Islam Romance Novel Pulled

Random House has pulled 46 year-old Sherry Jones’ novel The Jewel of Medina “for the safety of the author, employees of Random House, booksellers and anyone else who would be involved in distribution and sale of the novel.” Why is the novel so dangerous? It is about the life of A’isha, bride of the Prophet Mohammed and father of Islam.

The novel begins with A’isha’s engagement to Mohammed when she was six years old to the Prophet’s death where “he died with his head on her breast.”

Ms. Jones said they had a “great love story” and was shocked to hear it was pulled. “I have deliberately and consciously written respectfully about Islam and Mohammed…I envisioned that my book would be a bridge-builder.” Unfortunately Random House and the PC Police don’t think so.

Once more the fear of offending people is over writing free speech. Though Muslims and Americans have a lot of issues to resolve, censorship isn’t going to solve the problem. For Muslims, faith and the Prophet Mohammed are the most important parts of their life and feel the American lifestyle is encroaching on these values. Understandable. But there is an obvious solution to the problem. America is about choices and if you want to continue cultural traditions and values, go right ahead. No one will try to stop you unless you’re killing or raping someone. That is what freedom is about, choosing what’s best for you.

What’s unfortunate about this case is the issue of the author’s safety is a legitimate one. Just ask Salman Rushdie, Danish Cartoonists, and Danish embassy employees in the Middle East. Granted the works created by the above were created in bad taste, the novel is about romance involving the prophet and religious views of sex are somewhat outdated. Either way it is no justification your violence. Angry letters, yes. In the end, Random House, publish this book and let the people decide for themselves. And for the easily offended, write a letter then move on with your life. There are worse things in the world then a book.