[3][2][4] Random House signed Sherry Jones to a two-book contract in 2007, offering her an advance of one hundred thousand dollars,[5] with The Jewel of Medina scheduled to be released on August 12, 2008.

She reportedly described the book as "incredibly offensive" and a "very ugly, stupid piece of work," suggesting that its "explosive" content could inspire violence among radical Islamic groups and thereby represent a threat to national security.

[11] Adam Kirsch criticized Spellberg and Random House for depriving Muslims of the freedom to reimagine their religious tradition through the eyes of a novelist.

"[17] Stanley Fish disagreed with the characterisation of censorship, arguing that as a nongovernmental entity, Random House had simply made "a minor business decision" and that no free-speech concerns were implicated.

"[25] The following day, Beaufort Books announced plans to publish the novel in America,[3] signing Jones to a contract with a smaller advance but higher royalties.

[27] Three men were arrested on suspicion of commissioning, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism and ultimately convicted of conspiracy to recklessly damage property and endanger life.

[23] As of 2009, the book had been published in Germany, Denmark, Serbia, Italy, Spain,[23] India,[30] Hungary, Brazil, Russia, North Macedonia, Finland, Poland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

[3][15][22][31] Marwa Elnaggar criticized the book's portrayal of pre-Islamic Arabic culture, suggesting that Jones was influenced by "the idea of the exotic and mystical Orient.