "I don't know if God exists, but given his reputation.. it would be better if he didn't".

[@craigpardy6204]

This comment section is normally full of jesus freaks, this is a nice change of pace..

[@SweetLux31]

If God is real, he is either not all good or not all powerful.

[@dod2304]

@@SweetLux31 You may be overlooking the concept that we all have free will. What happens to us and around us on this little planet school is all caused by ourselves. Either by will or neglect. And, yes I do believe in a "God", Creator, Higher Power, whatever one wants to name it.

[@weAreNotAloneHere]

@@SweetLux31well you did not come from hell when you where born so innocent, so you came from somewhere that gives you that. The rest is is growing up in the hell we created that god let you do because he loves you, he knows that you can’t learn if he holds your hand . He’s a strong being to stand by and watch the horrors, but it is by law and it is what you agreed before you incarnated. Now you try doing good things and watch how many humans try getting in your way. It’s not god, it’s us.

[@SweetLux31]

The fact that childhood cancer exists is proof alone that god is neither not all good or not all powerful. Have you ever seen a 5 yo child die of brain cancer? I have. That suffering he went through was hell. God wasn’t there to save him from the devil. The old “god works in mysterious ways” doesn’t justify that. Sorry but you have no argument here.

[@user-jd1kc9xw1x]

3:13 “Fortunately, I was wrong about that”… Thank you, Mr Rushdie, for reminding us about the importance and value of mistakes!

[@annenyman678]

So nice to see a person like this instead of some silly celebrities who really have nothing to say.

[@neemz9361]

One of the very best authors out there

[@avi2125]

This man is a miracle - love n admiration from 🇮🇳

[@bononista3999]

I remember the days when Rushdie was first put on a list to be killed, and pre-internet pre-social-media, U2 were making his situation known as they toured so that he would be known and famous so that such a bright light were upon him that no one dare harm him. It's incredible to think that all these years later someone got anywhere near him to do this sort of harm. Thank goodness he made it - he continues to be a much needed reasonable and rational voice in a world gone mad.

[@MadeInArt13]

Phenomenal writer, intellectual and an exemplary human being. Yes, Sir. Rushdie, could not agree with you more, love wins, always. With love and many blessings. 💜

[@hilpei3675]

Love wins! Yes, sir. A deep bow to you, Mr. Rushdie.

[@beansnrice321]

It's amazing that he survived and is still so sharp. What a chad.

[@urbansahlin1285]

Love from Sweden, we love you here ❤

[@Aanandlahar]

What a warm and courageous man

[@Nina-oi1qk]

Sense of Humour intact after such an ordeal. Thats Salman Rushdie!!

[@lancefromohio]

"I don't use his name." Ah. Salman Rushdie taking a page out of the PhillyD playbook. Not a sentence anyone ever considered saying ever.

[@sistakia33]

I know the feeling of what he was talking about. I was in ICU and had been sleepless for two days while I recovered from surgery. I finally felt sleepy and thought I was going to get some rest. Instead I woke up to doctors and nurses screaming and slapping me while using my bed to turn me upside down. I heard, "she's up to 50/30!" And I remember thinking, "Seriously? I just wanted some sleep!" To be fair, I just thought it was going to be for a couple hours when it was almost until the resurrection! 😳

[@laurie113]

An amazing man! So happy you are here! ❤️🇨🇦

[@Rafooky92]

Love the audience being so enraptured in his narration... Very respectful, truly.

[@blackeyedlily]

Fortunately, love wins!

[@user-xx1tm5fe9u]

Not always, but he was open to it.

[@shadowcivilian9942]

What a humble, intelligent, positive, humourous, vulnerable human who beautifully explained his experiences and book etc

[@gregorseidel8203]

I am happy to see an interview with Salman Rushdie here: a man worth listening to. Also, since it was switched on for me randomly: the caption really should not confuse "unfortunately" with "fortunately" when he describes how medical professionals and himself were fortunately(!) wrong about his impending demise...

[@warrenjohnknight.9831]

Historical legend. 😊😊.

[@tabachivq]

in feb of last year, i was knife attacked. the knife missed by heart by inches, collapsed my lung, impaled my hand, stabbed my leg, slashed my face... I remember never giving into my attacker, I called him a "little bitch" as he was stabbing me. heh. I'm okay now though i've lost feeling in two fingers that don't move properly anymore, but at least i'm alive.

[@johnpelletier7641]

He's an amazing human being.

[@senguptasayn]

A real life HERO.

[@JeanineLaMonica_fem]

💜💚🧡💙"Fortunately, love wins."💙🧡💚💜