In 1989, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the former Supreme Leader of Iran, issued a fatwa calling for the death of Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses. The irony? Khomeini, like Hadi Matar—the man charged with the attempt on Rushdie’s life—never read the book.
In fact, most of those who supported the fatwa likely hadn’t read the SV either. Yet, the fatwa sparked a deep division within the Muslim world, splitting communities into two camps: the so-called “fanatics,” who endorsed the death sentence, and the “liberals,” who opposed it.
The real question is: why did the “fanatics,” from Khomeini to Matar and countless others worldwide, not take the time to read The Satanic Verses before condemning it?
Perhaps it’s because Rushdie’s writing isn’t exactly an easy read. His complex narrative style and sophisticated vocabulary present a challenge, even to the most seasoned readers. Hadi Matar reportedly gave up after just two pages. Maybe he couldn’t grasp the book, but he understood Khomeini’s fatwa.
The eminent scholar Khushwant Singh captured this sentiment well, stating, “Rushdie is not easy to read.” Taki of The Spectator goes even further, referring to him as “that unreadable Rushdie.” While this criticism may be harsh, it highlights a crucial point: Rushdie’s work, celebrated in academic and literary circles, can be difficult for the average reader to digest.
One wonders if Rushdie’s writing had been more accessible, would he have been better understood by the masses? Instead of becoming a victim of gossip and controversy, perhaps he could have reached a broader audience. But Rushdie’s style, which earned him international acclaim, seems to prioritize intellectual prestige over popular appeal—a choice that has distinguished and endangered him.
The same goes for Arundhati Rao. The award-honored, internationally acclaimed writer’s intellectually laced essays never reach the masses, especially those who need to be alerted.
How many ordinary folks in the Sangh Parivar have read her well-researched and extremely well-written articles?
There are many prominent Indian writers, poets, and intellectuals in India or abroad whose works seldom or never reach the masses. Their writings often end up in coffee shop discussions.
—Promod Puri
Promod Puri.com 