MPV Condemns Iran's Increased Bounty and Fatwa against Salman Rushdie

March 3, 2016 - PRLog -- In response to the latest reports that Iranian state run media outlets have renewed support for the fatwa issued in 1989 against the author Salman Rushdie, Muslims for Progressive Values (http://www.mpvusa.org/) is highlighting its initiative Fatwa on Freedom of Expression and Religion (#FatwaOnFEAR), an initiative debunking the theological justification for blasphemy.

The #FatwaOnFEAR declares and clarifies that there is no justification for intimidation, or for incitements to physical violence or murder, in response to any publicly expressed opinion, including those that some would consider critical or insulting to Islam, its prophet or other revered figures, or to anyone's idea of Allah/God. We reject Iran's renewal of its call for a fatwa unequivocally, and state clearly that it is not based on any form of Quran-based Islam. The text of the full #FatwaOnFEAR, as well as our online petition, can be accessed here.

Iranian media outlets added the equivalent of $600,000 to the bounty on Mr. Rushdie. In response, you can donate to MPV’s #FatwaOnFEAR initiative here (http://www.mpvusa.org/donate-membership/). All proceeds will be used to raise awareness of the lack of freedom of expression and religion in the Muslim world and against Muslim-majority countries who use so-called “blasphemy laws” to silence political and religious dissent. We believe it is the accusers who are the blasphemers.

To learn more about the Quran’s mandate for freedom of expression and conscience please read our position statement here: http://static1.squarespace.com/static/55120ecae4b01593aba...