Controversy Over ‘Satanic Verses’

The highly controversial word Mahound in your article on “The Satanic Verses” (Feb. 24) may have been misinterpreted by many, if not all, of those reading it. The word, according to my Random House Unabridged Dictionary, is defined as: 1. archaic. Muhammad. 2. scot. Satan; the devil.

I brought this to the attention of a gentleman at the Islamic Society Offices, who listened politely, then stated that there were many other passages to which they objected. I am sure this is true, however, in the study of the etymology of the word Mahound , there is considerable cause for question. I hope this information will be of some value.

E.H. MITRANI

Westminster