we would love to live in our homeland its just that these englis people cant help but take and snatch what they want ie look at what is happening in iraq at first it was because they have weapons of mass destruction? so why are they westernising the country to get rid of the weapons and troops homw

John, London, England

We need our journalists and politicians to be courageous. If no one will stand against Islam, Britain will slowly fall. They have stood up to organised violent criminals and terrorists in the past. I suspect they are too afraid now, though. Christian churches should speak up too.

Michael, Livingston, UK

Austin Tassletine from the South West,

Have there been any recent attempted murders by Christians over a person causing offence by remarks on Christianity? NI was more about politics than religion and the Spanish Inquisition is not relevant as we are discussing modern intolerance and violence.

Daniel, Belfast,

J. Hari will choke on his cornflakes when he finds out this has happened. Double standards! Why can't they just write an angry letter to the Times. You can't firebomb publishers and go crying tolerance to the liberals at the same time. Once again angry Muslims' show us how charming they really are.

johnny, Gainborough, England

Tony Blair already said it.If you don't like to intergrate and live in Brittain ship out.Why should British people be afraid in their own homes, because of these foreigners.Ship them let them go live with their people.Never mind living a good life in Brittain and telling British people what to do.

B Clapci, Vancouver, Canada

the immigration of muslims into the western world has been calamitous for our way of life and civil society. nobody, not even the most tolerant leftist, can deny the civilizational change occurring in britain and other indigenous western nations as a result of the policies of the liberal elite.

darren, christchurch, nz

Mahfuz- millions of Christians worldwide who want everyone to be "saved". Majority Muslims would like everyone to know the truth as they see it, too. None of majority kill unbelievers.
Some Muslims follow wahhabi teachings of max intolerance. I hope nobody is claiming that only this is real Islam.

Tim Deegan, Yeovil, UK

Is the content of the book true or not? If true, is the perceived insult to these alleged immoderate muslims simply that the facts are promulgated at all? Should we conclude then that Islam is basically top secret from start to finish?

David Masu, Zürich, Switzerland

How can the sane defend Islam?the evidence of terrorism in the world is real.We the Infidels urgently MUST face issues head on,accept that Islam uses democracy against our society.Stop following liberal methods,our children and grandchildren must inherit freedom,WE ARE FAILING THEM, LEADER FAIL US!

Scott, Pinner, UK

Is it now permissable to say that it is not possble for a muslim to reside comfortably in a society based on secular law, freedom of expression & equality.

Keeping stum about your beliefs & holding them are different things. Islam may be right but the faith is icompatible with our fundementals

WAK.Coe, Llandudno, Wales

Standard Muslim overreaction to plot, and commit, murders for alleged insults. Completely against the UK Human Rights Act that protects freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the right to life. Where are the brave Human Rights lawyers and anti discrimination firebrands?? Hiding??

Moham, Bethnal Green, UK

In Britian we have laws of blashphemy that apply to defamatory writings about Christianity.. Presumably evenhandedness should also apply this law to other major prophets?. Yet having said that we can also recollect Nazi public bonfires of "undesirable" books in the 1930s. Where do we draw the line?

Edwina Funkwhistler, Taunton, UK

Religious Freedom,Democracy,the victims and future victims of
Islamic terrorism might look down and say; WHY,the families of the victim will say IF ONLY,we will say WE SHOULD HAVE.our
children will say WHY DIDN'T THEY,.Our leaders say TRUST US.
We close our eyes,pray for the victims,AND WAIT.

David , Pathos , Cyprus

Religious belief is just that,a belief. It will be a sad day for british democracy if we ever get to the point when we are prevented from doing so because of the threat of violence or death.And for are childrens futures we should make sure we never do.

kev, London, uk

To Joe. As this incident is now sub-judicae, until the evidence is presented in court and the jury pronounce its verdict, for all reporting purposes, the word " alleged" is used because of the presumption of innocence. The culprits were permitted to commit the crime. No wriggle room there then.

Alan , Aberdeen, Scotland

She was 9 not 14.

Jay, Maidstone, England

Evryone keeps talking about "muslims being fanatic" Have you guys the WEST ever sat down and thought we interfere far to much with muslims and their religion! I mean its really pathetic bcoz you have no interest in your own religion therfore are jealous of the fact that muslims have a strong belief

Moshin Mahomed, Leicester, UK

"Insulting the Prophet ...is one of the worst of forbidden actions, and it constitutes kufr and apostasy from Islam, according to scholarly consensus...The one who does that is to be executed " - www.islam-qa.com. Allow the religion into your country, accept the consequences.

Mike Woodman, Bradford, UK

Islam is yet again painted in bad light as a result of direct provocation.
Ashraf , London, England

You don't get what it means to be British do you Ashraf? We like free speech in this country. Criticism is not the same as provocation. Islam looks bad because it reacts violently to criticism.

Ena Nutshell, CHELTENHAM,

SAUD in Saudia Arabia

I,m shocked by your comments considering that open worhsip of any other religion apart from Islam is banned in your country. Yet you fund the building of mosques in the UK. Slighty contradicting dont you think. Least we show tolerance to other religions

Chris, Leeds, UK

Milla, fawzia. I think you guys need to do some more research. No doubt, in 1000 years someone will quote this writer and say tt must be true because the current author wrote this in 2008 and quote that. The BBC should run a documentary and leave the ignorant and prejudiced people on the margins.

Alan rex, London, England

Since mankind first dreamt up the concept of a god, all religions have encouraged and condoned wicked and evil acts. Whilst most religions have developed and moderated with the times it seems that the muslim faith is trapped in pre-medieval ages of barbarity where wanton violence overcomes logic.

Andy, London, England

seems funny that 2.7% of people seem to be able to run the country and the rest of us cant say anything even if we are a christian country !

bob, brighton, uk

all this trouble some old prophet and a god that does not even exist.

albert, london, uk

Thanks to the actions of the book-burners, ironically this book may now hit the top ten.

dave, london,

I am a British muslim and I will be offended if something controversial is written about Mohammed PBUH, as much as I would be about Jesus or Moses(May peace be upon them). This is not just about free speech, it is about respecting other religions. This has nothing to do with being tolerant.

M Khan, London, UK

Prophets can and should be criticised. They are men (women) and prone to mistakes. God alone is perfection.All these arguments confuse the issue. God has nothing to do with religion or any other unwanted middlemen. Abe Lincoln said 'I don't want God to be on my side, I want to be on God's side'

Kara Swart, London, UK

I feell very sorry for all Muslims simply because their faith is so frail they always feel they have to defend it. They obviously don't believe any of it, otherwise they would'nt feel so threatened all the time.
So come on you lot have a bit of understanding and compassion for them. Bless.
Hobbit

C O'Brien, Hurst Green, East Sussex

year 700 life expectancy 20-25 years, people married soon as they reached puberty, is it a big deal, obviously this ignorant hate book has to offer is some suggestion of prophets morals but same sources prove otherwise as its laughable to compare his morals to anybody else of this wrecked society

zac, UK, London

Reconquista in all Europe

robertos, germany,

Its disgusting to say that Muslims are radical when their countries are being bombed by the Christian West goaded on by the Zionists. Most immigrants to the West are there because their home country is being bombed or their corrupt government is being propped up by the West.

Farrukh, Woking,

Odd report: at the time 'her warnings were ignored': sorry, she created this whole nightmare by her politically correct 'warnings' = pro fundamentalist view. It's a harmless book. Did the bombers read the mss? Who has? This is a threat to the heart of our western civilization

Tom, Witney, UK

seems stupid and unwise to deliberately provoke people just to make a fast buck but freelance censorship is not the answer

peter c, Devizes, Wessex

Causes offence?

So what? Be offended then.

It's not a rational, objective sentiment. It's entirely subjective. we *choose* to be offended. We each can choose to be offended by absolutely anything.

Such random subjectivity is no basis for law, policy, decisions or actions.

Be offended and live.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Ayesha was indeed 6 at the time of her marriage and 9 when the marriage was consummated. She went to live in Mohammed's tent and took her dolls and toys with her. Why would a woman in her mid teens in the 7th century play with dolls?

Fawzia, Kolkata, India

Amazing that people defend 'free speech' when it doesnt eexist for most people in the UK! True free speech is only on speakers corner, parliament. Everyone else is forced to abide by slander laws or worse still gagged like Gerry Adams etc were previously. Free media? Please, its owned/run by a few

Alan rex, London, England

Alex rex - all you need to do is read Islamic "sacred" texts called Ahadith, which you are clearly unfamiliar with. You don't have to travel anywhere, it's all written there apart from detailed description of what went on "under the covers" and how - that is the author's imagination, of course.

Milla, London, UK

My muslim friends are preoccupied with how wrong other religions are and descriptions of how non-believers rot in hell.
Some of them keep saying nasty things about my religion in my country (Buddihsts) and they are really lucky to have tolerant people around and mostly they get away with it .

Nigel, bangkapi, thailand

Has anyone here actually read the book.....?

Anyone?

No, didn't think so. What, with it not yet being published and all.

Bit early for opinions, perhaps?

Grimsby, London, UK

I would understand the adverse reaction to the written word if this were the 14th century. Christians burned heretics at the stake, etc. all in the name of protecting Christianity. But in today's word, any belief system that can't withstand words is a joke!

paul smith, London,

Milla, Sam I think you will find both of you are very wrong re' her age, I understand she was much older. But isnt that the issue here? I thought the 'author' was not an expert or scholar let alone has never travelled to the middle east. However, the impression is given as such.....

Alan rex, London, England

Freedom of speech should always come before other people's "beliefs".

David, Sydney, Australia

Omar Akhras, I assume you're a Muslim - you need to educate yourself about your faith. Sahih Hadith from Bukhari quotes Aisha's own words about her age - 6 and 9 respecitvely. Do you believe in some parts of Islam and disbelieve others as it suits you?

Mohammed had a child bride - deal with it.

Milla, London, UK

To Ashraf from London - Are you honestly saying that someone is 'painting islam in a bad light' ? That is insane. Is it acceptable to firebomb a property, risking (and perhaps intending to) kill people? because they offended you? and you call yourself moderate? Violence in exchange for insult?

David, Dubai, UAE

Early immigrants (1950s to 1970s) generally made an effort to be integrated into British society. When in Rome, do as Romans do. Many modern day immigrants do too but there is now a huge element of criminal gangs, religious cult type extremists, and 'low-life's of society who should be repatriated

Rahul, London,

I can't believe that we allow this sort of misguided thing to be published and wonder why Muslims are offended. In actual fact it was a political allegiance and the Prophet did not consummate the marriage until she came of age.Many of the people who have left comments have incorrect information.

S.Cooper, Birmingham, West Midlands

The marrying of young girls by old men in the islamic world is justified by the example of the Prophet. The majority of islamic women do not approve of it and it is a vestigial practice as is facial scaring etc. These issues are discussed by islamic scholars but some regard the Prophet as a saint.

stephen Morris, London, Uk

I intend to buy this book, and will be sure to tell as many of my friends as possible to do the same. The people of Britain should fight back by making this book into a best seller! In years to come this period of time will be looked back on in disbelief. Our land is ruined

Sam, dublin,

To those who have a problem with Muhammed having a child bride why don't you read up on English history? You'll find countless examples of what we would now call "peadophillia". None more so exist then in the marriages of past kings and queens of the great realm England

Benjamin, London, England

Could I remind all those who have got hot under the collar about 'Islamaphobia ' that the Prophet might be a target of their ire;he stated in the Quar'an that if a muslim found himself unable to follow his religion in a country he should move to a country where it was possible to be a good muslim.

Dectora, London, UK

Can anyone pinpoint the exact moment when "causing offence" became such a huge crime?

One wonders how Salman Rushdie would have fared had The Satanic Verses been published twenty years later.

J.Wilkes, Gloucester,

Milla who says, "she was 6 and fully consummated it when she was 9" - if you actually read hadith you would find ambiguity between some accounts with the general view that she was 9 or 10 at the time of betrothal, and 14 or 15 at marriage: the norm for many centuries. Why do you ignore the truth?

Farrukh, Woking,

Why is it my foreign friends explain that, in spite of a few things they might criticise about the UK/other Western countries, they are grateful for the opportunities/freedom they enjoy here and if they don't like it they know where the border is. The hypocrisy and violence of Islam is revolting.

Lyn, Oxford, UK

We need to start defending our right to free speech. Don't let the ignorant and intolerant win in their aims of denying us our right to say and write whatever we like about anything. If I want to say that Islam is a ridiculous religion then I should be allowed to say it without worrying for my life

Tom, London,

The "Chamberlains" now rule in the face of domestic extremism and they are leading England to ruin. But, don't feel alone as we have the same thing developing here in America. Is there a Thatcher or Reagan in the house?

Jack Galloway, Florence, USA

1) Was she really naïve enough to think some Muslims wouldn't cause trouble about it?
2) If I were her, I'd definitely still publish, but publish privately, so as to not endanger anyone else. And, meanwhile, beef up my own security for the violent onslaught that is bound to follow.

David, Manchester, UK

The Islamic Dark Ages? ...for over six-hundred years now.

Where is the cross pollination of wisdom and learning that will lift them out of it.

Faith, zealotry, no understanding and closed ears.

And their faith is their prison.

Terence Park, Burnley,

The view that Aisha was 9 at the time of her marriage was disproved decisively by several authorities. The date of consummation of the marriage was disputed from the earliest records . further the Quran does not tell when she was married nor the date of consummation. so get your history straight.

Omar Akhras, Homs, Syria

Why provoke the Muslims in this way it seems so silly. Or has the author done this deliberately knowing it will create publicity, if so how stupid is that?

D Case, Newquay,

It's a shame that a book by a debut author may need to be withdrawn due to extreme threats of violence by Muslims. All religions have their fundamentalist factions but none other than Islam are quite so quick to resort to a disproportional and aggressive behaviour in the name of religion...

David, London, UK

i live just a few streets away and didnt realise something was up until i woke up!

Anyways, whilst i dont agree with violence i also i dont think you should go around insulting someone that the muslims really love. Mocking them and making fun out of them is pretty childish to say the least.

justin, london,

Do you recall any attempted murders perpetrated by Christians? ,Daniel, Belfast.

Yes. The Spanish Inquisition? The Ulster Troubles?

Austin Tassletine , South West, UK

Farenheight 451!

Austin Tassletine , South West, UK

Aisha was 9. Mohammed went on to marry 12 or so other women one of whom was his son's wife, but not including his harem slaves.
His example was quite unworthy of emulation and if this book brings that home to a different and wider audience then, soft porn or not, it will have done a good job.

Name withheld, uk,

was anyone murdered when lolita was published? where's the tolerance here?

peedorf, ipswich,

Faqi , London, UK - "Bukhari is regarded as the most faithful and dependable of all transmitters of Muhammad's life".

Surely the most faithful and dependable accounts are from people who actually lived alongside the prophet, not someone who was born 200 years after his death?

Farah, Manchester, UK

Alan rex, London, England
The Quran tells you she was nine when she was consumated. Read up on your history before you make such obsurd claims.

sam, birmingham, west midlands

Mohammed married Aisha (if you can call it as such) when she was 6 and fully consummated it when she was 9, so this novel only describes the reality. It is stated so in the most reliable Islmic sources depicting the life of Mohammed - the Hadith. Why are Muslims offended by the truth?

Milla, London, UK

To Alex Rex in London,

Edward Gibbon in The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire tells that Mohammed's child bride was nine years old at the time of marriage and the wedding was consumated that night. It's not just "right wing neo-cons" saying it but the most respected historian of modern time.

John Tomlinson, Brentwood, Essex

To Richard who claimed, ""Moderate muslims", as ever, remain silent" - on the contrary websites such as Islamonline.net addressed this exact issue on August 18th. Just because you chose not to read the Muslim press does not mean the Muslim press does not address the issues.

Farrukh, Woking,

How do you foil an "alleged plot"?

Joe, Chongqing,

I though she was 16-17 when she married and 19 when she consummuted? I understood Its the new-con right wing evangelist websites which suggest she was 6 or 9 years old (its get younger on different versions!). A way to get famous is to take advantage of western ignorance and write this stuff..

Alan rex, London, England

Random House not publishing because of fears of Muslim violence shows that the tolerant west is losing the battle. Voltaire' s premise that he may not agree with your views but would fight with his life for your right to express them is not a muslim way "Moderate muslims", as ever, remain silent

Richard, Melbourne, Australia

Firstly there is no such things as moderate Muslims, it is something which has been created by the media. If someone is truly Muslim then they follow it properly and not half heatedly. Secondly Mr J Mathews "mock other" examples of this statement would be nice otherwise dont comment. very offensive.

mahfuz, london,

J Matthews. Could not agree more. We need to stop being afraid of a reactionary minority of religious fanatacists and defend the freedom of speech that we value so highly in this society. I am not wrong because I question a person's 'religion', they are wrong to threaten violence! Defend freedom!

Andrew, London,

To be honest the only religion ALL you guys really believe in and willing to die for is MONEY.. yes thats what you spend most of your time making worshiping, thinking about, keeping, saving , and dying for... MONEY.
aaaahhhh thank god.. everyting else is a myth

Paul , manchester,

What they have achieved is a wider circulation than this book might ever have got had they not done anything. I hope when they have completed their prison sentences that they will be deported back to one of their Islamic paradises.

Alan Lewis, Bangkok, Thailand

Muhammad had a child bride? That's disgusting! If it was today he would be arrested for pedophily.

Fabio C, London, uk

Well at least Scotland Yard is doing a reasonable job in the Counter Terrorism aspect it would seem..

Regarding the book, the merest hint of insult to Islam will lead to death and destruction. It matters not that it actually DID insult Islam or not.

Kazuki, London, UK

So What's new? Aisha was 6 years old when she married Mohamed? The marriage was consummated when she reached puberty at age 9 (not 14), he was 53 years at that time. Per Hadith by Bukhari (Bukhari is regarded as the most faithful and dependable of all transmitters of Muhammad's life)

Faqi , London, UK

Here we go again, freedom of speech under attack because someone is 'offended'. It's not enough to burn books let's kill the publisher and burn his house down. Ironic as it may sound we need to have zero tolerance of these fanatics.

Ian Burgess, Bristol,

Before the Islamophobes start screaming for internment camps and forcing the non-values of Blighty on the moderate Muslim majority, just countenance for a calm moment the thought that there are moronic Muslims, just as there are equally moronic Christians, Jews, agnostics and atheists.

Mark, Doncaster,

Paul, London,

Don't include climate change atheists in your list! Climate change IS the latest religion.

Nick, Melbourne, Australia

'the prophet and his 14-year-old wife' - I thought the poor kid was NINE years old when Muhammad consummated the marriage?

Emily Carter, London, UK

Ain't religion great?
If that book isn't a best seller now.......

Martyn Taylor, Swindon, England

So, er, a book about Muhammad and Aisha is an "Allah novel"? I thought thinking of various semihistorical figures as divine while still claiming monotheism was rather a Christian thing.

Philip, Dundee,

Paul of London
You forgot to mention "Holocaust Deniers".
No one denies the climate changes.
Don't put people who deny "Anthropogenic Global Warming" opponents in the same category.
Believers in forecasts by climate "computer programmers" are the unscientific ones. Garbage in Garbage out.

Kevin , Brisbane , Australia

They should give it out free. Muslims lving in democracies have got to realise that just as they like to mock others, in a democracy they will be open to criticism as well. Just to make a point I intend buying this book.

Time for the Government to stop pandering to all religious nutters

J Mathews, Glasgow , Scotland

If what Denise Spellberg a scholar said that it will incite violence as it will offend then to be honest, as a moderate muslim I would be offended, once it is an act to get a reaction and now they have it and Islam is yet again painted in bad light as a result of direct provocation.

Ashraf , London, England

Islamic fundamentalists, Christian evangelicals, creationists, book burners and climate change deniers, it's so New Dark Ages isn't it, dahling.

paul, london, uk