The Satanic Verses and the Daughters of Allah in Early Islam: A Scholarly Historical Examination
Introduction
The historical records of early Islam reveal a fascinating and controversial incident known as the "Satanic Verses." This event suggests that Prophet Muhammad, at one point, uttered verses acknowledging the intercessory powers of three pagan deities worshipped by the Quraysh: al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat. These verses were later abrogated and declared to have been inspired by Satan, not Allah. This study examines the historical, theological, and scholarly significance of this incident through Islamic sources.
1. The Incident of the Satanic Verses (Gharaniq Story)
This event is recorded in early Islamic historiography and supported by various early scholars. According to the narrative, Prophet Muhammad initially recited a verse recognizing the three daughters of Allah as intercessors:
“These are the exalted Gharaniq (cranes) whose intercession is hoped for.”
This was allegedly revealed after Muhammad recited Surah al-Najm (53:19–20) which names the three pagan goddesses. The Quraysh rejoiced, believing that their deities had been honored. However, Muhammad later retracted these verses, stating they were not from Allah but whispered by Satan.
2. The Three Daughters of Allah
Pre-Islamic Arabs believed in Allah as the supreme deity, but they also worshipped His so-called daughters:
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al-Lat
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al-Uzza
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Manat
These were viewed as divine intercessors, and their worship was deeply ingrained in Qurayshi religious practices. Surah al-Najm 53:19-20 mentions them by name:
“Have you considered al-Lat and al-Uzza? And Manat, the third – the other one?”
(Qur’an 53:19-20)
While the current Qur’an rebukes this belief in subsequent verses, early narratives indicate that Muhammad initially affirmed their intercession under satanic influence.
3. Classical Islamic Sources Confirming the Incident
The Satanic Verses incident is affirmed by several early and authoritative Islamic scholars, including:
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Ibn Ishaq (d. 767/773 CE) — In his Sirat Rasul Allah, the earliest biography of Muhammad.
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al-Wahidi (d. 823 CE) — In his commentary Asbab al-Nuzul (Occasions of Revelation).
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Ibn Sa’d (d. 845 CE) — In Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir.
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al-Tabari (d. 923 CE) — In his monumental Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk (History of the Prophets and Kings).
These scholars unanimously acknowledge the occurrence of the incident, making it difficult to dismiss as fabrication.
4. Qur’anic Affirmation of Satan’s Influence
While later Muslim scholarship often denies the authenticity of the Satanic Verses, the Qur’an itself seems to reference this event:
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Surah 22:52
“Never did We send a messenger or prophet before you but when he desired, Satan threw into his desire; but Allah abolishes what Satan throws in, then Allah makes precise His verses.”
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Surah 17:73-75
“And indeed, they were about to tempt you away from that which We revealed to you... And if We had not strengthened you, you would have almost inclined to them a little.”
These verses suggest that even prophets can be momentarily misled by satanic influence, though ultimately corrected by God.
5. Rebuttals and Responses
Some modern Muslim apologists attempt to reject this incident based on various grounds:
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Weak or unverified isnad (chain of narration)
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Absence from Sahih Hadith collections like Bukhari or Muslim
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Theological incompatibility with the doctrine of prophetic infallibility (ʿisma)
However, responses to these objections include:
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The chains are multiple and traced to early sources close to Muhammad’s era.
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Many early Muslim historians accepted the story without hesitation.
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The incident is cited to explain the revelation of Qur’an 22:52.
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Rejecting the incident due to discomfort is not a scholarly approach, especially when early sources affirmed it.
6. Theological Implications
If the incident is authentic, several significant implications arise:
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Doctrinal Integrity:
The prophetic claim of uncorrupted divine revelation is questioned. -
Prophetic Infallibility:
If Muhammad could speak Satan’s words, even briefly, it undermines the claim of absolute prophetic purity. -
Biblical Contrast:
The Bible claims that true prophets never utter false prophecy (Deut. 18:20–22). In contrast, this incident would render Muhammad—however briefly—a false prophet.
Conclusion
The Satanic Verses incident is not merely a myth fabricated by critics, but a historical event affirmed by early Islamic authorities. It reveals a significant moment where Muhammad allegedly delivered a revelation from Satan, only to retract it later. Whether one is a Muslim, Christian, or academic historian, this event warrants serious attention due to its profound theological consequences.
References
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Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah
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al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk
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al-Wahidi, Asbab al-Nuzul
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Ibn Sa’d, Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir
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Qur’an: 22:52, 17:73–75, 53:19–20
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