The Pre-Islamic Roots of Islam: How Muhammad Incorporated Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat into the Islamic Allah

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

The Islamic narrative often presents Allah as the singular, eternal deity untainted by any external influences or predecessors. However, as an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and former leader in Islamic organizations, I have come to understand the contradictions and pre-Islamic influences within Islamic theology. One glaring example is Muhammad's incorporation of the pagan goddesses Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat into early Islam. The story of these goddesses—central to the infamous "Satanic Verses" incident—is a reminder of Islam's roots in the polytheistic Arabian traditions it claims to oppose.

Pre-Islamic Arabia and the Meccan Pantheon

Before Muhammad's prophetic career, the Arabian Peninsula was deeply polytheistic. Mecca, in particular, was a bustling center of idol worship, home to the Kaaba, which housed numerous tribal deities. Among these deities, Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat were revered as the daughters of Allah, who was regarded as the supreme deity in the pre-Islamic pantheon. Allah, in this context, was not a monotheistic god but a high god among many.

• Al-Lat: Often associated with fertility and prosperity, she was worshipped in Ta'if and other regions.
• Al-Uzza: Linked to war and protection, her worship involved rituals near Mecca.
• Manat: Representing fate and destiny, she was venerated by tribes traveling for trade or pilgrimage.

The Satanic Verses Incident

Islamic sources, including the works of early historians such as Al-Tabari and Ibn Ishaq, describe an episode where Muhammad temporarily acknowledged these goddesses. The Qur'an, in its original recitation, reportedly included verses endorsing the intercessory power of Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat:

"Have you considered al-Lat and al-Uzza and Manat, the third, the other? These are the exalted cranes (gharaniq), whose intercession is to be hoped for." (Surah 53:19–20)

This appeased the Meccan Quraysh, who saw this as a compromise with their traditional beliefs. However, Muhammad later retracted these verses, claiming that Satan had inspired them. The revised revelation declared:

"They are but names you have named—you and your fathers—for which Allah has sent down no authority." (Surah 53:23)

This event, known as the "Satanic Verses" incident, demonstrates how Muhammad initially sought to incorporate these goddesses into Islam, only to later reject them under political and theological pressures.

Political Expediency in Early Islam

Muhammad's vacillation on the status of these goddesses reveals his pragmatic approach to religion. Initially, his movement was weak and required the goodwill of the Quraysh elite. By temporarily acknowledging Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat, Muhammad likely aimed to unify his fledgling followers with the powerful tribal leaders of Mecca.

However, as his following grew stronger, he pivoted toward a strict monotheism, rejecting the goddesses and framing his earlier acknowledgment as a satanic trick. This shift aligned with the Abrahamic narrative and distanced Islam from its pagan origins, making it more palatable to Jewish and Christian communities in Medina.

Theological Implications

The incorporation of these goddesses, even temporarily, undermines the Islamic claim that Allah is the same deity worshipped by Jews and Christians. It also raises questions about the Qur'an's divine authorship. If Satan could inspire verses in the Qur'an, as Muhammad claimed, how can Muslims trust the text's purity?

This incident also illustrates how Islam, far from being a purely divine revelation, was shaped by the cultural and political context of 7th-century Arabia. Muhammad's strategy of adapting and then rejecting pre-Islamic deities highlights the malleability of his theological framework.

Personal Reflection

As an ex-Muslim and Christian conservative, I see parallels between Muhammad's theological compromises and the spiritual void in modern political ideologies like socialism and wokeism. Both attempt to mask their contradictions with claims of moral superiority while ignoring their historical inconsistencies. My journey from Islam to Christianity has taught me that truth cannot be built on such a shaky foundation. Only in Christ have I found a faith that aligns with reason, history, and spiritual fulfillment.

Conclusion

The story of Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat is not just an obscure historical footnote; it is a lens through which we can understand the evolution of Islam and its enduring contradictions. For those of us who have left Islam, this story is a reminder of the man-made origins of a religion that claims divine perfection. It also underscores the importance of seeking truth with humility and courage, even when it challenges deeply held beliefs.

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Citations

1. Al-Tabari, The History of al-Tabari, Vol. 6: Muhammad at Mecca. Translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M.V. McDonald. State University of New York Press, 1988.
2. Ibn Ishaq, The Life of Muhammad. Translated by Alfred Guillaume. Oxford University Press, 1955.
3. Qur'an, Surah 53:19-23.
4. Watt, W. Montgomery, Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman. Oxford University Press, 1961.