Salman Rushdie is a man who is not afraid to say what he thinks. When Salman Rushdie wrote his novel The Satanic Verses, it caused chaos between Muslim people and Rushdie. Socrates made enemies for speculating about things far above and far below the earth. Rushdie can be considered a Socrates of the global village because Salman Rushdie is someone who publicly expressed his opinion on what he believed in and made enemies like Socrates. Salman Rushdie was known for opposing Islam, the Prophet and the Quran. To this end, Salman made enemies by writing The Satanic Verses. Salman Rushdie was sentenced to death without trial. Socrates had his own views on philosophy and made enemies in Athens by telling the respected men of Athens that they are not wise. Socrates had to be present in court to defend himself against the accusations against him. An Iranian cleric has offered a cash reward to anyone who kills Salman Rushdie. Salman issued a public apology to anyone who was insulted by his novel; however, Iranian officials did not endorse his statement. Socrates makes no apologies for letting people know that they are not wise. Socrates remains true to his words, regardless of the trouble it might have cost him. (Phillips 16, Plato 20) The Ayatollah's statement came after months of growing protests against Rushdie's novel The Satanic Verses from disgruntled Muslims, who accused Rushdie of insulting their religion. The protest involved British Muslims burning copies of Rushdie's book, the protest spread to Pakistan and India, where many people died during the aggressive demonstration. (Phillips 16) Socrates was viewed negatively by many Athenians for many years. Instead of violent protests, Socrates was mocked. A comic play by Aristophanes,...... middle of paper ......medieval times. Muslim leaders claim that the title of the novel The Satanic Verses disrespects their god, because it refers to their god as Satan. Even though Rushdie was raised as a Muslim and claims not to follow any religion, Khomeini mentions that Rushdie rejected the words of his former religion, therefore joined the enemies of Islam and committed a crime. (Phillips 18) In Islamic tradition, the Quran is actually the word of God, transmitted by the archangel Gabriel through the prophet Muhammad. The result of Rushdie's novel is considered a mocking play on words. (Phillips 19) Socrates made enemies for his speculations on philosophy. Socrates had wealthy young men who considered him an inspiring leader and therefore was also accused of teaching his ideas to the young. Salman Rushdie and Socrates have been held responsible for religious insults. (Plato 20 - 24)