If terrorism is to be defeated, the world of Islam must take on board the secularist-humanist principles on which the modern is based, and without which Muslim countries' freedom will remain a distant dream.

Salman Rushdie's quote, "If terrorism is to be defeated, the world of Islam must take on board the secularist-humanist principles on which the modern is based, and without which Muslim countries' freedom will remain a distant dream," suggests that in order to combat terrorism effectively, there needs to be a shift towards embracing the values of secularism and humanism in Muslim societies. Rushdie argues that the modern world is built on principles that separate religion from governance and prioritize human rights and freedom, and that these values are crucial for the development and progress of any nation.

The term secularist-humanist refers to a philosophy that emphasizes reason, science, and human rights, rather than religious doctrines, as guiding principles for societal organization. Rushdie suggests that without adopting such principles, Muslim nations will continue to face challenges in achieving true freedom and democracy. He implies that the persistence of authoritarianism and extremism in certain parts of the Muslim world is partly due to the lack of these modern principles that have contributed to the success of democratic societies.

Rushdie’s quote also touches on the connection between freedom and the political and social structures in Muslim countries. He argues that without embracing secularism and humanism, the freedom that many nations take for granted will remain out of reach for Muslim-majority countries. This reflects Rushdie’s belief that only by moving away from the intertwining of religion and state can true liberty and progress be achieved, allowing these societies to flourish in the modern world.

Ultimately, Rushdie’s quote presents a call for reform in Islamic societies, urging them to adopt secular values in order to achieve freedom, stability, and prosperity. By integrating these modern principles, he believes that Muslim countries can create a more just and peaceful society, free from the threat of terrorism and oppression.