Understanding Al-Tabari Volume 6, Page 111: The Context and Debate Surrounding the "Satanic Verses" Narrative
For those studying the life of the Prophet or early Islamic history, focusing on specific pages in Al-Tabari’s work allows for a granular understanding of the narratives.
: Gabriel later visited Muhammad to inform him that these words were not from Allah, leading to Muhammad's lament.
In the late 20th century, the State University of New York (SUNY) Press undertook the herculean task of producing a complete, annotated English translation of this great work. This project, completed in 1999, resulted in a 39-volume set that made al-Tabari's work accessible to a global, English-speaking audience for the first time. and was translated by the eminent scholars W. Montgomery Watt and M. V. McDonald. It is within this specific volume, on page 111, that our keyword is found. al tabari volume 6 page 111
:
Based on the academic sources and standard translations of , Volume 6 generally covers the end of the Umayyad Caliphate and the beginning of the Abbasid era.
Al-Tabari’s methodology was to record reports without necessarily validating them, leaving the analysis to the reader. This included recording the controversial alongside the accepted, which is why the account appears in his History . Summary of the Event Description Volume/Page Volume VI, Page 111 Subject The "Satanic Verses" Incident Key Narrative Muhammad's confession of uttering false verses. Key Quote "I have fabricated things against God..." Context Reconciliation attempt with Quraysh (Mecca). Understanding Al-Tabari Volume 6, Page 111: The Context
On page 111, Al-Tabari continues a narrative thread regarding the escalation of persecution against the early Muslims. The specific context involves a delegation or a series of interactions where the leaders of the Quraysh attempt to deter Muhammad through bargaining.
This report provides an analysis of the content found on page 111 of Volume 6 of Al-Tabari’s seminal work, Ta'rikh al-Rusul wa'l-Muluk (History of the Prophets and Kings). Volume 6 covers the Meccan period of the Prophet Muhammad’s life, detailing his genealogy, early life, the commencement of his prophethood, and the early resistance he faced from the Quraysh tribe.
"These are the high-flying cranes (al-gharāniq al-'ulā), whose intercession is to be hoped for." This project, completed in 1999, resulted in a
: The text records Muhammad’s realization and distress, stating:
The study of specific references in al-Tabari's history, like "Al-Tabari Volume 6, Page 111," offers a microcosm into the larger themes and debates within Islamic historiography. By engaging with such texts, scholars not only gain insights into historical events but also into the ways in which history has been interpreted and recorded across centuries. The richness and complexity of al-Tabari's work remind us of the layers of meaning and context that underlie historical narratives.