The Satanic Verses Incident: A Historical Reflection on Muhammad’s Compromise

Muhammad Talking To Lucifer

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 story of the Satanic Verses incident is one of the most significant and controversial episodes in Islamic history. It sheds light on the early struggles of Muhammad as he attempted to reconcile the political and religious landscape of his time. Having spent much of my life immersed in Islamic teachings and leadership roles, and later leaving Islam for the truth of Christianity, I find this incident deeply revealing about the inconsistencies within Islamic claims of divine revelation.

The Historical Account

Islamic sources such as Al-Tabari and Ibn Ishaq, two of the most prominent early historians of Islam, document an episode that is both shocking and telling. According to these accounts, during the early years of Muhammad's prophethood in Mecca, he sought to win over the Quraysh, the dominant tribe of the region and staunch defenders of the traditional polytheistic beliefs centered around the Kaaba.

Faced with resistance from the Quraysh, Muhammad initially recited verses that acknowledged and praised three prominent Meccan goddesses: Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat. These were revered deities in the Quraysh pantheon and symbols of the pre-Islamic Arab faith. The Qur'an reportedly included the following verses:

"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)

The use of the word gharaniq—interpreted as "cranes" or "high-flying birds"—implied that these goddesses could serve as intercessors to Allah, appeasing the Quraysh by validating their beliefs.

This apparent compromise won the approval of the Quraysh, who momentarily accepted Muhammad and his message. However, this unity was short-lived. Muhammad later retracted these verses, claiming that Satan had deceived him into uttering them. The revised revelation instead condemned the goddesses as mere inventions:

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

Theological and Political Implications

For Muslims who believe the Qur'an to be the immutable and perfect word of Allah, the Satanic Verses incident poses a grave theological problem. How could a prophet, purportedly under the guidance of Allah, be so easily deceived by Satan? This undermines the Islamic claim that Muhammad was the seal of the prophets and incapable of error in delivering divine revelation.

The political motives behind this event are also evident. In attempting to appease the Quraysh, Muhammad showed that he was willing to dilute his monotheistic message for political expediency. This compromise reflects a pattern seen throughout Islamic history: the blending of religion with opportunistic power dynamics.

Reflection as an Ex-Muslim

My journey out of Islam was deeply informed by episodes like the Satanic Verses incident. It revealed to me a fundamental contradiction: Islam claims to be the final and perfect revelation, yet its founding moments are fraught with inconsistency and compromise. As a Christian conservative, I now see the incident as a stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who never wavered in his divine mission, even under immense persecution.

This event also challenges the Islamic narrative of Muhammad as an infallible prophet. If Satan could influence Muhammad to such an extent, what does this say about the Qur'an’s reliability as a divine text? For those of us who have left Islam, such questions demand honest and critical examination.

Conclusion

The Satanic Verses incident is more than a historical anecdote—it is a profound illustration of the human and political influences that shaped early Islam. As a former Muslim who now embraces the truth of Christianity, I urge those still within Islam to question and reflect on these historical realities. Truth should never fear scrutiny.

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Citations

1. Al-Tabari, The History of Al-Tabari: The Foundation of the Community. Translated by M. Perlmann. SUNY Press, 1987.
2. Ibn Ishaq, The Life of Muhammad. Translated by A. Guillaume. Oxford University Press, 1955.
3. The Qur'an, Surah 53:19–23.
4. Watt, W. Montgomery, Muhammad at Mecca. Oxford University Press, 1953.
5. Spencer, Robert, The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion. Regnery Publishing, 2006.