"99% of muslims have never read satanic verses" -- john houghton, lancashire, uk

John, Firstly the title of the book (Satanic Verses) itself is insulting, therefore one does not need to read the book to understand the insult.

Secondly, the cover has a printed caricatures of our beloved prophet, therefore one does not need to read the book to understand the insult. I hope you understand, sir!

Mohammed, London, UK

Is there anybody who sees any benefit in insulting people's faiths and sentiments? Will this help in developing freedom of speech or human rights in general? If Rushdie is an outstanding writer/intellectual then why does he need such instigations to be remembered?

OK, shall we damn the terror or boost it? This is the question.

Vecih Dundar, Ankara ,

Islamic fundamentalists have cunningly played on western culture’s sense of obligatory sympathy and pandering towards the marginalized and the minorities. They’ve manipulated this element of western thinking so much so that they’ve been able to demand that their values/culture should usurp those of their host cultures’, as was the case in London when muslim protesters living there demanded that a Danish cartoonist be killed for simply exercising his freedom of speech, which, incidentally was the same freedom the protesters were exercising with their incendiary demands. It’s crucial that westerner’s/ western media not assume blame for the senseless murder committed by Islamic terrorists. The implication of doing so is to make the terrorists the victim, allowing them to vilify western culture. This then feeds the misconception that the attacks are a result of western aggression, which simply isn't the case. The terror's a result of radicals who won't rest until we're all under sharia law

Rob, Phoenix, US

99% of muslims have never read satanic verses,this is your typical chinese whispers building the book into something its not,the book contains very few remarks on the prophet and those are light hearted.

If the church of England issued a death threat to anyone I would turn my back on the church that very second, I thought all religions where about love and peace not hatred and death, lets all get along together

john houghton, lancashire, uk

The question is, of course, would he have got a Knighthood if he hadn`t wrote The Satanic Verses?

I think we all know the answer to that.

James, Kent, UK

"Muslim world inflamed by Rushdie knighthood"

Shouldn't it read 'Rushdie knighthood designed to inflame the Muslim world'?

Mohammed, London, UK

"Where is your Freedom of Speech on Holocaust..
Mohammad Walid, Karachi , Pakistan"

Where is your freedom on speech on Bosnia?

This deranged morality and skewed, tit-for-tat, hostile logic disgusts me. It was and still is the same with the satirical cartoons no different or less legitimate than anything we see directed at Christian or religious leaders, alive or dead. You do that, these vile people say, and we will "mock" the genocidal murder of 6,000,000 Jews.

This is the problem we face: the irrational, resentful, victimhood, hostile wierdness of Islam: while 'only' a substantial minory are violent and criminally dangerous, I suggest the *majority* have a broadly similar set of hostile attitudes on the same Koranic-Jihadic inspired spectrum.

This should be anthroplogy, dealing with such primitive cant from primitive people. Sadly it isn't - its the politics of our post 9/11 world.

Joe, Manchester,

Salman Rushdie has written more than just the Satanic Verses and he should be judged on more than just Muslim opinions. Adult literacy is so low in pakistan i wonder how many have actually read any of his books or is this just another ingorant islamic bandwagon.
To all the people whos opinions have been hijacked by muslims. These are the INTERNATIONAL Awards that Rushdie has won:
Booker Prize for Fiction
James Tait Black Memorial Prize (Fiction)
Arts Council Writers' Award
English-Speaking Union Award
Booker of Bookers or the best novel among the Booker Prize winners for Fiction
Prix du Meilleur Livre Etranger
Whitbread Novel Award (twice)
Writers' Guild of Great Britain Award for Children's Fiction
Kurt Tucholsky Prize (Sweden)
Prix Colette (Switzerland)
State Prize for Literature (Austria)
Author of the Year (British Book Awards)
Author of the Year (Germany)
Mantua Prize (Italy)
Premio Grinzane Cavour (Italy)
Hutch Crossword Fiction Prize (India)

sam, birmingham, west midlands

Where is your Freedom of Speech on Holocaust..

Mohammad Walid, Karachi , Pakistan

Why is Freedom of Speech Important?? Just ask the government of Iran whisch is now JAILING the students who protested President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Amir Kabir University in December of 2006.

Again I say, it is only the protections afforded by Freedom of Speech which separates enlightened western pluralistic democracies from despotic religious totalitarianism which is the singlemost hallmark of a third world country.

Iranian students should immediately stand up and protest these arrests!! What can the Islamic authorites do in the face of massive student demonstrations? Arrest the entire student population of Iran? I think not.

Iranian young people will have to make a choice and take a stand: either accept the status quo and accept the yolk of subservience for the rest of their lives, or rise up today and take control of their own lives for the better.

It's your country and your responsibility to decide how to live your own lives. Are you men or slaves?

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

Why is Freedom of Speech Important?? Just ask the government of Iran whisch is now JAILING the students who protested President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Amir Kabir University in December of 2006.

Again I say, it is only the protections afforded by Freedom of Speech which separates enlightened western pluralistic democracies from despotic religious totalitarianism which is the singlemost hallmark of a third world country.

Iranian students should immediately stand up and protest these arrests!! What can the Islamic authorites do in the face of massive student demonstrations? Arrest the entire student population of Iran? I think not.

Iranian young people will have to make a choice and take a stand: either accept the status quo and accept the yolk of subservience for the rest of their lives, or rise up today and take control of their own lives for the better.

It's your country and your responsibility to decide how to live your own lives. Are you men or slaves?

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

Salman Rushdie is a big hypocrite, When Knighthood was give to Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Head of Muslim Council of Britain in 2005 he criticized Prime Minister Tony Blair in these words ,"Tony Blair’s decision to knight him and treat him as the acceptable face of “moderate”, “traditional” Islam is either a sign of his Government’s penchant for religious appeasement or a demonstration of how limited Mr Blair’s options really are". And he also said,". If Sir Iqbal Sacranie is the best Mr Blair can offer in the way of a good Muslim, we have a problem". Now he has accepted same award from same PM. This shows the character of man whom British Govt. gives knighthood and the credibility of Mr. Tony Blair.

Khalid, Islamabad, Pakistan

A number of people have tried to answer Mr. Kashif Umair's question and arguments. One way they are saying that the freedom of expression is the right of every individual and on the other side they are trying to stop Mr. Kashif Umiar of saying what he is having in his mind. I'm totally agree with him that freedom of expression should not be at the cost of other people's religion or sentiments. Say what ever you want but in certain limits. Suppose if some one keep on abusing you with the arguments that it is his right of freedom of expressions I think no body will be agree with that. So we should respect each other and all religions. Thank

Mark Henry, Montreal, , Canada

God bless the Queen, man ! She's got some spine. I wish the rest of the European nations would emulate her lead.

J. Ewan, Denver, Colorado, USA

Let me get this correct. Shias blow up Sunni mosques, Sunnis blow up Shia mosques, but Salman Rushdie insults Isam.

Dave Brown, Fergus, Canada

The quantity of comments from Americans is becoming a real issue on this site. The Times is a British newspaper. However there are 260m Americans compared to 60m British.

Just an example of how 'web 2.0' is not going to work.

More editing and balance please.

Robert, Manchester,

Amma, that is only the law in Germany and Austria, the nations with most burden and shame from Hitler's rule. That is not all the west. If nations where Islam has had a terrible effect (USA, UK, Armenia etc) have any issue with Islam, which has done both harm and good, they have every right to denounce it. Muslims are too sensitive - the Danish cartoons lampooned every major faith.

Ben, York,

Where did Rushdie go in all this? Instructive to see who hates who in this nearly 500-comment microcosm of the world--Christians hate Muslims and vice-versa; Muslims hate Jews and vice-versa; Christians hate Jews and vice-versa; Protestants hate Catholics and vice-versa; natives of anywhere hate newcomers from anywhere; liberals hate conservatives and vice-versa...get the picture? How thin the veneer of civilization...how easy for anyone to become "fanatic:" the enemy is us, and the devil is having a field day. So listen up: Christianity is a beautiful faith. Judaism is a beautiful faith. Islam is a beautiful faith. Unbelievers are among the world's greatest benefactors. Hatred and cynicism are easy. Human beings of good will, regardless of faith (or lack thereof), MUST resist the co-opting of any religion, region, culture, or world view by lunatics: that takes moral courage. Rushdie is as great a feather-ruffler as he is a writer, and there lies the rub: but he deserves defense.

Anne Armitage, Beverly, MA USA

I am a British born Pakistani-Muslim and I am ashamed of the behaviour of my fellow countrymen. At any opportunity they take to the streets and burn effigies and issue death threats (even of Inzamam and Woolmer during the Cricket World Cup). However such behaviour is a cultural weakness - it is not a common trait of all Muslims or justified by the teachings of Islam.

I don't think we should condemn Salman Rushdie to death, but any intelligent person can conclude that his knighthood is either extremely naive or a calculated mischevious act to give more press to the minority fanatics and justify foreign policy.

Ali Khan, Manchester, UK

One British writer insults 6 million Jews, by writing books questioning the holocaust, goes to jail. Opening up a debate whether to make it a law.

Another British writer insults 1.5 Billion Muslims, by writing a book, gets a knighthood and praised throught the civilised western world.

Amazing!

Mahmoud Ahmadbadjihad, Tehran, Iran

Why was he knighted? Well living in Britain is like being in the Boy Scouts. Sooner or later, everyone gets an award.

John, Detroit,

The Prophet Muhammad would not care if people called him names. His mission on earth was to proclaim the word of God from an Arabic point of view. Islam grew from this movement and spread to other cultures over time. People who resort to extremism in the name of Islam are the true blasphemers to Muhammad. They are the stupid ones, for not understanding their own religion. I think Muhammad would applaud Rushdie because he causes people to think about their religion and the meaning Muhammad tried to impart.

michael d. castle, nampa, idaho usa

Has Blair been ordered by Bush to bestow this honour on Rushdie to provoke Muslims and keep the world in a state of tension and war?

Mahmood Jamal, London, UK

To mr Jeff from Baltimore

Outcry in the western term (to someone who deny holocaust) would be to arrest and put him in jail
David Irving is perfect example. Let see wht happen if rushdie is placed in Jail; i am sure there would be no outcry

Amna Atif, Ottawa, Canada

Jeff in Baltimore is spot on. Plus, denying the Holocaust is (surely) denying fact. The Satanic Verses is a fictional work which, at worst, questions the validity of an entirely theoretical prophet and it's related religion.

And given that the response was and is an outpouring of death-wishing, effigy burning mentalism, in countries that continually fall apart in bloodshed anyway, it's easy to question it yourself.

John Tee-Rhodes, Manchester,

To mr Jeff from Baltimore
You seem to be implying Islam is probloem
Outcry in the western term (to someone who deny holocaust) would be to arrest and put him in jail
David Irving is perfect example. Let see wht happen if rushdie is placed in Jail; i am sure there would be no outcry.

Amna Atif, Ottawa, Canada

I agree, Bart. And while we're at it, let's ban Christianity, and burn all the Bibles, to deter violent right-to-lifers and white supremicists.

Heraldblog, Milwaukee, WI

In Name of Islam and Freedom

kashmir & rest of India- 80,000 innocent civilian mainly hindus)
Israel - More than 10000 died in five decade (Jews)
chechnya - More than 150 children and many hundred civilian (christain)
China - Turkestan Islamic Movement, of killing nearly 200 people in Xinjiang (200)
List is never ending.. , beheading, fatwa...peace religion?
Not all muslims are terrorist but most of the organisation are muslim?
Whereever muslim are present in the world majority or minority there is problem but religion from other religion live peacefully with few exception, why?

Moderate muslim wake up before its too late. You dont entertain these extremist and issue fatwa against them, who is spoiling your religion.
Preach & read your religion correctly. It can't be that rest of world is wrong always.

Rush-die, Edinburgh, UK

I would just like to point out to all those U.S.A. & U.K anti-muslim people out there that your governments sell billions of $/£ to Arab/muslim countries. Dont you think that is a bit strange considering that we are meant to be your enemies.May i add that if you look in the history books over the last 100 or so years you will see that the vast majority of invasions that have taken place including the current one that we all know about, wait for it, has come from the west. would you like me to go through a list? so before u get all on your high horse and act like your righteous and civilised and all that, try knowing your own history. To those decent usa & uk people no offence meant.I, like most of the muslims, know not to paint every one with the same brush.

mohammed c, london, uk

"Have we forgotten about riots when Pope Benedict called their claims of a peaceful religion into question? How about the penchant for suicidal "martyr" bombings of innocents? Sectarian violence between Shiites and Sunnis? Bombing of Spanish trains a couple years ago? The Twin Towers and Pentagon attacks in the U.S.? The 1992 Twin Towers bombing? Weekly bus and market bombings in Isreal? The USS Cole in Yemen? The Khobar Towers bombing? The American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania? Hostage taking in Iran in 1979? The Arab attacks of Isreal in the 60s?" -- Erik, Dayton, Ohio USA

Hiroshima and Nagasaki....wait there, if i start on about US state terrorism, i'd need a book the size of a Quran. So lets not get into that shall we.

Stanzler, New York, USA

Muslims must not protest violently, or make death threats.
We should rebut his claims (if there are any, i don't know, as i haven't read his book). As Prophet Mohammed(P) said:

“The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr.”
- Prophet Muhammad (570-632)
Arabian, founder of Islam

Rafick Ahamed, Wembley, UK

Frist of all, I think the case has taken this proportions in Pakistan because Rushdie is indian born.
In other places it is just a continuation of an unsolved problem, the clash of freedom of expression against, let´s say, a high sensitive group of people.

Offended muslims should understand that nobody is honouring a part of a single book but all his work. Also he became a symbol of freedom of expression, again, not because offending muslims but because of all he has been through after.

I never saw an explanation about what really upsets muslims so much. Suggesting that their prophet had inspiration after smoking something can be good or bad, maybe Rushdie was himself honouring the book. Shakespeare is also said to have gotten creative inspiration from that source.

All readers that condemn extremism can´t forget that being also an extremist will just make things worst.

Don´t raise your tone because ideas are worth for themselves, and that´s why we´re honouring this writer.

AB, braga, portugal

Why don't we hear from the sane Moslems who can justify their religion for the good it has brought about and not for its murders?. Are they all afraid to speak up?

Helen Burford, toronto, Ontario/Canada

Knighthoods are not given only for artistic merit.

This one is a political statement, a rather loud one, too.

Parts of Rushdie's Satanic Verses are exceedingly hateful and ugly towards Muslims.

I completely support his right to publish it, but I also feel an impulse about how hurtful it must be for millions of Muslims.

The knighthood re-ignites this conflict, something that was completely avoidable. Rushdie received brave and generous help from Britain at the time of his danger, and Britain certainly owes him nothing extra.

I very much agree with the comment regarding someone's producing a book making fun (Satanic Verses makes a lot of obscene fun) of the Holocaust. I would support an author's freedom of speech, but I would deeply question the author's judgment in such a case.

Forty years ago or forty years from now, this might not matter, but it has been well said that timing is everything.

John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada

The muslim world isn't 'inflamed', by the knighting of
'Sir' Salman Rushdie at all, almost of all my muslim
colleagues who have read about the knighting of this rather
poor fellow responded with a casual apathy to
his plight, as ultimately, a man hemmed in by his own arrogance.

The images of these muslim 'extremists', 'inflamed', 'angry', 'sucide bombing'
muslims is an exaggerated myth ignited by media sensationalism. The late Jean Baudrillard claimed that
the Gulf War was essentially a video game, in that it didn't
actually occur, at least not to the extent it was covered by the media.

The same is true of 'angry muslim fanatics'.
They are a phantom menace created by people who
have vested interested in the lands of the Middle East,
which happen to house all the greatest repositories
of the earths lifeline, oil.

Come on chaps, wake up.

Paul Gladistone Reid, Cambridge,

I have never read the book. However, So you kill him and possibly everyone connected to the publication of the book, what does that achieve/ prove?

Because the author is removed it most definitly doesnt mean people will not have access to what ever he has written, or other like minded authors wont come in his place?

This atmosphere of censorship, hate and violence is in fact breeding and fueling what most importantly, I am told this religion is against.The fact that I am not a muslim puts me in a limited position to perhaps have a strong opinion about this topic however as a human being it saddens me to think that to make a point fellow human beings resort to death threats, killings and the burning of effigies.

D., Oxford, UK

To: Kashif Umair, Manchester, UK

I completely disagree with you. Freedom of Speech should be protected at all costs, ESPECIALLY when it offends; Whether the offense is given towards religion, government, or another group of individuals is irrelevant.

Protection of offensive speech is the PURPOSE of "Freedom of Speech" regardless of who it offends. It ensures one can say what one will to whomever will listen regardless of the content. This is what separates the enlightened Western pluralistic democracies from the third world societies ruled by dictators, potentates and religious fanatics.

If you don't like what is said, there is no requirement that you listen. But you may not censor what you do not like simply because you or your bretheren are "offended."

The counter to offensive speech is to present a counter-argument demonstrating why the speaker is wrong. Any action other than that is censorship of thought. Censorship of ideas or expression is patently wrong.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

Pardon my ignorance, but does anyone have further details on the Scandinavian film maker refused entry to the UK following his film about Jesus - referred to below in Mr Sheikh's post. Thank you

Jay, Manchester,

Interesting how many people are using this as an example to show how extremist Islam is compared to that ever so peaceful religion Christianity. Now who remembers how a significant and very vocal minority of the Christian community reacted when "Jerry Springer the Opera" was released?

Iain, York, UK

Where are the analysts and advisers in all this-those whose job it is to forecast what the consequences of giving Rushdie his award might be?
Muslims, by and large, take their religion, their god and their prophets more seriously than we do, so it's not just the fanatics who react out of proportion to the perceived insult. I'm thinking particularly about what happened here a year ago. The publication of drawings of Muhammed caused uproar throughout the muslim world. This country's economy and reputation suffered as a result. No one actually died, but the threat was there. The wounds seem to have healed, but I can't see anyone being so stupid as to try something similar again. Such things are too sensitive and provocative. Rushdie will survive without the knighthood and the archaic British award system will continue.

philip, Copenhagen, Denmark

It was the reaction to the book "THE SATANIC VERSES" that made it so widely read and popular. Had it not been for the outrage of Islamic worshippers the readership of the book would have been insignificant compared to what it has reached.

I read the copy of the first batch that reached the Australian book shops simply because of my keen interest in the religious matters. While I enjoyed the content immensely most people I know that attempted to read it didn't get past the first chapter.

Islam is doing itself a great disfavour by reacting violently to anything it considers unfavourable to its dogma, however trivial it may be.

Bozidar Vukotich, Melbourne, Australia

ignoramus. rushdie has written no less that 13 books, and has received at least 19 literary awards from 10 different countries, including britain's booker of bookers for midnight's children, judged the best winner in 25 years of competition. you may not like his work - actually it appears you don't even know it - but it is hard to argue, as some have here, that he is undeserving of recognition for his literary contributions - the actual reason for his knighthood. to deny him such an honour when lesser or equal talents have been awarded one would have been kowtowing to his fundamentalist critics, few of whom have the faintest acqaintance with his work.

Laila, washington,

Kashif Umair, Manchester, UK. If you equate questioning religion with denying the systematic murder of six MILLION men, women and children then there is something seriously wrong with your value system.

Dan, Hampton, UK

peace religion?

Rush, Edinburgh, UK

Kashif Umair: Why is it that as soon as something is deemed 'religious', it is above the law and not allowed to face an analytical perspective (as Salman Rushdie tried to provide)? If your faith really does run true, surely you can face criticism of your religion and rebuke it as any good scientist would about his or her own scientific theories, which they no doubt love qually as much.

Those who have read Richard Dawkins will know where I'm coming from whilst those who are religious probably won't have even bothered to read...

Ian, Lancaster, UK

"Religion should be kept in the home, the church, the mosque. Islamic Extremists and Christians alike have been guilty of tyrannical rule through the ages."

I'd just like to pout out that non-religion IE most secular of all governments IE communism has probably slaughtered more human beings than all of the three Abrahamic ones together x 10.

Dave, Chicago,

"Imagine a scenario where someone in the West got knighted or honored for writing a book that denied the Holocaust. Don't you think there would be a huge public outcry in the West? As a matter of fact, in some Western nations like Germany or Austria that "writer" would be jailed. In others, like the USA or UK, there would still be a huge outcry and massive protests.

It's very convenient to have a scapegoat, but the fact is that the West has its own sensibilities which are very real, and which are often conveniently ignored.

Observer, Washington DC, "

I completely disagree, and I am Jewish. Sure, there would be an outcry if someone was knighted who wrote a book that denied the Holocaust. An outcry. Which in Western terms means protests, maybe a boycott, and some newpaper/magazine articles. Not a death edict on the country that knighted this misguided person. Not a riot in the streets, burning flags and killing more of each other than our supposed enemy in our anger.

Jeff, Baltimore, MD

WIll some muslim contributor please explain how if Islam is a religion of peace & understanding, it is ever acceptable to Kill someone in the name of Islam. It is a very confusing contradiction.

tim, uxbridge,

So they're off again: 'honour' murders, suicide murders, murder if you leave the cult, murder if you shave your beard off, murder if you're a girl in school, murder if you're a Dutch film maker, murder if you draw a cartoon, and murder threats if you write a book. Why do we still hear so little - almost nothing - from the 'moderate' wing of the ideology? (Am not specifically anti-islam - am anti-religion - all religions are twaddle.)

cath, guildford, uk

I personally believe that every one should be given the freedom to speech but not at the cost of some one's religion. Salman Rushdie is one of thoe people who are taking the liberty and shelter of british soil to hurt people from Muslim community. My question is that if Salman Rushdie will write a book about 'Hollow Cast', will he be given the same previlages in the european countries or not? I think the answer will be no. So I believe this is a dual standard that has been adopted by the British Government and another attempt to prove that Muslims are extreamist and that is the wrong policy.

Kashif Umair, Manchester, UK

And I find the politically correct deference exhibited towards Islam to be utterly offensive.
But that is a problem than can and should be fixed at our polling booths.

Peter, Auckland, New Zealand

The Islamic leaders that are railing against Britain for knighting Rushdie are simply seeking power under the veil of their religion.What better way to rally followers than this method i.e. rail against "the West" and their "conspiracy"? This isn't unique to Islam, certainly. All religions are about peace at their root and are only bastardized by dishonest and immoral leaders that use religion as a tool. In this case - how can an Imam ask his followers to kill someone for writing a book or attempt to spread fear by calling the knighting a "conspiracy" of some sorts. Generating hate and fear is a tactic to obtain followers for the motive of obtaining power, not teaching religion.

Charles, Boston, MA,

I wonder if we could ever give this Islamic issue a rest...It is always a matter of action and reaction and it seems that none of the parties are wise enough to put an end to it. Yes, Islamists are inflamed and throw death threats on whoever does not agree with their religeous view, and then the West gets inflamed because the other side is inflamed for reasons they don't consider worth getting inflamed for, and so on. It never ends.

Alina, Iasi, Romania

Rushdie's contribution to the UK is not entirely clear, but neither is that of so many of the pop star/footballer honours' recipients in these populist times. One suspects that this was Blair's reminder that in the UK no religion is sacrosanct. The reaction of many Muslims is unacceptable but probably predictable; next year make him a Lord.

Tony G, Harrogate, UK

Salman, where are your liberal friends now? In theory, they should call for the firing of all rascist,sexist, bigoted homophobes in all Muslim countries.After all, it's ARRRTTTTT we're talking about. Liberals are beyond stupid.

Dan, Chicago,

I believe the poet Linton Kwesi Johnson declined the honour of OBE - Order of the British Empire - nice to be put up for it, but necessary to be consistent and logical in refusing. Best wishes to him.

Janey, Leeds, England

Religious war is like two children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend..........

I wish I could take credit for that but I cant I found it online but its very bloody true!

Becks, London,

The qaint but outdated Knighthood system has finally found some relevance!To my fellow human beings who are of the Muslim faith please LIGHTEN UP!!
And drag yourself into the 21st century while you're at it,,,,,

Paul Black, Perth, Australia

"Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others..."
-Sir Winston Churchill

I think he may have been on to something....

Ty, Chicago, USA

he has written quite a number of books. I figure if elton john, bono, and paul mccartney can get knighted, so can he.
Michelle

Michelle, Macomb, Illinois

Sadly all religions that claim to have the only truth are divisive, and in that respect evil.
Christianity (specially here in the US) has its own numbers of intolerant people, who are equally fanatical as the flag burners in Pakistan.
We need to wake up and realise its not just Islam that has a problem, it is the human race, that needs to realise not any group of us is any better than any other.
If you think you know the truth, and think that makes you better than someone else - then you are wrong!

RIchard, Phoenix,

After reading the comments on here, as a muslim, I am so thankful I was born in Britain than the US. It is a shame Americans who have posted their views on here have such a narrow minded view of Islam and muslims in general, but then again they probably rely on reports of the muslim world from Fox News, rather then actually meeting a muslim or reading about the religion, or through dialogue. I am no fan of Salman Rushdie, but frankly i dont care if he has been given an honour, as I am disillusioned with the honours process anyway. And I dont believe in this overeaction of ridiculous riots and flag burning, mainly from those who are illiterate and unemployed and live in poverty in developing countries. Dont equate these actions with Islam please.

Samina Malik, London, UK

Just when isnt the "Muslim World" enflamed?? I have grown extremely tired of Islamic intolerance.......sigh....

Mark, Steen,

The clash of civilizations is well under way. People in the west can't even begin to understand how the muslim community would sentence someone to death for an "insult". And make no mistake, its not just radical muslims. The islamic community can't even begin to understand why someone would insult their religion which they hold so dear.

Its like that on many different issues and many different levels. Mix in resource depletion, power moves, greed, religion , hate and you got yourself a war. A clash. It 's only going to get worse.

Jason , WASH DC, USA

actually, there is a small item in the gulf daily news. hidden away. there may be dozens of moslems inflamed, apparently. scary stuff.

jem, london, uk

I cannot see what on earth Salman Rushdie has done to merit a British Knighthood.
Knighthoods should only be conferred on people who have contributed to the good of our nation by selfless acts and those of outstanding valour.
The whole system of honours has been devalued over recent years by this present government and is now worthless.
This is a particularly stupid award in light of current world unrest and even more stupid because he dosen't deserve it

Bernard, Bexhill,

Mohammed, are you having a laugh? The 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion" libels the jews so outrageously that it makes Rushdies efforts look like childs play. This book is a best-seller across the islamic world, and is a staple at many arab universities. -- Sam, London, uk

Sir, sorry to disappoint you but, 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion" is not reguarded as a piece of Abrahamic religious text. My original challange still holds. Thank you for trying.

Mohammed, London, UK

Muslim countris should concentrate on improving their own image not threatening violence, burning effagies and hounding British citizens. If it cost £10 million to protect Rushdie then I would say that is money well spent because it proves to Muslims that British will not compromise human rights or civil liberties to please them. Muslims should stop licking their wounds and instead make positive changes. In Britain there is a huge media storm when someone uses the wrong word. In Pakistan the government condones mass murder and burning of the british flag.

Aimee, London,

And there's me thinking he was commenting on a well known contradiction in a holy book. Wher 3 deities apparently exist in a 1 god universe. I haven't read his book, but certain religions are quick to point out other religion's holy book problems, and the Kuran has a gaping hole of a contradiction.

I am an atheist and as such would comment I may have no right to interfere, but Rushdie highlighted a very covered up aspect of the Kuran which their scholars prefer to ignore as it contradicts their entire religion. 3 Deities in a 1 god world in a book, sounds very medieval and muddled up. Shame on the author for pointing out a huge logic flaw.

Dave, Sterling, Scotland

As a worshipper of The Goddess I find it deeply offensive to my religion that some women are forced to wear face-masks by those who prefer them
to dress in Saudi peasant gear. I don't advocate their killing however.

Robbo, Leicester, UK

there is a slight difference between holocaust denial and rushdie's book.

the holocaust happened (undeniably). rushdie does not deny the truth; on the contrary, he holds up a mirror to the truth. if anyone should be compared to the holocaust deniers, it is those who claim islam is a religion of peace.

the real problem is that they don't like what they see in the mirror. breaking the mirror doesn't make the face of islam any more attractive.

jem, london, uk

To those who talk of "offending" or "inflaming" or any other emotive term used simply to avoid "upsetting a volatile situation" please consider the following:

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety..."

The British crown decides to whom it confers honors and on what basis this is done, whether you agree with the individual choice or not is irrelevant, that is the crowns right, that is her liberty in accordance with British culture and values. Please respect this, please respect (and, if necessary defend) her liberty to do so.

Owen, LA,

I must say that most of the comments here speak of religious bigotry and a dangerous anti Islamic bent of mind on the part of your readers. Who has given anybody the right to insult somebody else's sacred beliefs in the name of freedom of speech? Some of the comments are so bereft of common knowledge ans so full of mindless wrath that they show the worst of our Mullahs in a benign light.
May God rid us of all kinds of bigotry from all sides and give all of us a comprehension of our common humanity.

Khushbakht Khan, Atlanta, Ga

it is sad to see so many hateful comments against islam. islam is a religion of peace.

isnt it strange that islam has been in the limelight for the past few years and hardly a tv programme is shown in the afternoon or evening for some level headed people to understand and make their own judgements rather than the media hype.

islamic programmes if any are aired very rarely on any of the 5 uk channels unless its around 2 a.m. where all decent people and children are fast asleep and the people who are awake at that time to be educated of what peace is are ones that may be drunk or high on some drug.

if one or two programmes were regularly broadcasted in the day then many people would know what 'beautiful islam' is all about. I'm sure we can catch up on one episode of eastenders/neighbours or other soap on the weekend.

we may not be willing to watch a programme but i think its time we started taking time out for this.

let us understand and be happy.

sarah, birmingham, west midlands

I agree with Mike Asacret, no-one in these posts seems to recognise where the real inflicted insult lies! Why aren't more people concerned with the insult to our Country and its Queen by Pakistan rather than discussing the supposed insult to Islam, whether they are inflamed or not (who cares) and the wisdom of Rushdies knighthood. A formal apology must be obtained from Pakistan, and I wonder why the Pakistani High Commisioner wasn't sent home yesterday! He should have been!

Samantha Reed, Cambridge, England

I am muslim, and reading through these comments I am shocked at the hatred I see for Islam. Its sad, and I wish I could somehow explain to you how peaceful a religion Islam is.
The problem is, Islam and Al-Qaeda are continually confused and most people use the biased lens to judge muslim reaction.
For example in this situation. Salman Rushdie has written a book that speaks ill of the Holy Prophet (Even if hate speech (Atleast me and a billion other muslims feel so) can be condoned under freedom of speech, why does the queen need to support him? Isn't she being discriminatory to muslims??
(I wonder, if there were books that mocked jesus and moses and I am sure there are), would the queen ever honour those writers??
I feel betrayed by the British monarchy, I think they are sending a statement by knighting Rushdie. I am also sure this will only contribute to the polarisation of the world

Bass, Karachi, Pakistan

There is only ONE world. Let us not encourage them by saying things like "Muslim world". It is right and appropriate to say "Muslim countries".

Chuni Chavda, London, UK

When Ruth from Kuwait asks "when fundamentalist evangelical so-called Christians burn down abortion clinics and kill staff, are all Christians tarred with that brush?" she's missing the point. When Christian fundamentalists act violently they are roundly criticized by the VAST majority of the American populace, most of whom are also Christian. Where is the moderate voice of Islam condemning these acts of violence and fatwas everytime a Muslim gets his/her feelings hurt? If Muslims want to be accepted and respected they need to start speaking out for against such absurd over reactions. And don't start on me about atrocities in the Iraq War. There are a hell of a lot more Christian Americans trying to find peace in the Mid East than there are Muslims speaking out against violence.

Chris, SLC, Utah

Pakistan needs to learn that free speech is an important freedom. It needs to learn that people are allowed to disagree with other peoples views even other people's religious views.

Not sure why Muslims give Rushie such a hard time his comments are tame compared to those of Richard Dawkins etc. But even these are only further examples of how free speech is so important to our world. We need more socities to adopt the freedoms that we take for granted in countries like the UK, Australian, NA, Canada, Europe, USA etc.

Martin, Brisbane, Australia

How can Muslims sit there and talk about their faith, when they are so obviously insecure about it. So insecure in fact that a mere work of fiction sends them into a conniption fit. Christians and Jews are just obviously more secure with their faith and their prophets.

D, Walnut Creek, CA, USA

"Insults to Islam will not be tolerated."

Yes, of course, and in the meantime we are to allow beheadings, bombings, terrorist attacks and threats of mass murder because someone dared to "insult" Islam?

Just wanted to get a clear picture of your logic. Thanks for the explanation. Completely unbalanced and delusional.

Be careful with your threats in the US, Muhammad. We don't like them, and we aren't going to give in to them. We've learned a few things from your friends since 9/11.

John, Naperville, USA

These are the same people who lost it when the Pope implied that Islam was by it's own history a violent religion. To prove how wrong the Pope was they rioted across the globe and killed people, including some nuns.

Can entire countries be stricken mental illness?

The UK and the rest of Western Europe needs to wake up. One of the previous posters was right on the money when he said that the enemy isn't at the gates, they are within the city limits. And our heads are in the sand due to political correctness. The leaders of Islam are using the West's obsession with being PC against them. What fools we are.

Jeff, Baltimore, MD

To the individual who said that freedom of expression should apply to all crimes, you really shoudl understand the meaning behind the Rights to express yourself as adopted by Western society. This right does not give you carte blanche to do whatever you feel and claim it is your right of expression. It is a freedom of expression without infringing on the basic rights of others, ie, the right to privacy, life, liberty..safety.

Maybe you should pick up Hobbes... thats just my opinion though.

Matt, lancaster,

is there any chance that this "moslem world inflamed" idea is just a tweensy-weensy bit of an exaggeration?

I've just scanned the gulf daily news for mention of rushdie.

nothing.

there is, however, an article on two reverends who were sent to the middle east who were awarded gongs for promoting interfaith dialogue and for pastoral and community care, respectively.

nice, eh?

jem, london, uk

It is sad that Muslims are so insecure about their faith and their prophet that they want to kill someone for writing a work of fiction, a mere novel. If they had real faith they would do what Christians and Jews do when someone says something about their faith, which happens all the time, they would just shrug their shoulders say God forgive em' and move along. God doesn't like pettiness.

D, CA, USA

Abdul Ali from Iran, is this really your opinion? Or do you have to say what your government will allow you too? If you say something critical of your government, will you just disappear. Here in the west we have our problems, but at least we can say what we want without having to go to jail or get our heads chopped off for saying the wrong thing. I hope one day the intelligent people of Iran will overthrown that repressive government of yours, facism eventually collapses on itself.

Tony, Austin,

"Muslims never have any problems with other not agreeing with the message of Islam and our beloved Prophet , Mohammed. "

Are you kidding me?

Some of your Muslim brethren call killing and dismembering their daughters an Honor Killing. And that's for things like being seen alone with another man. Good thing she didn't argue!

Listen up, Mr. Doctor - Muslims everywhere should pray thanks to Allah daily that we don't believe that ALL Muslims are Al-Queda. Clearly, we don't believe that. The thin veneer of civilized behavior worldwide is being sorely tested by Muslim Terrorists. You should hope the civilized world does not loose patience anytime soon.

John, Naperville, USA

Perhaps I need to review my history, but is not the Queen the head of the church in England? And to be burning in effigy the religious head of the state religion a horrible thing to do? I would think that true believers in England would want to attack a country such as Pakistan for such a terrible offense. Oh wait, England is civilized, kinda. What was I thinking? Guess that tells you enough about Pakistan. I guess we will not be seeing any Brits strapping on bombs anytime soon to go blow up goats in Pakistan. Shame.
In all seriousness, I do feel that enough PC pressure has been brought to bear on simple truths that we can no longer speak them. Truth is, countries that are dominated by Islam do not value education, women, or civilization. This is the 14th Century mindset and will be at war with the west until they win or the west realizes it and fights back. However, to fight back is to incur the wrath of the nanny states that want to tax and control our lives. Wow, out of characters

Robert, Paris, TX USA

Here they go again, raging against the west - there is some sort of mass psychosis gripping parts of the Muslim world, with government ministers seemingly not immune to its violent delusions. The ummah badly needs to get its PR together. They're reaching for the lighter fuel and swan vestas in a kind of grotesque parody of themselves. The horrifying thing is that Pakistan has nuclear weapons and there's a growing chance some of these fanatics will have the keys to that arsenal in the not-too-distant-future. I for one say yes to upgrading Britain's nuclear deterrent.

Donald Smith, London, UK

The Holocaust on Trial was also a book (by David Irving)
I guess Christians don't believe in freedom of speech. You had to lock him up is jail, what a shame.

adam, uk, uk

If anyone takes issue, rather than ranting & raving, write a book expressing whatever views you espouse (or even cartoons). The educated world listens to logic, not to those behaving like animals.

Oliver, Knoxville, TN

We should tell these "students" (who seem to have gray hair and beards in many cases) that UK will revoke Rushdie's knighthood if Pakistan agrees to ban all pictures of bin Laden. And we will burn effigies of bin Laden and Mohammed and the Pakistani flag until such point. I mean, that is apparently how the game is played in Pakistan.

Clinton James, Orlando, USA

I just wonder what this great thing that Salman has done to be granted "knighthood"? because he has made fun of islam and the prophet in his book! At least, no one has been celebrated by muslims because he has mocked Jesus (peace be upon him). If somebody did that, this would ignite the same anger.

Jaafer, Vancouver, Canada

Salman Rushdie has teased sensitivities throughout his literary career, his smart aleck approach has brought him many honours and much criticism. Does he deserve any honour from the Queen? A knighthood for hypocrisy and sham, perhaps, but for literature? Gracious, no.

Mark A. thomson, Auckland, New Zealand

I do agree that pledging to kill someone simply because something they wrote in a book offends you is an extreme and unreasonable act which has no place in any enlightened society. I also, however, would dearly like to believe that putting Mr Rushdie on the Honours List was just a move of staggering naivety, because the alternative is a little frightening.
While wishing no insult to Mr Rushdie, I cannot think of a single reason that would justify him being knighted in light of the obvious tensions such an act has and will go on to fuel.

Simon, Edinburgh,

I heard some government person say on TV "it is interference in Britains internal affairs" !! I thought how stupid. IS sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan not interferance ? for what -millions are suffering and thousand's have been killed. a never ending agony for ordinary people. a game and a crusade for Bush and blair.

aejaz awan, salford,

"The Muslim world from which these fatwas come publishes so few new books each year, I'd be surprised if anyone could find one at all, much less an insulting one." --Brad Anderson, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA

Thank you for proving my point. You can now, continue your islamophobia.

Mohammed, London, UK

Again we Muslims have gone and given free publicity to someone who simply revels in it. You want to get rid of Rushdie??......ignore the man, he and his ego will go up in a puff of smoke!! People like him thrive on the fact that they are constantly reported on. Dont do so, and they disappear. What is so great about him anyway, except the fact that he offended Muslims? I am one and he didnt offend me, even if that was what he was trying to do. He just came across as a spoilt brat enjoying vulgar publicity....no class at all! I do hope people know that he is Indian, NOT Pakistani, and that he seems ashamed as hell coming from there....

Anjum Hameed, Dubai, UAE

this knighthood is ridiculous, the novel is simply meaningless to western civilization and an offense to the Muslim world. When have we started giving knighthoods for completely useless works, which isult the very people we are to resolve a crisis with?

Liz, Canterbury,

"This act shows that insulting Islamic sacred values is not accidental."

If only it were true, eh?

Roger Pearse, Ipswich, Suffolk

To Mark from London:

As a Brit your self-admitted ignorance of Rushdie's literary achievement is appalling. Rushdie is after all a British subject, and he is one of the greatest and most honored writers in the English language yet living. That you would express such a hostile opinion about an issue of which you are almost totally unaware (and you did admit this) leaves me at a loss. Rushdie has received at least twenty major honors for literature, so the knighthood is simply a culmination.

On the topic of the £10 mil protection, I doubt that you would begrudge official protection if a foreign power threaten your life because you dared to exercise your natural right of self-expression, a right guaranteed to you by the struggles of your forebears over the last thousand years or so at who knows what cost in blood and treasure.

The West is under grave assault by these Dark Age savages called Muslims, and if we don't wake up and resist our children will be their slaves. Viva Sir Salman!

Neal Scroggs, Statesville, USA / NC

Calvin Hobbes: That is the most insightful, accurate, and non biased (all things considered) statement I think I have ever read concerning the state if Islam in the modern world. Thanks!

Farmer Ted, Holton, USA

Gee, the muslim world is inflamed again. Go figure.

John, Austin, Tx

"Billy from Sheffield, UK was spot on with his assessment. Nothing whatsoever can appease muslim extremists. I am surprised that the civilized world is still trying to do it (perhaps because we're civilized)". -- Mike, Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Of course, that's why, your government has killed 650,000 iraqis and displaced over one million. Truely civilized. (Muslims should learn)

Mohammed, UK, London

Bart Jackson - have you never met a decent moderate Muslim? I've seen lots of them, and so has nearly everyone else. Of course they exist. The reason they "never speak up" is because their views are not as controversial.

Chris, Epsom,

If I were a homeopathic doctor I would recommend St John's Wort tea for all those violent protestors as they definitely need some lightening up. They will have a lot of Karma to deal with. PS as an American I would like to send a word of support to the Queen..she doesn't deserve such unsavory treatment at the hands of rabble-rousers.

JOHN HENRY, ALBANY, NY USA

Who put Rushdie forward and why?

Mike, Midlands, UK

Islam is today where Christianity was prior to the Renaissance. And yet because it always threatens violence whenever criticism is aimed at it, Islam is somehow allowed its' archaic and oppressive practices in a modern world that would openly treat those practices with complete disdain were it any other religion but Islam.

The treatment of women in Islam alone is disgusting. The Sharia code is out of the dark ages. And we aren't even talking about radical Islam here..........

A teenage girl is stoned to death by her family because she dared to act like a teenager and the Islamic world says - yes, it had to be done.

Beheading are prefaced by hollers of "Allah Achkbar" and the Imans of the world are silent.

What God and Prophet demand ignorance of mind as proper worship?

harald kasper, Herndon, Virginia, USA

Whilst people can have their views about Salman Rushdie's knighthood, it does seem strange that General Musharraff's Religious Minister is Ejaz Ul Haq, whose father Zia nurtured the very Islamist forces that are now de-stabilising Pakistan. If Musharraf is claiming to curtail radicalism, why has he got this man is such an important post ?

The blood thirsty speeches and demonstrations we see in the Islamic world are all the fallout of the obscurantist teachings of Mohammed Abdul Wahhab whose ideology has tried to destory traditional classical tolerant islam since the 18th Century

S Kumar, London, UK

Load'em up and roll'em out. I will give a month's salary to send, ever how many my pay will cover, them back to the middle-east. Who are they to tell another country they don't like something. A lot of them don't mind taking welfare, govt housing, etc.

abby, richmond, usa

Once again religion is at the center of a global conflict. When are people going to realize that no one religion is completely right, and most are based on wildy inconceivable fables. People need to get along worldwide, and work on breaking down cultural barriers merely reinforced by organized religions. Extremists in any state are laughable, and how anyone can hate or kill another human because of a perceived insult to their "God" is simply retarded.

Ross, Dallas, Texas

Further proof why religion should be kept out of all facets of government. It is wrong to base a government on something that cannot be proven to exist at all. Religion should be kept in the home, the church, the mosque. Islamic Extremists and Christians alike have been guilty of tyrannical rule through the ages. It must STOP. I agree that most Muslims are not terrorists, but if you all want the world to accept you without fear, speak out in a very loud voice and denounce this behavior. Say it over and over again. Even more so....do something about it. You know who these people are! Actions speak louder than words. Prove to us that we can trust you and the peace process can begin, but you must clean your own house first.

James, Birmingham, AL

Itis typical that the times chooses to sell controversy, it shows the feebleness that we in the west show, that is by constantly offending and allowing to offend islam while blaming them for not integrating, its a contradiction, the west is the most morally depraved place in the world to dumps with it and its society.

Mark s

mark, birmingham,

Dominic Macdonald, Paris: "There again, as the Nazis were condemned by the Catholic Church (Papal Encyclical Mit Brennender Sorge, March 1937, available for example on the vatican website), it would be a bit outré, wouldn't it? "

Catholic church opposition to the Nazis during WWII was distinctly underwhelming given their resources. Incidently, wasn't one of Hitler's favourite authors Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich recently made a saint by the same church?

Dan, Hampton, UK

I bet most people wouldn't have read the book if it hadn't been for all the fuss made, does that mean they'll issue a fatwah for themselves for promoting it?

e, london,

And people wonder why we are in the middle east. These people are fanatics and I don't beleive for one second in their view of islam as a peacfull religion.

Kev, Seattle,

Muslim world inflamed by (fill in the blank). What are they not inflamed by?

Jeff Molde, Minneapolis, Minnesota

When will the 'appeasers' realise that by pandering to muslim demands that we compromise freedom of expression to spare their delicate sensibilities, we are hastening the end of democracy and individual liberty? The majority of people living in this country are not muslim, and do not choose to embrace a repressive religion that dictates thought, word and deed, whilst apparently turning a blind eye to its adherents calling for murder as a means of stiffling opposition.
For years, Sir Rushdie lived under constant threat of execution in the name of the muslim religion. Here in Britain, we watched as crazed men burnt books on our streets - all this in the name of a religion that had been 'offended'. Still the appeasers have not woken up or learnt the lesson of their appalling predecessors who turned their half blind eyes the other way whilst Hitler went to work in Europe. If there is to be condemnation, it should be for those who fail to champion our freedom of speech.

Alice, Camberley, England

Muslims all over the world are caught in a dilemma when this sort of thing happens. If they get angry at Rushdie or what he has written they are labeled as people who hate the freedom of speech. If they keep mum about it, they feel a sense of guilt that they did not come to the defense of their prophet, religion and beliefs.

Rushdie should be eternally grateful to Imam Khomeini because if it was not for the Fatwa he would not have become as well known and would not have received the knighthood. Even though I think that the Knighthood is nonsensical and irrelevant, the Queen' s people should have thought about this deeper. Does he deserve it with the kind of books he has written. Probably not.

Garba Maigoro, Kano,

This is utterly ridiculous; how many other religious factions do you see getting up in arms and issuing rewards for assassinations just because one man wrote a book which tried to find flaws with your religion? Surely people should be allowed to make a valued judgement based on several different opinions, instead of just being brain washed!!!
It's all very well to try and accuse the UK of not being tolerant enough of other religious or cultural groups, but frankly when there's this reaction to any criticism can you blame us?? By the looks of things the whole concept of multi-culturalism is a non-sequitor where the west and extreme islam are concerned.
If what Rushdie wrote is believeable and an alternative theory then surely he should be allowed to publish it, he is living in a country which believes in freedom of speech and thought afterall. If you cannot prove or back up a thought, then you are well advised to abandon it. Also religion is based on faith, not evidence or proof.

kate, Berks, UK

It is offensive to knight Mr. Rushdie. The act is by its nature a profound insult to Moslems worldwide. Repect for the beliefs of others --especially sincerely held religious beliefs -- is a necessity of international order whether the other be Buddhists, Moslems, Christians, Hindus, or Jews. I am not a Moslem but I sympathize completely with their outrage at this gratuitious insult to their sensibilities. How would the British react to another nation honoring someone who specialized in grotesque mockery of their royal familty?

Dr. James McHugh, Bloomfield, US/NJ

Indeed. If in this:
The question of blasphemy in The Satanic Verses, Rushdie’s 1988 tale of a prophet misled by the devil, do they instantly recognize their "prophet", that is disturbing.

K, Elmo, PA

Muslim overreaction to every perceived slight becomes more farcical by the day. All of this over a 20 year old book which few would otherwise have read until a furore was whipped up about it. Surely there are more important things the Muslim world should be worried about, not least the situation in Gaza.

People are entitled to believe what they want to believe. They are not entitled to impose that belief on others either by force or by the backdoor method of claiming offence at every turn.

This is just another way of stifling debate, of trying to control the way people think. The society we live in prospers precisely because of its openness to new ideas and its ability to challenge old ones.

The knighthood for Rushdie should be seen as a line in the sand. Freedom of speech and of thought is non negotiable and we will not be bullied into surrendering it.

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

What Salmon Rushdi has done to deserve a knighthood, beats me. Services to liturature? Who reads him? No one that I know of. He is already costing this country a fortune in police protection. Having said that, the prime minister and the Queen have the right to make this award and as such it is of no business to other countries.
If there are to be demonstrations, then it should be by British citizens and in the UK, but not on religous grounds.

JohnBj, Malaga, Spain

The extremists are like school children, shouting and making wild threats. When will they realise that the more threats they make the harder the West will stiffen against them? Perhaps they should try dialogue and debate. However, that won't happen because anger is what bonds these people, anger and a lack of education.
I respect the Queen for honouring a truly great writer who has had his freedom stole from him by extremists.
It's about time the moderates stopped viewing these people as "brothers", they are nothing of the sort.

Phil, London, UK

Could someone tell me how it is that a guy who writes one book warrants a knighthood? If that's the case my first book is almost done, so when can I expect my letter from the Queen?

Bruce Reynolds, Jacksonville, Florida

Well I think we've heard just about enough from the Muslim World.

James, Monteria, Colombia

I am a Muslim born n bred in the Uk. Allah, the Holy Prophet PBUH and Islam are worthy enough for the attention of muslims when they are constantly under attack. I never used to be religious but as the years have gone on I am becoming more aware of my religion, as are many other muslims in the west. In a way this is a wakening call from Allah to muslims to help us make our children into stronger and practicing muslims to keep Islam strong and alive so yes it hurts a lot when people speak ill of islam and the Prophet PBUH, but as the Prophet once said when someone spoke ill of him " it does not hurt me because they do not speak of me" which is true because if they knew the Prophet they would know what he was like!!!!! So the same can go for those who speak ill of Islam and our Holy Prophet.

Mrs R, Staffs, uk

Did anyone read that brilliant piece by Norman Tebbit on Rushdie in the Sunday Times 'Heros and Villains' about 20 years ago? Please republish it!

Philippa Pirie, London,

Nothing leads to contempt for Mohammed like the actions of his "followers"!

Tim, Claysville, pa.

This is pay back to Iran for taking the sailors hostage.

Prof Watson, Los Angeles, USA

There is a name for religions that promote murder. They are called CULTS. Last time I checked this type of activity was illegal in our country. I certainly see justification for banning Islam as a cult. Who could disagree with that? The "peaceful moderates" of Islam? They don't ever speak up, so probably don't even exist. I say ban the cult and its "holy book" which is simply a bastardized version of the Torah.

Bart Jackson, Chicago, IL

The problem with the book is that it goes to the heart of the Islamic religious belief. The Satanic Verse the name of Sir Salman Rushdie’s book, is also the name given to a verse in the Koran, [Sura 53] is a touchy subject for Muslims in the know. And because of the sensitivity of the subject, being satired, the average Muslim would not have been let in on just how the characters in the book, might have offended them. So it was probably that the Rushdie book did not offend, so much as, struck a nerve.

Michelle, London, England

Well, tell me something new. I thank God I am a Christian

Shalom, Brisbane, Australia

But these extremists are not in any shape, form or fashion capable of living in a world with elaborate views of expression. Don't agree with us and you die. Well, what else choice do we have folks but to fight this?

isn't that what you said to the Native American Indians? or was it the Vietnamese?

W.Smith, tooting, UK

"Muslim world inflamed by Rushdie knighthood"

Your headlines are misleading. A bunch of fanatics equal 'Muslim world'?

Mohammed, London, UK

It is not a question of whether this offends Muslims,it should be a question of whether this offends Britons
Rushdie has long been arrogantly anti British.Why are we giving knighthoods to people who are our enemies?
Another example of our pathetic guilt ridden weaknessin the face of anyone who is a minority

john, london,

Here, they go again! These extremists!I wonder who is the real "infidel"!! I hope they'll learn to respect opposing views and move with the rest of civilization!

Nkem, Lagos, NIGERIA

Uh, in case most here haven't noticed , the fatwa is on ALL our heads (Jihad). And as far as not understanding how they think, read about the religious wars centuries ago - very bloody. Everyone has heard of the Christian Crusades (series of wars to drive the Moslems back), but what about the Islamic Crusades of today (about 28 wars globally)?

Jim B, Philly, PA

It seems as though many Muslims are so touchy when it comes to disagreements with their faith and behaviour, while they continue to promote hatred against Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslims.

It's about time we stopped bending over backwards to accommodate them, and that we stand up to them!

Miryam, Victoria, Canada

It seems that those who have complained of insulting Islamic sacred valued are extremely sensitive as to those things that a Christian who not have a problem. Could it be they are alittle unsure of their faith and strike out at those that tell the truth?

Tom , Christ, Missouri

Quote: "We love death. The West loves life. That is the difference ....." - Osama bin Laden

This is the view the west sees as a clear satanic misguided hold on religion. Only problem is, too many people say it is just extrememism and moderate Islam is misunderstood. Where is this voice of moderate Islam to counter this? Why only blame the policies of the US and west to enable murder instead of standing up and protesting a terrible zealot? This voice is silent... it must be that deep inside Muslims believe this to be true... or at least not important enough to stand against...

Trevor, San Francisco, CA

Imagine a scenario where someone in the West got knighted or honored for writing a book that denied the Holocaust. Don't you think there would be a huge public outcry in the West? As a matter of fact, in some Western nations like Germany or Austria that "writer" would be jailed. In others, like the USA or UK, there would still be a huge outcry and massive protests.

It's very convenient to have a scapegoat, but the fact is that the West has its own sensibilities which are very real, and which are often conveniently ignored.

Observer, Washington DC,

It is strange how western people throw such bad comments and views about Islam as a relegion based on media views without trying to understand it. In short Islam is a relgion from God and is not for Muslims only it is for all humanity to follow, and I am sure if people try to undertsand real Islam they would easily recognise it is not different from other divine relegions, like jewdisim or chridtinaity. I encourgae all to read about Islam and then have a fair view. the world is full of problems need all to solve and live in peace.
Peace on you

khaled, Dubai,

What in the world were they thinking - to bring Rushdie back into the limelight? And NOW, of all times?

Doesn't ANYONE in a position of authority have a CLUE about how to deal with the Muslim world? Or the Iranians?

Our 'leaders' - complete, utter imbeciles, every one of them.

Olden Atwoody, Knotthead, Alabama

Surely, it must have been the Israelis annointing Sir Salman. But burning the Queen is a bit much.

joel joseph, Essex, England

The British government must have thought about this situation but went ahead with the knighthood any ways. Hatsoff to Brits and their courage. Muslims cant do any thing except protest which offcourse wont put them in any better situation that they are in now. Powerless and having no say in international politics would scumb to all whats goes on with them.

Black hole, Dubai, UAE

"THE SATANIC VERSES was a book. I guess Muslims don't believe in freedom of speech. They never had it. They've only had kings or dictators. One day they'll stop living in the dark ages." -- Salmon is good for you, London, England

The Holocaust on Trial was also a book (by David Irving)
I guess Christians don't believe in freedom of speech. You had to lock him up is jail, what a shame.

Mohammed, UK, London

Oh Crikey! What DOESN'T "inflame Muslims"?

Hello? Is there anybody out there with a couple of CCs of testosterone coursing through their veins who is willing to be -- dare I say it -- ROME?
Just ask a Cathiginian. Oh, wait. There aren't any. Well ask a Zealot in Palestine. What? There aren't any of those? No Temple either? Those Romans were a barrel of laughs, weren't they? At least until they went soft and the barbarians were at the gates. . .

danno, Bismarck, USA

Oh please give me a break. Muslims around the globe need to stop vowing, issuing death fatwas, hating everyone, seething, stomping up and down on other national flags, shooting AK47 up in the air, and quit blaming Jews for all their ill will. Would be nice to see Muslims who were top Dr's, engineers, statesman, who could use their trillions in oil money to spread love and peace around the globe.

Phil McDonald, Seattle, WA, USA

lets get this right.......the peaceful religion of islam justifies non peaceful actions and for the minor offence of an insult? well i have to say they are deluded and feel they fail to see the stupidness of that sentiment, or do they all believe we were all born yesterday,,,,,,pull the other one it has bells on it..lol

joe, midlands, England

Well done, God bless the Queen. Prepare to defend Christendom in the streets of your towns, that's where this is heading.

RJE, AZ, USA

When someone has hurt your feelings verball you can retaliate using words. Rushdie hasn't used physical action only his words. Why can't the muslims use words instead of violence.

If they used words then maybe people will look at them in a different light.

W johns, Northhampton,

I am against honouring Rushdie for causing mayhem and Muslims making violent protests over it. The Muslims who have been honoured by the Queen should return the same with polite protests. The Pakistani minister's statement is most condemnable.

Those who compare Muslims and others' reactions don’t realise that threats, insults, bullying, demonising and other such acts are effective and hurt only when the perpetrator has the power to back them.

We should compare the Western world’s sanctions and Muslim world’s threats where the former have devastating affects but the latter are almost always hollow threats.
A close examination of threats and actual actions would reveal that Muslims are high on threats but low on acts whereas the West is reverse of it but it gets away with it
Remember a Scandinavian filmmaker who was refused entry into the UK because he had made an offensive film about Jesus and square that with the concepts of freedoms and liberty so proudly touted by the West.

M S Sheikh, London, UK

Giving a knighthood to such a controversial figure could only have been done to cause distractions and people are falling into the trap.
There are no depths to which these decievers will not sink.
We can recover from a terrorist threat, but can we ever get our country back?
Keep your eyes on the constitution.

YORKY, Devon, England

Rioting-burning in effigy-being deeply offended-just being all round drama queens.

Yep, just another day in the religion of peace.

Octavio, Atlanta, USA

Fatwas calling for the death of an author??? Sounds peaceful to me... Did Pope Benedict, George Bush, Blair or anyother christian leader call for the assination of Dan Brown for the Divinci Code??? Muslims have not shown very much tolerance to the west, why should they recieve any. It is also ironic that muslims are mad the Brits don't do more for Palestine....the muslims in their backyard they don't help, and they are mad at the west for not doing more....I thought that Al-Queda was at war with us for being in the mideast. Damned if you do help, damned if you don't i guess

snoopicus johnson, dallas, texas

Isn't it funny that Muslims around the world react to Salman Rushdie's Knighthood in the wake of a book written nearly 20 years ago? This is especially so when one considers that there are now plenty of books in print that are highly critical of Mohammed and Islam; namely those by Robert Spencer and more recently, Ali Sina's 'Understanding Muhammad'...

Kevin, Southampton, UK

Alfonso, I assume you’re a fellow Italian and frankly I am ashamed of you. Maybe you did not learn anything from Benito Mussolini.

Andy, New York, USA NY

It is a pity that the religion of the people who kept alive the writings of Plato, Aristotle and other Greek philosophers and scientists during the Dark Ages has now sunk into its own dark ages.

Mark, Ann Arbor, Michigan

This is just further proof that radical Islam is exactly that; radical. Seeking the demise of western society and the establishment of Shariah Law on every continent, in every town. It is not their business who receives what, from any governmental agency, outside of their country of residence. They have no vote or say in the affairs of those governments: even though they would certainly like too.

Dr. Jerrry, Indianapolis, Indiana

Clearly death threats are wrong. People should be free to believe and say what they like. I as a Muslim know that my Holy Book The Koran preaches freedom of expression and freedom of belief. But I would like to know if Her Majesty would have bestowed Knighthood upon a writer who, for example, had written a book that was extremely insulting to His Holiness the Pope? How would Catholic leaders have reacted to such an award given to the abuser of their religious authority? I think some hothead Muslims need to calm down and not react violently. And believe that a word of explaination from the Royal family would go a long way to ease tension.

Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK

The U.S. Congress needs to give him a presidential Medal of Freedom, and the French, Germans, Italians, Japanese, Russians, Norwegians et al need to also give him a medal and then lets see what the islamofascists do.

Joe, London,

Victoria

don't believe all the propaganda you hear. Its not true. Jack is the most popular boys name in the UK (as it has been for a few years). Mohammed came in 22nd.