Challenges in the Life of Salman Rushdie in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Salman Rushdie's life and career.

Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie is an Indian-born British and American novelist known for blending magic realism and historical fiction. His work explores the relationships between Eastern and Western civilizations, often focusing on the Indian subcontinent. He is celebrated for his second novel, Midnight's Children (1981), which won the Booker Prize and was twice recognized as the best novel among all Booker Prize winners on the 25th and 40th anniversaries.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1988: Publication of The Satanic Verses and Fatwa

In 1988, Salman Rushdie's fourth novel, The Satanic Verses, was published, leading to controversy. Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran, issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie's death due to the book's perceived irreverent depiction of Muhammad.

The Satanic Verses: A Novel

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February 1989: Fatwa Ordering Rushdie's Execution

On 14 February 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini proclaimed a fatwa on Radio Tehran ordering Salman Rushdie's execution for writing "The Satanic Verses," which was deemed blasphemous against Islam.

The Satanic Verses: A Novel

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March 1989: UK and Iran Broke Diplomatic Relations

On 7 March 1989, the United Kingdom and Iran broke diplomatic relations over the Rushdie controversy and the fatwa.

August 1989: Mustafa Mahmoud Mazeh Killed in Book Bomb Explosion

On 3 August 1989, Mustafa Mahmoud Mazeh, using an alias, was killed in a London hotel when a book bomb he was priming exploded prematurely. The Lebanese group, the Organization of the Mujahidin of Islam, claimed he died preparing an attack "on the apostate Rushdie."

1990: Release of Pakistani Film International Gorillay

In 1990, a Pakistani film entitled International Gorillay (International Guerillas) was released that depicted Rushdie as a villain plotting to cause the downfall of Pakistan. The British Board of Film Classification refused to allow it a certificate but was later permitted by Rushdie.

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1991: Attack on Translators and Publishers in 1991

In 1991 an Italian translator of The Satanic Verses was stabbed but survived. Days later Hitoshi Igarashi, its Japanese translator, was stabbed to death.

The Satanic Verses: A Novel

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February 1997: Increased Blood Money Offered for Rushdie's Assassination

In February 1997, Ayatollah Hasan Sane'i, leader of the Fifteenth of Khordad Foundation, reported that the blood money offered by the foundation for the assassination of Rushdie would be increased from $2 million to $2.5 million. A semi-official religious foundation in Iran also increased the reward it had offered for the killing of Rushdie from $2.8 million to $3.3 million.

September 1998: Iran commits to not supporting Rushdie assassination

In September 1998, as a precondition to restoring diplomatic relations with the UK, the Iranian government, then headed by Mohammad Khatami, publicly committed to "neither support nor hinder assassination operations on Rushdie."

1998: Iran proclaims fatwa "finished"

In 1998, Iran's former president Mohammad Khatami proclaimed the fatwa "finished"; but it has never been officially lifted, and in fact has been reiterated several times by Ali Khamenei and other religious officials.

2005: Khomeini's Fatwa Reaffirmed in 2005

In early 2005, Khomeini's fatwa was reaffirmed by Iran's current leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a message to Muslim pilgrims making the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Additionally, the Revolutionary Guards declared that the death sentence on him is still valid in 2005.

2006: Hezbollah Leader's Statement During Cartoon Controversy

During the 2006 Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared that if the Imam Khomeini's fatwa against Salman Rushdie had been carried out, the insults against Prophet Mohammed would not have occurred.

August 2008: Rushdie Receives Apology in High Court

On 26 August 2008, Rushdie received an apology at the High Court in London from Ron Evans, his co-author and their publisher, regarding Evans' planned book release.

2010: Rushdie on Al-Qaeda Hit List

In 2010, Anwar al-Awlaki published an Al-Qaeda hit list in Inspire magazine, including Rushdie along with other figures claimed to have insulted Islam.

January 2012: Rushdie Cancels Appearance at Jaipur Literature Festival

In January 2012, Rushdie cancelled his appearance at the Jaipur Literature Festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, due to a possible threat to his life. He later indicated that state police agencies had lied to keep him away.

The Satanic Verses: A Novel

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November 2015: Chidambaram Acknowledges Banning of The Satanic Verses Was Wrong

In November 2015, former Indian minister P. Chidambaram acknowledged that banning The Satanic Verses was wrong.

The Satanic Verses: A Novel

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February 2016: More Money Added to Bounty in 2016

In February 2016, more money was added to the bounty for the killing of Salman Rushdie.

August 2022: Attack on Salman Rushdie in New York

On 12 August 2022, while about to start a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York, Rushdie was attacked by a man who rushed onto the stage and stabbed him repeatedly. He was airlifted to UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he underwent surgery.

October 2022: Rushdie Loses Sight in One Eye and Use of One Hand After Attack

On 23 October 2022, Wylie reported that Rushdie had lost sight in one eye and the use of one hand but survived the murder attempt.

2022: Rushdie Attacked in New York

In 2022, Salman Rushdie was attacked and severely injured as he was about to give a public lecture in New York.

2022: Stabbing at Chautauqua Institution

In 2022, Salman Rushdie was stabbed at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, resulting in the loss of his right eye and damage to his liver and hands.

January 2024: Trial of Hadi Matar Delayed

In January 2024, the jury selection for the trial was originally scheduled to begin on 8 January 2024. However, Matar's lawyer successfully petitioned to delay the trial, arguing that they are entitled to see the memoir and any related materials before Matar stands trial, as the documents constitute evidence.