This guy adds no value to the debate between religion and athesism. He asks the question are we shaped or do we shape our worlds. Well its a bit of both. The book in question was a sad reflection of colonial and uncompromising prejadices against Islam and its founder.

Fahad , London, UK

Rushdie brings to our attention fundamental issues in Islam which are totally at odds with modern, free-thinking societies: violent 'holy' fatwas, lack of religious and intellectual freedom, gender inequality, sexual persecution, and even opposition to democracy itself. Few are as brave as he is.

DC, Tokyo, Japan

Asad, Rushdie writes about India and Pakistan because he grew up in India and Pakistan. Further, to suggest that a writer may be limited only to subjects that are geographically near shows an ignorance of literature.

Rushdie is a man of great courage and talent. "Peace be upon him", as they say.

Walter, Tulsa, USA

If Rushdie is an atheist he should also muster up courage to write againt dead Chritianity. He might get another knighthood with the support of his atheist fellows.

Hamid, sheffield, UK

In a world perverted by religion, it's heartening that people like Rushdie and Dawkins are courageous enough to speak their mind and keep the flame of liberal thinking alive.
May every man discover his faith...untainted by the fallacy of religion.

Deepanjan Nag, Bangalore, India

Steph, Bedfordshire: Well done, love. You've just confined yourself to that ever expanding global group, the uninformed. If a writer can't ask questions that makes us criticise or think, what's the point? Those loathed for their controversy today are often praised for their prescience tomorrow.

Leo, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Most of friends in usa & uk admitted they failed to comlete reading Rushdy verses ...Still it was highly praised by some to sell the book. Strange phenomenon !!!!
Deeb,NY,Ny

A Deeb, NY NY, USA

Who is this Man??? I never even read this book...I agree with Mike from Sydney ATTENTION SEEKER!!!

Steph, bedfordshire, uk

Frank asks "Can i get my beliefs recognised and respected even if i am not following an organised religion ? "

The answer is no. Believe in any old garbage you like - but it's only when you add that it's your 'religion' that things happen, The Government may even give you your own school!

davep, Crieff, Scotland

Sometimes I wonder why a genius like Salman waste his
time on non sensical issues. But , then, doctors are
brainy people ; aren't they ? Surely, we need them.

George, Manchester, UK

Not a good book. How much has Rushdie made? and what has it cost the taxpayer for his attention seeking?

Mike, Sydney,

If Rushdie is an atheist as he says then why does he write about Islam? He lives in the west yet he writes about India and Pakistan. He creates controversy and sensationalizes to sell his books. Where ever he happens to be he wants to be the centre of attention and if he is not he will leave.

Asad Qureshi, Islamabad, Pakistan

We all prefer dead religions. It the bullsh*t peddled by the ones that don't realise that they are nonsense that frightens us.

Fortunata, Austin, USA

' Freedom of speech ' is sacred to me. It is my holy cow.

Can i get my beliefs recognised and respected even if i am not following an organised religion ?

frank, swindon, uk