Salman Rushdie fatwa: 30 years on - BBC Newsnight

It’s been 30 years since a fatwa was issued against Salman Rushdie over his novel, The Satanic Verses.
Subscribe to our channel here: goo.gl/31Q53F
How did that seismic event change perceptions of Islam and the debate around free speech?
His lawyer at the time, Geoffrey Robertson QC, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and Dr Farzana Shaikh join Emily Maitlis.
Newsnight is the BBC's flagship news and current affairs TV programme - with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/newsnight
Twitter: / bbcnewsnight
Facebook: / bbcnewsnight

[@waqasarqum]

Muslims hated this guy so much that they made him rich and famous 😂

[@xxxzz8413]

That's how every religion works dumbo. I would be happy if "kamasutra" got so much publicity.

[@blackmancool9983]

looooooooooool

[@andrewmartin6445]

@dickcheeze They fly into an infantile rage if criticised or challenged too. It's impossible to have a civilised disagreement.

[@waqasarqum]

Damn you guys in the comments really hate Muslims dontcha 😂

[@MrMoo272]

So we're all in agreement then? Islam sucks. 😂

[@johnnybgoodeish]

Loved: "murder is not a form of literary criticism"!

[@Liveforever898]

jesus , sums up the new york times

[@MuhammadAhmed-qw3qp]

@@Liveforever898 what?

[@whatsgoingonwhy9096]

can any muslim apologist answer a question without diverting to something not asked?

[@whatsgoingonwhy9096]

@@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124 no it can't, it is not an issue for the non-muslim side. point to an example rather than just saying, yes it is.

[@ludjakkivication]

Whatsgoingon why ask me a question and I will answer it

[@user-hb7sd2vy3g]

ludjakkivication you ask me a question and I’ll answer it

[@AvarClan]

Lol why don’t you do some research ? This was addressed 1400 years ago while you ask now ? What a clown :) Maybe now you know why your question is dumb and why Rushdie is a fraud

[@adrianmargean3402]

Camel Amar damn bro, you triggered?

[@nameless9867]

How can a religion be so weak to a point of people losing their minds over a book 📖

[@desiangraiz6497]

nameless how can american called themselves civilized when they used atomic bombs on civilians in japan

[@wackey2k10]

@@desiangraiz6497 look at the okinawa islands wars documentary, then come back to me with that stupid statement.

[@clemalford9768]

Because it is a mental insanity condition.

[@theodorherzl4695]

@@desiangraiz6497 The war would've lasted to at least 1948 and millions more would've died if they hadn't dropped the bombs.

[@Cube930]

Thats what they put their faith in, a holy book. Makes sense they would lose their shit over another one

[@chumptown259]

I remember when I was a child, people supported the Islamist calling for Rushdie's death including members of my own family. I am so embarrassed.

[@kennethleoganda9805]

At least ur still sane

[@ahmedmaniyaruni4300]

I used to feel the same way when I was a kid... Evidently sadly.

[@wautd]

Glad you kept your sanity.

[@sunnyearthling192]

@Dave HY. Jeong Wait what?

[@sunnyearthling192]

@Dave HY. Jeong I am surprised and confused by your previous comment. You said to not be embarrased for doing the right thing. The original comment said he was embarrased for supporting the death Salman Rushid, so are are you supporting killing people over fairytales or am I getting something wrong here?

[@wautd]

I'm always amazed at how eager muslims can get to confirm all negative stereotypes around Islam (anti free speech, anti science, bigoted, violent,...)

[@kenosabi]

Well. Unfortunately as much as people hate it stereotypes tend to start with some varying fragment of the truth.

[@uzairazhar2564]

@@kenosabi a stereotype may be born from “a truth” but not necessarily “the truth”.

[@hermanrowell3081]

so do stereotypes hold certain degrees of truth 30% 55% 72% is the reason a stereotype never dies is because its continually being reinforced

[@hermanrowell3081]

stereotypes are earned

[@R-Righteous]

@@hermanrowell3081 yes, but a stereotype is a stereotype, its not true in every single case

[@wnapholi]

Wish so much that Christopher Hitchens was still alive to speak on this. He is so very missed.

[@notnotness4765]

I sometimes wonder if they killed him. Easily done. Offer him a radiation cigar. He walked in those circles.

[@gloryinme523]

not notness There there now., lets not assert assumptions as far fetched as those.

[@notnotness4765]

@@gloryinme523 im not saying he insulted the clintons or anything ;)

[@gloryinme523]

not notness On the contrary, don’t get me started on the Iraq war during Bush regime.

[@notnotness4765]

@@gloryinme523 yeah, he went a bit rogue there didnt he! Goes to show they all thought it would be a cake walk though. Silly buggers

[@theesotericcunt5029]

Remember when Shirley Williams was on Question Time criticising Rushdie's knighthood and Christopher Hitchens said, "I think that's a contemptible statement and anyone who applauded it should be ashamed of themselves"

[@jonb5493]

This exchange is on youtube. Hitchens really had a talent for putting stupid windbags in their place.

[@iainrae6159]

Classic Hitch nailing it .

[@abuamanah9176]

@@jonb5493 "White woman never mind fat Jewish, non-deferential white women - were for fucking and throwing" Satanic Verses page 261

[@deonliberator8953]

over many years had been that Allah of the Qur'an was in fact a pagan Arab "Moon-god" from pre-Islamic times.

[@abuamanah9176]

@@deonliberator8953 :) Allah is The Creator Who created all that once begun to exist, including you too. Peace be upon you.

[@alias201]

I did rushdie at uni. It was very interesting and we were all shocked at the reaction it had when it came out. How could a BOOK cause such barbarity

[@TripleDDDD]

Barbars cause barbarity. The book was just a catalysator.

[@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124]

@@TripleDDDD Speak English lol

[@TripleDDDD]

Sam Wasee which word you don‘t understand?

[@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124]

@@TripleDDDD "Barbars" is not a real word

[@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124]

@@TripleDDDD lmao the subhuman is still goin on. BARBARS is not a real word.

[@Sticklemako]

Have the so called moderate Muslims even read the book with an open mind.. Most 'moderates' from other religions actually read the stuff that criticizes them

[@amaansaddiq888]

Racist and narrow minded idiots

[@ikiliousdasylouiyasbdetyw9124]

@dickcheeze Wrong

[@drd.n4695]

Islam is one of the most close-minded religion ever known. ~ To claim Allah and Mohammed as the only God and Prophet as against Allah as a form of God and Mohammed as one of the Prophets makes the world shun Muslims, they like it or not ... while the Western world has dropped Christianity's absolutism, the Middle-East is being littered with ex-Muslims for the same reason ... why? ~ To claim every land under Islam, to wipe every other civilization and ethnicity out makes Muslims a scary lot to deal with ... Like it or not, Islam sadly is a cult that controls people through its halaal/haraam rhetoric. ~ To claim the Qur'an, the caliphate, the Shari'ah law and the hijab for a sole way of living makes Muslims very unpopular. To see every Islamic community synonymous with terrorism in the name of jihad is not an accident. Is it any surprise that Muslims get into trouble wherever they live? Back in their own so-called Islamic lands too? Let Rushdie write his book ... let van Gogh make his video. Murdering the latter or threatening the former only confirms Muslim psyche. This comment is called a critique. Not hate.

[@RichardEnglander]

@@amaansaddiq888 islam isnt a race. There is nothing bigoted about speaking out against totalitarian theocratic ideology. Time and again the believers show how intolerant, reactionary and hypersensitive they are. They hate the west and the unbelievers, that's bigoted.

[@Isochest]

@dickcheeze They don't even do that. They just listen to their mullah's lies

[@codswallop321]

"The extraordinary thing was that no one seemed to have read the book" And Islamists wonder why no one takes them seriously... 🙄

[@mattfarley4996]

That didn’t age well.

[@chinmayjoshi3592]

@@mattfarley4996 this guy wrote it two weeks ago, Islamists aren't taken seriously, but the damage done by them is certainly taken seroiusly

[@mattfarley4996]

@Chinmay Joshi one person’s Victory is another’s Defeat. Muslims would disagree with that…

[@czgibson3086]

The illiterate don't get to make the rules of literature.

[@codswallop321]

@@mattfarley4996 yep, we still don't take them intellectualy seriously due to the crazy things they believe. But we take the security risk that they represent seriously.

[@richlondonrich]

Look how entrenched Islam has become in England. These are the darkest days we have ever faced.

[@Zenhumanist]

Is it that bad?

[@richlondonrich]

@@Zenhumanist yeah, they are completely entrenched at all levels of society and in positions of authority. Any resistance would be crushed. Conservative predictions expect a white minority by 2060. However that's a current immigration levels. As the second and third generation immigrants take their positions in our society I would predict a vast acceleration.

[@matthewomalley6732]

What about that time in the 20th century when millions of white people were trying to destroy England? You know WW2? You make the mistake of believing England or Great Britain is a racial grouping. They're an ideology. The ethnic makeup of the 'native' population isn't even Anglo Saxon for Christ's sake.

[@shaz3r786]

You're in the dark days because of bankers and politicians who are probably predominantly christian.

[@muslima4andproud579]

@Ted Wilson well if you dont want to become a minorty then have more children

[@shubhamhissaria707]

The book is not offensive nor does it says that what's written is truth. The problem with this case is that there are a bunch who are offended by anything but are ashamed of nothing.

[@jimj2683]

Whether or not the book is offensive is irrelevant! The problem here is that Islam teaches all muslims to be violent against anyone that goes against their religion; and to spread Islam by any means. The end game of Islam is that the entire planet is converted and everyone is a walking zombie that is forced to believe in the same crap.

[@mogznwaz]

Absolutely disgraceful the way we capitulated to death threats and thuggery over a book. We should have defended Salman Rushdie *without reservation or hesitation*. Our weakness in defence of our own values only emboldened the religio-fascists and look at the results.....

[@gadfly7677]

Now our duty is to read this book, n encourage everyone to read it. We do have the duty to continue reading and writing and publish them. We should write about them so that they get used to being criticized n let ppl think read n write happily

[@barjeestariq8132]

Read it he called white people Indians Bastards and the only purpose of white women is to get raped are you ok with this book read it

[@1stulees]

Burning Books mmmm? I’ve seen that before. 🤔

[@WOEEW]

nazi Germany

[@humanbeingscanb2evil]

stuart lees yeah them nazi days Hey nz now bans books....sounds nazi to me Oh wait yeah thats right that is what im meant to be according to our lefties in power But im not banning books,so it really cant be me. Nope its them lefties,yip they really are the true nazis

[@blackwhitehaze9785]

@@Sufi78645 Hitler hated Christianity actually. He was an atheist. He even once said this about Christianity and Islam, "The Mohammedan religion would have been much more compatible to us than Christianity. Why did it have to be Christianity with its meekness and flabbiness?" So, apparently Hitler was a fan of Mohammed and his religion but hated Christianity, geez, I wonder why.

[@Sufi78645]

@@blackwhitehaze9785 pretty sure he had alot of Christians allied with him like the Catholics of Poland

[@blackwhitehaze9785]

@@Sufi78645 Well, Hitler captured Poland actually, kinda didn't ally with them.

[@jka4323]

so proud that I left Islam

[@abdull4h]

So pathetic

[@jka4323]

Abdullah H so ignorant

[@abdull4h]

Jameel Asad Says the man who relies his faith on a political circumstances That’s the real ignorance

[@jka4323]

I know Islam more than you do I read and write and speak Arabic fluently

[@abdull4h]

Jameel Asad Another proof of ignorance, you don’t know anything about me except my avatar and my first name, and yet you made a judgment about my knowledge to win an argument

[@325133]

What a legend. He made possibly the biggest enemy in the world and not only did he survive but they made him rich

[@shianzekri7629]

but it was very risky

[@samik4714]

And he got other people killed

[@MrMalmir]

He lives in constant fear doesn't matter how much money he has he's literally a prisoner

[@silversnail1413]

@@samik4714 He didn't get anyone killed. Why should he be held responsible for the actions of a bunch of homicidal religious zealots? Because he published a book they didn't like? The only people responsible for those deaths are the murderers themselves.

[@samik4714]

He knew his book will create chaos and he still did it, by law he didn't do anything wrong.but looking at it from humanity point of view than the answer to that is very clear

[@zerototalenergy150]

"religion was created when the first conman met the first fool"MT

[@snowforest4159]

No idiot, even looking at the scientific explanation ignoring whether some religions are true or not, religion was created to bond humans together and creat a coherent society living under one law which all should follow

[@brianmitchell4479]

@@snowforest4159 bullshit. Organized religion was the original form of government. It was a way to herd the filthy, uneducated, illiterate masses into a fleecable flock.

[@ratbatnufftime2861]

I saw the book for sale in a store and hesitated, then didn't buy it. Missed an opportunity. But I will buy it next time I see it.

[@satwatapathak5620]

it is availabele as pdf.

[@tylertyler82]

Get a library card and support your local libraries.

[@kstarrify]

@@tylertyler82

[@czgibson3086]

I've bought it again this week to replace a copy I gave away. It deserves to be an international bestseller.

[@BallyBoy95]

This is the religion of peace. How dare anybody be so racist as to disagree with that statement? Disappointed! (If you didn't get it the first time, I am being sarcastic).

[@naz8703]

@batshitcrazy007 and the Hindu mob? You will say anything, like India is safe for women too. Ha ha.

[@jonathangeorge787]

M F Husain... Remember him? Every religion is the same.

[@stormyzvox2185]

@@naz8703 pakistan is safe for women? or do they have to wear that binbag?

[@Zorbastyle]

Stormyz Vox bin bag hahaha fucking A

[@theunknown9123]

@@jonathangeorge787 you comparing MF HUSSAIN to SALMAN RUSHDIE? you must be really high on weed..... Criticism is welcome in any Civilized society but not vulgarity... Take for example you....if someone writes a critical analysis of your character revealing ur darkest malign nature....you can't do anything legally.... But if someone clicks naked/obscene pictures of ur wife,mother or sister and post it online.....it is a punishable offence in any country...... So think twice before you open ur mouth......

[@georgekurie9778]

Blaming the author, and not the crazy mob.... As usual. These people should be ashamed. But they have no shame...

[@mystory2972]

exmuslim here too.. best decision ever!

[@Soulkollextor]

Lies

[@spinningonthatdizzyedge7583]

How did you become an ex-Muslim?

[@optimusprime4090]

@@spinningonthatdizzyedge7583 I am an ex Muslim as well. I think I can answer this question for him. At some point he will have likely realised how much wrong and evil there is in the religion that is Islam. I personally as a child disagreed with it. However there are many ex Muslims who spent decades as devout Muslims before seeing reason. There are ex Muslims who convert to Christianity. Others are atheists like myself. There is just a so much stuff that many would find very wrong in it.

[@spinningonthatdizzyedge7583]

@@optimusprime4090 That's very interesting. I am not asking, by the way, because I don't know about Islam or cannot imagine why someone would leave it - I just want to know authentically from ex-Muslims themselves. I've been researching Islam too and I want to be able to critique in the presence of people who say it's Islamophobic to do so. I am very interested in people's individual stories and I would love to know real anecdotes rather than just taking the lives of Yasmine Mohhammed, Sarah Haider and Ayaan Hirsi Ali and generalizing them.

[@optimusprime4090]

@@spinningonthatdizzyedge7583 yeah no need to generalise. We all have our stories. No two are the same. I had my family tell me that because I am a man I'm a born rapist unless I am provided with a woman. A woman in an Islamic marriage cannot refuse sex. If she does and the man goes out and rapes somebody then it's HER fault. Stuff like that really disgusted me. I kept quiet but eventually couldn't anymore and now I don't speak to my family anymore. I am sure not every Muslim believes this. However the hijab. The reason why women in Islam have to be covered from head to toe is for this reason. Simply because a man will rape if sees a woman who isn't completely covered.

[@stevyd6349]

Imagine living your life through a book that was written back when they thought the world was flat and the sun was 17 miles away. A book that tells you not to think but does the thinking for you. An ideology.

[@kenosabi]

It's the longest running and most successful psyop in the world.

[@FarhanAli-qo9we]

one of the most repeated phrases in the qur'an is literally "do they not reason?"

[@mustakimrahman8527]

What a troll 🤣😂. Qur'an is all about thinking and contemplating. Btw, they were doing algebra when u were living in forests praying to the sun. People would do anything for a few likes but won't read the book itself.

[@charbadarc4167]

The whole Islamic culture is a mess. Men rule with an iron fist. If women are being beaten by husbands their own mother will take them back as not to dishonour the family. Sex abuse victims are told to keep quiet or worse blamed. Apostate laws only exist in Islamic countries. I used to work for a charity that helped 100s of girls escape crazy family members that all supported the abuse.

[@007ptb007]

@@mustakimrahman8527 can I ask you is voilence, revenge, murder allowed in the Qur'an?

[@Pradeep.Singh.d]

Salman Rushdie is the true face of freedom of speech. Hats of to such great man. Allah praise you.

[@lemortedbrian6070]

some text in one of Rushdie's books, Midnight's Children, was offensive to Indhira Gandhi (the Indian Prime Minister) and she took him to court. He was forced to delete text as part of the settlement. Curiously that point is never raised when Rushdie and his supporters opine about freedom of speech. freedom of speech for western society = right to insult other cultures and religons you deem inferior

[@Pradeep.Singh.d]

@@lemortedbrian6070 why do you care 😂

[@Chatterbox-94]

Great writing comes from careful analysis. A level of creativity. Expressing one’s thoughts and beliefs. Freedom of speech. And trying to tell a brilliant story from a different point of view. Apparently the people threatening to kill him don’t understand that at all.

[@bahulecticmethod509]

The stormy clouds have finally gathered and caught up with Mr. Rushdie. It only took thirty years; who would hold a grudge that long for something as small as a tittle? Fifteen people swept up to defend him and pry the book-arsonist extremist away in the Chatauqua Festival. Writers truly are one of the bravest communities, and they will not be swayed.

[@nagaashura2350]

Now I have to read this

[@meagain113]

Me too!

[@msingh2333]

So happy I left Islam and became a Sikh

[@yatesy117]

Hinduism and Sikhs the true peaceful religions NOT Islam. You made a wise decision hope you live a pleasant life my friend :)

[@heewatamsuen7252]

God bless you wise decission. My question to you have you accepted Jesus christ as lord and saviour? God loves you and wants you too seek him.

[@emonhusaain2808]

Proud of you salman Rushdie. Now thousands leaving 1400years old a myith

[@pretty-micky3737]

MD HABIB rehan it’s the fastest growing religion wtf you on about??

[@t.m.i123]

@@pretty-micky3737 brother counts himself to be equal to thousands 😂 glad he left Islam. We don't need stupid people like him!

[@emonhusaain2808]

@@pretty-micky3737 look At Your family or your home countrys census for last 20 years How many bby produce by a couple Than compare with a western country or a Cristian country census, its simple. 16 % saudis have left Islam quietly According to pew research. But they won't publishe themselves as leaving Islam is punishable by death.

[@represent3508]

Myth???? Okay

[@xxxzz8413]

@@emonhusaain2808 Islamic heaven is coming. Get ready for punishment

[@RatherA]

Salman Rushdie is from kashmir not Iran

[@zaprese]

He’s from a Indian Muslim background.

[@the69prophet47]

I think he is from Mumbai.

[@SumanthLazarus]

@@the69prophet47 Like MF Hussein, good on both of these good chaps of the old country.

[@sanamsultan2679]

No he ain't this dog is from India get your facts right prick

[@hectoreduardohernandocarrasco]

Salman Rushdie was born in Mumbai (India).

[@dreadfulbodyguard7288]

Anyone here after the incident?

[@aliboss52]

i'm so proud of Rushdie. He spoke nothing but the truth.

[@kstarrify]

And now he's been attacked - are you proud now?

[@aliboss52]

@@kstarrifySHOUT! SHOUT! LET IT ALL OUT. EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD.

[@aliboss52]

@@kstarrify Taken from the album, Songs from the big chair.

[@paracosms1220]

@@kstarrify we are proud that he survived more then 75 years without any power 🤩🤗🦸but we are sad for Muhammad who remain in power but can't service more then 62 years😔

[@andrewdaws7275]

Peter Tatchell deserves to be knighted for his service to us all. He has consistently defended human rights, and the rights of minorities.

[@loekbhagaskara2481]

Well this is how dangerous my religion is

[@snowforest4159]

Pride??

[@OliverDobbs]

Pull through Salman.

[@chicomodello911]

Hopefully he doesn’t

[@thecinematicmind]

@@chicomodello911 ☠️

[@czgibson3086]

@@chicomodello911 Do you ever respond to disagreements with reasoned argument or do you just go straight to hoping your opponent dies?

[@chicomodello911]

@@czgibson3086 ehhh both tbh

[@czgibson3086]

@@chicomodello911 OK. So what is your reasoned argument for wanting Rushdie to die? You seem to have missed that part out on this occasion.

[@lycanblud]

Mr. Rushdie is metal asf

[@amirag1155]

He’s so smart He exposed their primitive thinking and violence just by writing a book exposing that their book wasn’t perfect as they stated on many occasions

[@azataliking8302]

Don't make the Muslim world laugh. He actually offended the Muslims by making lies and that's why Muslims got so angry all over the world.

[@r58302]

@@azataliking8302 name a lie

[@azataliking8302]

@@r58302 Haha you must of never been to school or even graduated middle school. I feel sorry for you.

[@azataliking8302]

@@r58302 fake account

[@licensed_beheader]

@@azataliking8302 You still haven't named the lie .

[@nauf971]

These people made a massive advertisement to that book, and thank you, it was one of the best books I’ve read!!

[@akashpanchal8237]

Wish him a speedy recovery

[@shubhamhissaria707]

I have some Muslim friends from "bohra muslim" community whose ancestors where forcefully converted to Islam. They acknowledge this that their forefathers were humiliated, raped and converted at gunpoint but they are now are afraid to take any steps back because they fear in their community in which they live now could harm them and the 2 generations who have lived in fundamental islamist environment has lost their old identity. Salman Rushdie correctly said this has been happening in the east and now i am seeing the same happening in west as well. My friends just don't want to go back to their home.

[@artekkerz16]

Stop the cap 🧢🧢🧢

[@soundshackmusic]

As ever, we are told that Islamic barbaric behaviour has nothing to do with Islam. I think we’re all beyond that rhetoric now. I would simply prefer honesty please.

[@czgibson3086]

Isis quote from the Qur'an on practically every page of their propaganda magazine, Dabiq, but of course that has nothing to do with Islam.

[@WarmPotato]

“The far right” ~ what a buzzword

[@googleuser3620]

And now, millions of anti Islamic books, videos, channels, posts grows on and on. Islam won’t survive the internet.

[@prometheus5405]

Islam is very insecure. Syari'ah shut down people & execute the Ex-Muslims so they keep silent. commanded by a coward god.

[@user-kg6rw2ty9v]

Islam can’t rule the Internet but it’s the fastest growing religion and will soon rule the world. People like Rushdie devils have a long life. Their END IS a PAINFUL TORMENT! ☠️

[@Luffytoro]

@@user-kg6rw2ty9v Islam can't rule the internet but internet rules the world! Islam may be fastest growing religion and it's also true that ex Muslims population is growing!

[@JeremiahTatola]

All religion won't survive the internet :)

[@prometheus5405]

@@JeremiahTatola The world wide web is one of the best things that happen to us.

[@sonnywhittington9672]

Rushdie was right to do what he did- He wrote a literary work of fiction. ...& Islam demanded a government apology because they were offended....

[@kkentertainment1990]

Truth always shine and it can not be blocked by any bad people,so Salman Rushdie is also freely move in world

[@jojosaylor8996]

Now I want to read the Satanic Verses 📖... Where can I find it? Has anyone read his book?

[@notnotness4765]

It's not very good. That's the joke

[@abc-qv1pe]

@@comanchio1976 Seems as if she is just trying to start an honest conversation about the topic, no need to be a dismissive wanker.

[@comanchio1976]

Luke Mc I must have missed the last question. In any case, I take your point and accept the rebuke. It was uncalled for.

[@abc-qv1pe]

@@comanchio1976 All good mate.

[@fizzycrush4021]

Funny thing is there is not a single satanic verse in the Quraan

[@commonsense5401]

I just watched the BBC documentary, “ 30 years on”? Utterly depressing, the UK is in a mess that in can never extricate itself from.

[@zzebowa]

And in the mean time the muslim population of Britain has grown five fold.

[@wautd]

Even more so in prison population

[@fizzycrush4021]

Indeed in the West too

[@yanis7440]

When you start digging into islam it falls apart

[@fizzycrush4021]

Not at all , once people read the Quraan and compare it with the bibles they embraced Islam in hoards

[@John-xk2sd]

Religion poisons everything- Christopher Hitchens.

[@ambassador8524]

Well this aged well

[@TouchedAlot]

Every idea should be subjected to scrutiny, criticism and ridicule.

[@IsThereAPubeOnMyHead]

Dr Shaikh's last point is abysmal... people might be self-censoring when they speak about gender, class and race but no matter what you say about these things, no one is going to put a three million pound bounty on your head for having said it

[@jacksonbrown4112]

So much peace.

[@Berg864]

Lady on the TV justifying killings done by Saudi prince 😂😂😂😂

[@jess-qe5ed]

The only way to save Salman Rushdie, Patty Samuel , Nupur Sharma and Kanihya Lal is to promote free speech critical of Mohammed and Quran. Offense is the only defense.

[@uzairazhar2564]

Improve your comprehension, you dolt.

[@user-jp7mo3ze2u]

all Muslims should read this book in their mosques because it is the truth

[@fizzycrush4021]

We don't rely on human writers we rely on the Quraan only

[@0Er0]

EX MUSLIM AND PROUD🤟

[@agilenjeyamraj1739]

Why "ex", what happened?

[@0Er0]

@@agilenjeyamraj1739 converted my friend and he went nuts then made me realise the facade.

[@agilenjeyamraj1739]

@@0Er0 you don't need to reply, but what did you understand?

[@0Er0]

@@agilenjeyamraj1739 sorry what do you mean by understand... understand what?

[@agilenjeyamraj1739]

@@0Er0 what did he Makenna you realise?

[@MrZZooh]

All the guests on here are right about what they're saying. The older gentleman's point about Khashogi's murder being state-sponsored terrorism is just as valid as his point about the Fatwa. The purple-shirted gentleman's point about the liberals' timidity to not speak out in fear of offending super religious people of Muslim faith leaving a vacuum for far right people is absolutely true, as was the lady's point about self-censorship extending to every uncomfortable and touchy subject. Very articulate discussion. Can you compare the civility and level of this sort of panel discussion with the garbage one hears on Fox?

[@nishhnishh1088]

What a warrior Salman Rushdie is. 70+ years old and survived a stabbing by a young fanatic man with a mission to kill.

[@voxpopuli735]

He was stabbed today in NY. I decided to read his book.

[@thefirm4606]

I was a young Muslim at the time (15). I remember reading the book and wondering what everybody was so upset about. My religion surely was stronger than any book that was written by a human??? A little later I bought a copy to read properly. Honestly compare to his other stuff it’s a mediocre book. However it elicited so much hate just sitting on my shelf that I eventually covered it in newspaper so nobody would be able to recognise it. The majority of Muslims I met who would get offended, were offended because somebody told them to be. My simple question every time somebody asked me why I had that book was ‘have you read it?’; Inevitably the answer was always no. Even now many Muslims in the UK see the book as deeply offensive. Liberal or not, the lady speaking as a moderate Muslim in this video is still in a place where she mourns the silence of moderate Muslims, But I was there. At the time there was no moderate Muslim. You were either with us or against us. I was one of a very small number you chose the ‘wrong’ side!

[@paulmc3457]

I've never read it, so many thanks for your brief explanation, and especially from a member of the Muslim world. Cheers from Canada

[@jimj2683]

If you had any sense you would have left islam a long time ago. Religion is for the scared and ignorant.

[@thefirm4606]

@@jimj2683 I have and I did; decades ago. 😁 Religion… opiate… masses!

[@VIVEKtheTRAVELLER]

Proud ex muslim😎😎☺️🌝

[@amalialavric7164]

How was your Journey since you left islam? Did you embrace a different faith or you are still thinking? How do you feel today about your decision?

[@TouchedAlot]

"I beseech you, resist it while you still can and before the right to complain is taken away from you, which will be the next thing. You will be told you can't complain because you're Islamophobic. The term is already being introduced into the culture as if it was an accusation of race hatred, for example, or bigotry whereas it's only the objection to the preachings of a very extreme and absolutist religion." - Christopher Hitchen

[@MrDlt123]

If his book came out today, the British government would have him arrested.

[@tonyjesuslover]

The corious fact is that the second name of his atacker is Matar, and Matar means kill in spanish.

[@blue---monday]

to think that a book-a fucking book-created all that mayhem, is mind boggling. in a good way and a bad way. on one hand, it's truly one of the most pathetic and depressing things i've ever seen in my life. on the other hand, it truly goes to show the sheer and often underestimated power of literature

[@vp1929]

Leaders generated recentment, people died & Rushdie made his millions... Wish we could instill stoicism in the world.

[@hindurashtra63]

Evil continues to prevail when a Good men decide to stand and watch and do nothing.

[@syedalehasnaatshah]

BBC can you please release the videos of SR when he was in hiding up peoples lofts I want to see the whole documentary

[@matty7026]

you know you’re doing something right when it gets muslims angry 🙏🏻

[@EyeShotFirst]

Religion can be a beautiful thing. When religion governs a nation, that's when things start getting iffy. You see the corruption in every religion that have complete rule over people. You see it in Islamic, Christian, and Jewish nations. I have my beliefs, and I don't want them forced on people. I will always believe in separation of church and government. They do not belong together.

[@kenosabi]

There isn't a religious text on this planet that hasn't been morphed or shaped or outright fabricated by man's grubby corrupt little hands.

[@hermanrowell3081]

no rule religion me

[@keelerrobinson5772]

The right of a writer to write what he wishes. I love the English language

[@theviker]

The writing ( pardon the pun ) was on the wall all those years back.

[@funguy29]

any thinking that wants to ban books much less kill the author deserves condemnation.

[@Twocat5side]

Imagine all the books they would buy just to burn it

[@alshli22]

I only knew about this because of Larry David

[@Admiralmoti]

That is quite sad, but hey at least you have good taste with it comes to comedy.

[@saikatroy2332]

Years after Rushdie affair in Bangladesh writers were killed because of their books or blog posts, and many liberal media personalities and politicians were quick to announce that they (the writers) have brought these upon themselves. I brought the matter of Bangladesh up because most of the clips of agitation in this video were from Bangladesh, just in front of the National Mosque, Baitul Mukarram, which later became a norm for people to gather in front of this mosque mostly after Friday Prayer to protest against writers, many a time demanding death. In the neighbouring India Hindu Nationalists used these incidents to justify their suppression of muslim and dalit rights and muzzling dissenting voices. It shows clearly how an absence of courageous stance from liberals empowers illiberal sects with completely opposite views, not to mention putting lives in line of fire.

[@deerlikely]

I agree completely. As an expat from India, it shames and saddens me to see how human rights have degraded in the Subcontinent as a result of the escalating religious fundamentalism in each of its countries. Society there has only become more illiberal and backward in the 75 years since independence.

[@hermanrowell3081]

that's the most informative sad story

[@Lookmaxxed_Pikachu_69]

Dalits are Hindus..Hindu nationalist suppressing other Hindus?

[@hermanrowell3081]

if i really was to vent my true feelings about Friday Prayer and Demanding Death it surely wouldn't be nice words. it's not my goal to hate religions nor religious people but when a religion calls for a person's death it's a trying of my soul

[@saikatroy2332]

@@Lookmaxxed_Pikachu_69 Yes, Unfortunately they are. Like adherents of all hateful ideology ends up doing so.

[@joshuawongji-fung9655]

I am so proud that I left Islam after I fell in love with a Hindu Boy . I am now a proud Hindu married Girl.

[@atanusola4869]

Hey its good. Polytheism isn’t bad itself. Compartmentalized and our gods are not jealous enough to kill who become apostle. 😁

[@yusufaden5401]

What is it that u r so proud of? U just left one religion to take another one!

[@JS-bo9yi]

Left a religion for a man

[@MarkusGhambari]

I didn't expect BBC to do this. What's the catch?!

[@lucianmacandrew1001]

Guess: You have been brainwashed into thinking BBC and CNN is "fake news"?

[@JamchesterBoozle]

Here is the religion of peace Everyone...

[@Hakiimthedream]

what other religion behaves like this to books?

[@drtg101we7]

Christianity. By the conquistadors in Mexico, by the Church of England during the Middle Age/Renaissance, in France and in many other places...

[@khalidbinwaleed5072]

Jeudaism

[@Hakiimthedream]

@@khalidbinwaleed5072 currently?

[@PodcastCentral333]

@@khalidbinwaleed5072 nope, us jews are liberal and secular.

[@drtg101we7]

@@PodcastCentral333 Right? If there is one thing you cant say about the Jews its that they are religious fanatics. Except for the Haredi but they are a minority...

[@ytehrani3885]

I'm actually shocked the BBC showed this episode. They're usually so wary of offending Muslims, it's almost spooky that they green lit this show. The West must maintain its Liberal, Democratic ethos & never be shy in defending those who are critical of Islam. 13:30 re Ms Shaikh's comments - yes, there is an appalling level of censorship around many issues, but none so deadly as that which attends critics of Islam. Some, & not a small number, of Muslims are uniquely sensitive to any offence & present a uniquely chilling response to anyone critical of their faith.

[@lucianmacandrew1001]

That is simply you suffering from "hostile media effect".BBC and CNN have never been wary of offending Muslims, and have never painted Islam as a better religion than the rest. Some people (mainly nationalists), have made up that Mainstream media are driving a globalist agenda and so on, but that is simply not true, neither is it true that they have been careful of offending Muslims.

[@ytehrani3885]

@@lucianmacandrew1001 Are you kidding? This kind of thing would never happen with any other religion today. The media are utterly cucked. They won't report any story re Islam without prostrating themselves to some Muslim community leader, lk Mohammed Shafiq, or the British Council of Muslims, or some Imam. Social media bans anyone remotely critical of Islam. Tommy Robinson is portrayed as a racist Nazi for just noticing & being critical of the Islamification of the UK. Britain First's Jayda Fransen & Paul Golding were jailed for their critiques. The media refused to show the relavent Charlie Hebdo cover or Danish Cartoons for fear of offending Muslims. The first thought signalled after a terrorist attack is 'oh dear, hope there's no back lash against Muslims', even though there has barely ever been one. Hate crime reports are often inflated, & often are hoaxes, but you never hear about the hoaxes. Police have to get permission from the local Imam before applying search warrants on suspected terrorists in certain Muslim majority neighbourhoods. The UK establishment is trained to view Muslims as this poor, powerless minority under siege by an army of racists. What utter BS. Muslim grannies can come onto LBC & proudly say how they don't want their grand kids to marry outside the faith. They get no push back. Could you imagine if a white granny said 'I want my grand kids to only marry other whites'? There'd be protests galore & probably police inquiries. Academia, social media, the police & politicians prostrate themselves before Islam & Muslims. They do everything possible to not offend. They actively uphold Shariah based blasphemy laws in how they report stories & deal with critics. See recent stories re West Yorkshire Police. See how the rape gangs story was ignored for decades. I could go on and on. And, before you say I'm a racist, I suggest you look at my name. I was born a Muslim. According to the Left's definition of a racist, only whites can be racists. So, I will use my minority status & this identity politics game to my advantage. I, as a born Muslim, say the British Establishment is completely cucked by Islamists and are persecuting anyone critical of this ideology.

[@czgibson3086]

@@ytehrani3885 You are entirely correct. No other religion produces as much fear as Islam today. It's not even close.

[@hermanrowell3081]

@@ytehrani3885 you sound creditable

[@nishhnishh1088]

Its because islam people lives dont revolve around family life but a religious life. Praying 5 times a day, only hanging out with fellow muslims, religious education(madrassa) etc

[@peterthomas1476]

Tried to read it.Found it incomprehensible.Wouldnt be so much nonsense if they tried to read it.

[@efemie]

Satanic verses is a quite a good book, for us that has read the Islamic scriptures 📘📚

[@fizzycrush4021]

Funny thing is there is not a single satanic verse in the Quraan

[@majeedm689]

This is what my fellow Muslims should do when someone insults our great Nabi (SAW)? I believe that when someone insults our Nabi (SAW) it is nothing but a test from Allah'tala. Allah is testing us to ensure we maintain our composure, our restraint, our patience, our tolerance against those who degrade the image of our beloved Prophet (SAW). Whenever we detect an insult, we should approach those who have no respect for our Nabi (SAW) and embrace them with compassion and humility. We must do this to show how amazing Islam is - in that we persevere in the face of hate and criticism. We must love and respect those who hate our Prophet. These are the teachings. When these evil people see what Muslims are, and what Islam teaches they will immediately abandon their own belief and accept Islam. Our beautiful deen will grow faster than ever before. Alhmadulliah. Allah will be pleased as we've passed the test and we will all enter Jannah inshAllah. What is happening now is a failed test. After every insult our Muslim brothers and sisters go on a witch hunt against those who insult, with assaults, killings, bombings, stabbings, death threats, violence, anarchy and general mayhem. Even those who silently support these radical Muslims are failing the test. Those who were thinking of embracing Islam will now turn their backs on the greatest religion of Peace because of these extremists. This makes Allah'tala very angry and you will bring his curse upon you. Once you fail the test there is no coming back. Jahanam is your final resting place.

[@mehmeteminkadiroglu1994]

Wow brother such a wise word. Where are you from

[@majeedm689]

@@mehmeteminkadiroglu1994 It's wise but according to 99.999% of Muslims I'm wrong? They believe the honour of Muhammed must be protected at all costs? What do you think?

[@mehmeteminkadiroglu1994]

@@majeedm689 muslims from some extremist countries like Pakistan and iraq behave harshly and have no tolerance. They dont think other people as human beings

[@majeedm689]

@@mehmeteminkadiroglu1994 What is your takeaway on Salman Rushdie and his controversial book?

[@SiVlog1989]

In many ways, it's an extreme example of how protests about something can inadvertently lead to it becoming widely viewed. Another example was the Christian Community's reaction to Monty Python's Life of Brian. After funding for the film was rejected by EMI, George Harrison of the Beatles founded his own film company, Hand Made Films, to get the film made. As the film was announced, various towns in Britain banned showings of the film in cinemas, believing it to be blasphemous towards Jesus Christ. Michael Palin and John Cleese of Python were invited to a debate show with two church leaders. The contrast between the emotions of the two pairs of people, the Church Leaders not taking taking the debate too seriously and Michael Palin and John Cleese passionately defending the film. One barb that back fired on one of the church leaders was a remark he gave where he said: "Don't worry, you'll get your 30 pieces of silver eventually," *the 30 pieces of silver was a reference to the amount paid to Judas to betray Jesus to the Romans. In truth, while the initial concept behind the film was one based on Jesus, the concept title being, "Jesus Christ: Lust for glory," when they did research for it, they found that there really was no way or reason to ridicule such a soft spoken and well intentioned religious figure. Therefore, their focus shifted to the ones listening to and interpreting Jesus. It was here that they found the humour for the film, particularly in one set of lines: "I'm not the Mosiah!" "I say you are Lord and I should know, I've followed a few," in other words, it was about someone who happened to come into existence at the same time as Jesus and was mistaken for him as such

[@JohnSmith-ry7wh]

It's not the same. Christians are called to LOVE their enemies. Muslims and their false prophet Muhammad call for you to commit atrocities on your enemies. Did any Orthodox Christian Patriarch or Pope call for the death of the Monty Python crew? No. It was blasphemy but we do not kill for that.

[@nickokona6849]

The telling point is that there isn’t wide spread fear of any other religion for writing things. That speaks more force than anything else. Nobody would ever have to fear a Jain if you wrote something. Islam desperately needs a reformation. Shaikh herself saying liberal Muslims in Pakistan being afraid only drives the point home more so.

[@lisafinch8255]

I want to buy the book. Where?

[@davidlowe1469]

@@adamford7808 oh shit 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@amcams987]

Jeez, i have to read that book!

[@karimabdullah2925]

A true muslim will engage in good, civilised and polite conversations as long as the people remain respectful within the dialogue. Triggering reactions is purposeful and hence it becomes frustrating I challenge anyone who is open minded to go seek a true representative of Islam, engage in good positive dialogue and not walk away removing misconceptions.

[@carmenismyname]

Then do not get triggered, it's just that simple.

[@jim409]

I'm afraid of true muslims.. true muslims are found in the Isis Or there's a lack of true muslims that why muslims act like this all the time... It's this particular religion that's threatening the world peace in the 21st century more than anything.. so sad that they don't find anyone except themselves respectful

[@bernice6867]

If a certain group get's triggered at the slightest provocation: that's frustrating.

[@karimabdullah2925]

@@bernice6867 but why cause disrespect to our faith? Are we not allowed to defend it? It is our right to do so. We are taught to tolerate everyone's belief, not respect it but at the same time not be vocal about it to cause discord like this money maker was. Fame and fortune only lasts but only a short while and then you're gone. It's not worth upsetting a whole religious group

[@migslife9144]

So you mean as long as i dont critized your religion then you will kill us for thinking different

[@languagefreeassangeteacher5338]

Dear Salman Rushdie, I have always had the feeling that you defend freedom and that you support those in need. Today I would like to ask you to say some sentences in public demanding the release of Julian Assange. Assange has been fighting for free information and bringing war crimes to the eyes of the public. He is a journalist and helps all of us the understand what´s going on. Thus reducing wars and the possibilities of successful `war lies´. Thank you for your understanding and all the best. Michael Haas

[@stevenkrenz183]

The Islamic world is highly diverse? Ha! That has to be funniest statement I've ever heard.

[@therack1610]

It is actually anti diversity

[@gavinwoodward2813]

They are the most inbred group of people on earth

[@samirenda]

You see I was looking for one book for almost a year and then found it here in London in one bookshop...anyways the owner told me, the Saudi Arabia pays a shitload to publishing houses and to bookshops not to seel that book, since it explains Quran in Aramaic way, which is very controversial towards the muslim society nowadays. The book is by a Sudanese philosopher and Islam critique - Muhammad Mahmoud, it's called "The Prophecies of Muhammad". Anyways this kind of medieval censorship is awful, but I somehow get it. These people were raised in the Islamic society and therefore the religion for them isn't just an individual philosophical aspect of life. It is their whole identity and, therefore, whenever you tell them that they might think differently, they'll get mad, because you're not telling them their belief might be wrong, you're basically telling them "your identity is wrong".

[@dynamitebsb4520]

Very well said.

[@mohamadkhoder6971]

Proud ex Muslim here, I can freely proudly say Islam was all forced on me by My mother, father, cousins, uncles, aunties and my whole generation. I never had a connection with Islam from birth and still don't have any connections with Islam but Negative vibes and thoughts its why I had to disown my whole family to save my me. Islam was forced verbally and physically on me from birth even though I Showed signs towards my family that I was Different and liked different things, I was beaten out of my world and told haram,haram,haram. Being born and raised in Australia with Sunni Muslim Lebanese parents that are highly strict Is a mental health Bomb waiting to go off.

[@rohsamah7733]

That is so sad!! I am so sorry you had to go though that. Am muslim too but I hope you are at a better place

[@rafilushan1988]

So this finally kicks in

[@hermanhoppe3773]

Islamic world so diverse that form Tehran to Dhaka, Dhaka to Jakarta and in all Western capital there were massive riots, protest, threat of beheading. So very diverse

[@diltondoiley6215]

The relegion of peace.

[@alinapascale7296]

😂

[@fizzycrush4021]

Islam is a religion of peace the Quraan promotes peace

[@geniusofmozart]

Why are so many of the comments on here unrelated to the Rushdie Affair?

[@damandarin5415]

People have lost their way, while nationalist have increased as well as fake news spreading false news. All this publicity will only cast Islam in a bad light and we have straight fabricated sources fooling them. No one will comment about the actual affair, because generally everyone who watches these videos are filled hate, and love to point fingers...

[@blaaaaaaahhhhkathi]

not notness you really don't understand what a ban of free speech is, if you think the west has one...

[@samnicholson5051]

Like much of the rest of youtube, the comments are not so much about the topic at hand but instead being a far-right soapbox.

[@lewisbracken5520]

@@samnicholson5051 "far right"? you are hilarious.

[@cortomaltese5038]

@@samnicholson5051 Than a man have to go back and look into Qouran and Haddids to search for the essence of Islam. What it makes people so violent when someone says something against it? www.google.com/amp/s/m.huffingtonpost.co.uk/amp/entry/britain-not-prepared-to-offer-asylum-to-persecuted-pakistani-christian_uk_5be3342be4b0dbe871a61b95/ This the point when sauverignity of the State is very questionable.

[@deniseg-hill1730]

Very few muslims even read this book. It is so boring but these fanatical arseholes made sure that loads were sold. I mean the Qur'an is full of violence and hatred of non Muslims but nobody wants to burn it apart from that nutcase in the USA who has about 20 followers

[@stevenrichardson1843]

No other religious community behaves this way. And Peter, what the hell has the 'far right' got to do with this? This is real fascism, not yor imaginary British version that barely exists.