At the time, it was all such a surprise, the febrile atmosphere whipped up so easily by the various parties involved in the Salman Rushdie affair. But whatever the truth of the matter, it was really the first time that most of my western friends began to question as to whether they should be worried about screaming, hate-filled muslims threatening death.

It is sad to recall the impact of the Satanic verses affair on muslims living in the UK. Things have never really been the same since. Islamophobia now had some serious justification in the eyes of many, and rifts were driven through our society that have never healed.

This interview was comparatively early in the debate, but the price had been put on his head, and only a few days previously the tabloids had visited Glasgow Central Mosque to find several of the regulars vehemently threatening to plunge the knife into him themselves should they be given the opportunity. No trial. Guilty as suggested. Killing him was really too good for him, but they were proud to volunteer. I'm sure they thought it was for the good of the muslim community, but I thought and still think they were mistaken.

In the Name of God the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate.

Let us be quite clear that the majority of muslims shouting abuse have not read the book, and might have a right to feel offended if it said what they think it says. But we must assume that some of their leaders have at least read excerpts, yet still insist on misrepresenting what the words in the book actually say, and which Mr.Rushdie keeps trying to explain. Why are these people so angry?

They are angry because they are frightened. People who feel that their culture is under siege tend to whip up popular emotion by shouting jingoistic slogans (you only have to look at Northern Ireland), and truth can quickly be discarded for what seems like a higher goal, be it political or evangelical. Make no mistake, many muslims do feel that their way of life is under siege from western values and ways of thought, and someone like Salman Rushdie is a personification of their worst fears, and a real threat.

The problem with this book is that it was written by a man who was born and raised a muslim, who now says that he cannot believe in the mindless dogmatic notions that he was taught in the name of Islam. This is a spiritual crisis that vast numbers of nominal muslims experience as they try to relate to western culture, and it is those least knowledgeable in Islam who are the most afraid that their religion has no answer to an intellectual challenge except to shoot the challenger, shout down the debate, and to ban all public discussion of doubt. This is not the way of Islam.

Qur'an says "Be modest in your walk, and lower your voice; the most hideous of voices is the ass's" and "Argue in the fairer and more pleasing and graceful manner". Unless muslims stop shouting and start discussing, immeasurable damage will be done to Islam, not only in the west. Discussion and debate are ways of seeking knowledge, and "to seek knowledge is a sacred duty for muslims". Correct action is based on correct knowledge, not blind imitation.

Mr.Rushdie says he wants people to discuss the central issues of the faith, and this is something that should be welcomed by muslims, there's nothing to be afraid of except ignorance. He wishes to consider secular and metaphorical viewpoints. The prophet said to "Seek knowledge as far as China", that is seek understandings outside the Islamic tradition. Qur'an says that we have been "created as different races and tribes so we can have knowledge of each other". It also says "Do not let hatred of any people dissuade you from dealing justly".

One has to question whether those who are so willing to condemn a man without giving him a chance to plead his case, are interested in true Islamic justice. Qur'an says that "there is no compulsion in religion", and that the Prophet was sent as "a mercy to all beings". The Prophet himself said "I was sent with the true and tolerant religion". One would like to hope that all involved might look within themselves to see if they really are living examples of truth and tolerance.

Qur'an says "Respond to evil with good, and the enmity between you and the evildoer will be transformed to friendship". On countless occasions Muhammad forgave the most vicious of his enemies, opening their hearts to acceptance of the idea of One All-merciful Creator. I just hope that this uproar stimulates interest in the life of Muhammad himself, and how it contrasts with the lives of those who claim to be his followers.