Investigating the Representation of Muslims in Salman Rushdie's Novel Midnight’s Children

Abstract

The focus of this research project is on how Muslims and Islamic culture are portrayed in the well-read book Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie. The study identifies the many images of Muslims and analyzes them in light of their sociocultural and historical contexts through a thorough textual analysis. The study examines the dynamics of identity construction, religious practices, and communal tensions as expressed in Rushdie's story, drawing on postcolonial theory and literary criticism. The essay clarifies how Rushdie's fictional world captures the intricacies and paradoxes of Muslim life in post-independence India, defying preconceived notions and Islamophobic prejudices. The study also discusses how Rushdie's life experiences and philosophical beliefs affected the narrative flow, character growth, and thematic inquiries in the book. This study contributes to the larger discussions on representation in postcolonial literature by offering a nuanced interpretation of Rushdie's portrayal of Muslims. It also encourages the reader to reevaluate their views on the diversity of cultures and religions. Keywords: Salman Rushdie, Midnight’s Children, Muslims, representation, postcolonial literature, India, Pakistan