Al-Tabari often cites the account involving al-Walid b. al-Mughira, a prominent leader of the Makhzum clan. In this narrative, the Quraysh, fearing that Muhammad’s message would dismantle their social and religious hierarchy, send al-Walid to negotiate.
Volume 6 of The History of al-Tabari (page 111 in the SUNY Press edition) documents the "Satanic Verses" incident, where Muhammad reportedly expressed distress over mistakenly uttering verses praising pagan idols, according to early traditions. While recording this account, al-Tabari includes reports that are generally viewed as unauthentic by many scholars, who note he often compiled varying historical traditions without verifying all as true. Explore the source text further at SUNY Press Kalamullah.Com
The text found on page 111 of Volume 6 SUNY Press translation The History of al-Tabari
is one of the most debated passages in Islamic historiography. This volume, titled Muhammad at Mecca
, chronicles the early life and prophetic mission of Muhammad before the Hijrah. The Context: The "Satanic Verses" Incident
Page 111 is central to the account of the "Satanic Verses" (often referred to in Islamic tradition as the
incident). According to the narrative recorded by al-Tabari: Desire for Reconciliation al tabari volume 6 page 111
: Muhammad was deeply grieved by the shunning of his tribe, the , and longed for a revelation that might reconcile them. The False Revelation
: While reciting Surah an-Najm, "Satan cast on his tongue" words that praised the Meccan goddesses (al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat), referring to them as "high-flying cranes" ( al-gharaniq al-ula ) whose intercession was accepted. Initial Joy
: The polytheists of Mecca were delighted by this apparent approval of their gods and joined the Muslims in prostration. The "Confession" on Page 111 The specific text on
captures the aftermath of this event, where the angel Gabriel corrected the revelation: The Correction
: Gabriel informed Muhammad that he had not brought those two specific phrases. The Admission
: The text records Muhammad’s realization and distress, stating: Al-Tabari often cites the account involving al-Walid b
"I have fabricated things against God and have imputed to Him words which He has not spoken" The Resolution
: God then revealed a new verse (often identified as 22:52) to comfort the Prophet, explaining that every messenger before him had faced similar interference from Satan. Historical Significance
This passage is a prime example of al-Tabari’s methodology. Unlike later compilers who might have omitted "embarrassing" or controversial narrations to protect a specific theological narrative, al-Tabari aimed to preserve all available reports—even those that were later heavily scrutinized or rejected by scholars. Today, while many traditional scholars reject the authenticity of this incident, it remains a subject of intense academic study regarding early Islamic history in al-Tabari’s work or more about his historical methodology
If you clarify the specific content on page 111 (e.g., a narrative, hadith, or event), I can help tailor recommendations or suggest parallels in other Islamic historiography.
The text you're looking for from The History of al-Tabari, Volume 6, Page 111
, refers to the controversial "Satanic Verses" incident. In this passage, Muhammad is described as being distressed after realizing he had mistakenly included verses praising pagan deities, believing they were from God when they were actually "cast" by Satan. Volume 6 of The History of al-Tabari (page
According to the English translation by State University of New York (SUNY) Press:
"Then the Messenger of God said, 'I have fabricated things against God and have imputed to Him words which He has not spoken.'" Key Context from Page 111:
The Incident: While reciting Surah an-Najm, Satan allegedly put words into Muhammad's mouth that praised the goddesses al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat as "high-flying cranes" whose intercession was desired.
The Reaction: The pagan Quraysh were pleased and prostrated with the Muslims, thinking Muhammad had accepted their gods.
The Realization: Gabriel later visited Muhammad to inform him that these words were not from Allah, leading to Muhammad's lament.
The Resolution: The text notes that Allah then "annulled" what Satan had suggested and sent down Surah 22:52 to comfort the Prophet, stating that previous messengers had also been subject to such trials.
Volume 6 of The History of al-Tabari (Ta'rikh al-Rusul wa'l-Muluk), specifically around page 111 of the SUNY translation, focuses on the aftermath of the Battle of Badr, including the treatment of prisoners and the distribution of spoils. This section is critical for understanding the legal precedents and political decisions shaping the early Medinan community. For a comprehensive study, consult the SUNY Press translation of "The History of al-Tabari Volume 6: Muhammad at Medina."
When approaching a specific page such as "Al-Tabari Volume 6, Page 111," scholars should: