Sura an-Najm 53:19-22 and Sura Hajj 22:52-54: Insights on Muhammad’s Confession and Satan’s Influence
This incident Gharaniq is a significant event that was narrated regarding the recitation of Sura an-Najm (53:19-22) by Prophet Muhammad before the polytheists. The reaction of the polytheists, expressing their delight upon hearing the Prophet speak favorably about their gods, showcases the impact of his recitation on them. The subsequent revelation to the Prophet, informing him that these particular sentences were not part of the divine inspiration but were, in fact, inspired by Satan, highlights the critical nature of discerning true divine revelation from other influences. This account underscores the challenges faced by prophets in delivering authentic messages amidst external influences and serves as a testament to the guidance provided by Angel Jibra’il to rectify the situation.
Sura an-Najm (Star) 53:19-22
Now tell me about Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat,
The third one, another goddess.
What! For you the males and for him the females!
That indeed is an unfair division.
أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّى
وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَى
أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الْأُنثَى
تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَى. سورة النجم – سورة ٥٣: ١٩-٢٢
In Sura Hajj (Pilgrimage) 22:52-53, Muhammad confessed his mistake, alleging that all prophets were tempted by Satan who inspire them with demonic verses, as if they were actually revealed by God.
(22:49) Say (O Muhammad): “O people! I have been sent to you only as a plain warner (before the Doom strikes you).” (22:50) So those who believe and act righteously shall be granted forgiveness and an honourable sustenance,(22:51) whereas those who strive against Our Signs, seeking to profane them, they are the friends of the Fire!
(22:52) And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or recited], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]. But Allah abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allah makes precise His verses. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ وَلَا نَبِىٍّ إِلَّآ إِذَا تَمَنَّىٰٓ أَلْقَى ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ فِىٓ أُمْنِيَّتِهِۦ فَيَنسَخُ ٱللَّهُ مَا يُلْقِى ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ ثُمَّ يُحْكِمُ ٱللَّهُ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
(22:53) (He does this) in order that He may make the evil caused by Satan a trial for those in whose hearts there is sickness (of hypocrisy), whose hearts are hard (and vitiated). Surely these wrong-doers have gone too far in their dissension. لِّيَجْعَلَ مَا يُلْقِى ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ فِتْنَةً لِّلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَٱلْقَاسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ لَفِى شِقَاقٍۭ بَعِيدٍ
(22:54) (He also does this) in order that those endowed with knowledge may know that it is the Truth from your Lord and that they may have faith in it and their hearts may humble themselves before Him. Verily Allah always directs those who believe to the Right Way
Satan was capable of misleading Muhammad’s revelation and creating some verses in praise of the idols al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat, [see Sura 53:19-20], calling them “al-Gharaniq al-ula”, “the high birds”. He later abolished this.
Muhammad’s Confession and the Satanic Verses: A Historical Perspective
The incident of the Satanic verses, known as the Gharaniq incident, has been a subject of historical and religious significance. The narrations surrounding this event have been detailed in early biographies of Prophet Muhammad, and numerous Hadith traditions. These accounts, found in sources such as al-Waqidi, Ibn Saad al-Tabari, Ibn Ishaq, al-Tirmidhi, and Sahih Bukhari, contribute to the comprehensive understanding of this episode. Additionally, specific references in the Quran have been cited in connection to this incident.
The nuanced nature of this historical event requires an open-minded and honest approach to its interpretation. While it may raise complexities for some, acknowledging and understanding such events can foster a deeper comprehension of the challenges faced by prophets in delivering authentic messages. It is essential to recognize the historical context and the subsequent revelations that followed, shedding light on the discernment of true divine inspiration. This historical perspective encourages thoughtful reflection and respectful dialogue.
