Muslim Organizations Demand Ban on Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses

 Muslim organizations have raised protests against the sale of the controversial novel The Satanic Verses by renowned Indo-English author Salman Rushdie, which had caused global uproar.

These organizations have urged the central government to continue the ban previously imposed on the book.

After 36 years, The Satanic Verses has re-entered Indian bookstores and is currently available at Bahrisons Booksellers in Delhi. The Congress government, led by Rajiv Gandhi, had banned the book in 1988, citing potential threats to public order.

In November, the lifting of the import ban on The Satanic Verses in India garnered significant media attention. This decision followed an order from the Delhi High Court, which found no existing notification justifying the ban and deemed it appropriate to lift it in light of the circumstances presented.

Expressing concern over the book's sale, Maulana Kaab Rasheedi, legal advisor to the Uttar Pradesh unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (AM), stated:

"Freedom of expression cannot justify actions that hurt the sentiments of others. The Satanic Verses is a book that wounds religious sentiments. Selling such a controversial book under the guise of freedom of expression is inappropriate and against constitutional principles."

He added, "While freedom of expression is a fundamental principle of the Indian Constitution, it does not include the right to hurt others' sentiments. The resumption of the book's sale is provocative. The government has a responsibility to prevent this."

Rasheedi also emphasized, "Muslims prioritize their faith in Allah and the Prophet over their own lives. Under such circumstances, the sale of a book like this is unacceptable. The government must uphold constitutional values and reinstate the ban on The Satanic Verses to protect the sentiments of a section of the population."

Similarly, Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, voiced his concerns, stating:

"This book mocks Islamic laws, the Prophet, and his followers. It insults Muslim religious sentiments and poses a threat to national unity. We urge the Prime Minister to ban the book in India."

Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, echoed these sentiments:

"The ban on The Satanic Verses has expired, and some publishers are attempting to reintroduce it in India. The Rajiv Gandhi government imposed the ban in 1988, but efforts to reintroduce the novel are ongoing. The book disrespects Islamic principles and the Prophet while threatening the peace of the nation."

Razvi reiterated the demand for the government to continue the ban, highlighting the potential impact on India's harmonious environment.