Rushdie Affair

The Rushdie Affair refers to the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie's 1988 novel, "The Satanic Verses," which many Muslims considered blasphemous. The controversy intensified when Iran's leader issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie's assassination, prompting worldwide protests and heightened debates on freedom of expression versus religious sensitivities. The affair highlighted tensions between artistic freedom and religious respect, with serious security threats to Rushdie and others involved. It remains a significant case in discussions about the limits of free speech, religious beliefs, and the impact of inflammatory literature.