Al Tabari Volume 6 — Page 111 |top|
: Upon reaching the controversial phrases, Gabriel informed Muhammad that he did not bring those words. The page records Muhammad's subsequent distress and his statement: "I have fabricated things against God and have imputed to Him words which He has not spoken".
Al-Tabari’s unique contribution lies in his method. Unlike previous historians who often wove sources into a single narrative, . He would present multiple, often conflicting, accounts side-by-side, each with its full isnad , or chain of oral transmission. His purpose was not to judge the authenticity of these reports but to preserve them as data for the reader, stating: "Let the reader weigh the evidence for himself".
Al-Tabari built his monumental work by compiling various early oral and written transmissions, primarily drawing from the Sirah (biography) of Ibn Ishaq. Unlike modern historians who curate an absolute narrative, Al-Tabari functioned as a meticulous archivist. He listed multiple variant accounts and chains of narration ( isnad ), leaving it up to the reader and subsequent religious scholars to verify their authenticity. The History of al-Ṭabarī Vol. 6: Muḥammad at Mecca
Hearing their gods praised, the pagan leaders prostrated alongside the Muslims.
The primary content found on page 111 of (titled Muhammad at Mecca ) details a pivotal moment in Islamic historiography known as the Satanic Verses incident . Summary of the Incident al tabari volume 6 page 111
: 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 narrative unfolds as follows:
Al-Tabari's history is renowned for its meticulous approach to chronology and its exhaustive coverage of events. The work is divided into volumes, each addressing a distinct period or theme. , specifically, focuses on the events of the early Islamic period, covering significant milestones in the life of Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslim community.
These can be found in journals like:
Within this critical text, (SUNY translation) is a highly cited and debated page because it contains narratives related to the contentious "Satanic Verses" episode.
I should also mention potential scholarly debates around al-Tabari's work. For instance, his use of sources, his biases, or how this particular page fits into the broader narrative. Maybe point out studies that discuss the reliability of his accounts or his interpretations.
Key elements to look for on that page
: 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 : Upon reaching the controversial phrases, Gabriel informed
: Al-Tabari utilized a preservationist approach. He recorded varied oral and written historical traditions ( riwayāt ) exactly as they were passed down, along with their chains of narrators ( isnad ).
The reference "al-Tabari, Volume 6, Page 111" is therefore a key that unlocks a complex world of historiography, theology, and polemics.
(This section would require the actual text.)
Understanding Al-Tabari Volume 6, Page 111: The Context and Debate Surrounding the "Satanic Verses" Narrative Unlike previous historians who often wove sources into