Salman Rusdie author of The Satanic Verses has been given one of the highest honours this country can bestow, a knighthood. This has caused uproar in the Islamic world particularly Pakistan where the foreign minister said that if someone launched a suicide attack because of the knighthood they would be justified because they would be defending the honour of the prophet Mohammed.
We have become accustom to hear such outlandish comments form extremist governments, but Pakistan has never been included in that. It is a worrying move for such an official to condone suicide bombings. The Islamic world has at best called us insensitive for giving out such as award. However these critics fundamentally do not understand our thinking. We award people regardless of what they write or create of believe. The satanic verses and much of his other works have been received well critically and just because it offends a religion does not make it unworthy of recognition.
Many Islamic countries have yet to develop an ideology away from dogmatic theocracy to a much more plural society, this is demonstrated in much of the Islamic world’s reaction to this book. The question is how far do people on the ground believe that writing a book could be grounds for suicide bombings? I fear that it maybe quite high if educated government officials think so.
Islam needs to go through an enlightenment phase. During the 18th century religion was being challenged by science this questioning of Christianity has led to a moderate tolerant faith. Many Islamic countries still operate a very 16th century style of worship and this needs to change. Islam needs to moderate itself and fast.
I am glad we can have the fullest expression of all views in our arts culture and society and that no one faith claims supremacy.
20/06/2007 at 02:33 |
I am delighted that BUCF has commented on this issue. I too have made my view clear on my blog which advocates a very similar position
27/06/2007 at 00:47 |
It is clear that this blog holds the position of Islam being an ‘extremist’ religion. It isn’t the case that knighthoods are awarded irrespective of belief. What we are seeing is opportunism at its best. But one should consider the basis for elemental morality. Simply labelling Islam as ‘extremist’ is an easy solution. In fact, Islam happens to be more complicated then that.
After much thought and consideration, It is my contention that Rushdie should not be Knighted. Indeed, the controversy has caused us to study his ideas more readily , but the case for elemental morality seems to strong to dismiss. If we are honest, we must realise that we are in a climate of fire – this will only add to the credence of our role in enforcing imperialism and colonialism in the world.