Global Intifada

Random House publishers canceled the August 12th release of a steamy novel about the youngest bride of the Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa sallam) by debut novelist Sherry Jones. (BBC) Some have described the book as being “softcore pornography.” The novel was supported by the likes of Asra Nomani who argued that such an “intelligent discourse” was needed in the Muslim world and praised the book for its “historical worth.” Opposition to the book arose not from a Muslim cleric or extremists blowing up embassies, but from from Western academics who passionately objected to the historical authenticity of the book. Denise A. Spellberg, an Associate Professor of History and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas, Austin, rejected Random House’s assertion that the book was “extensively researched” and blasted it for being more polemical than historical.” Ms. Spellberg wrote “There is a long history of anti-Islamic polemic that uses sex and violence to attack the Prophet and his faith. This novel follows in that oft-trodden path, one first pioneered in medieval Christian writings.” She went on to write “The combination of sex and violence sells novels. When combined with falsification of the Islamic past, it exploits Americans who know nothing about Aisha or her seventh-century world and counts on stirring up controversy to increase sales. If Ms. Nomani and readers of the Journal wish to allow literature to “move civilization forward,” then they should read a novel that gets history right.”

The issue in the book reveals the underlying conflict between Western and Islamic values or, to be specific, the freedom of speech versus the religious obligation to respect revered figures and this is tied up into questions of sovereignty. Westerners might ask “why are we obliged to respect the laws of Islam?” but Muslims often find themselves asking “why must we adhere to Western conceptions of law as well, such as those pertaining to human rights?” and the full paradox and hypocrisy of each civilization is often exposed in this manner.

For further reading on the Prophet’s (sallahu alayhi wa sallam) marriage to Aisha, who was six-years old, see this link.

For further reading on the value of freedom of speech, see the following post here.

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