This is a specific request, as Al-Tabari’s Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk (History of the Prophets and Kings) is a massive, multi-volume work. The numbering of pages and the content on a given page depends heavily on which translation and edition you are using.
The most widely available English translation is the SUNY (State University of New York) series, translated by various scholars. In that series, Volume 6 is titled: "The Victory of Islam" (translated by Michael Fishbein).
Based on that standard SUNY edition, here is a write-up regarding Volume 6, page 111.
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.
Key elements present on this page include:
Summary
Key elements to look for on that page
How to cite this page precisely
Recommended next steps for you (choose one)
Related search suggestions (These search terms may help you find the exact page or passage.)
Which of the three next steps would you like?
Al-Tabari Volume 6, page 111, chronicles the "Satanic Verses" incident, featuring a controversial report where the Prophet Muhammad supposedly regrets uttering non-divine verses during a period of distress. While the text records a narration of alleged fabrication, Islamic scholars largely reject this specific account as weak or fabricated (da'if), arguing it contradicts prophetic infallibility. For a detailed analysis of this passage, visit IslamCompass. The History of Al-Tabari Volume 6: Muhammad at Mecca
The History of al-Tabari :Tarikh al-Rusul wa'l muluk 'Annals of the Apostles and Kings' ,by Abu Ja'far Muhammad b Jarir al-Tabri (
المكتبة الإسلامية الإلكترونية الشاملة REGARDING AT-TABARI 6:111 | WE DEFEND ISLAM
The text found on page 111 of Volume 6 SUNY Press translation The History of al-Tabari al tabari volume 6 page 111
is one of the most debated passages in Islamic historiography. This volume, titled Muhammad at Mecca
, chronicles the early life and prophetic mission of Muhammad before the Hijrah. The Context: The "Satanic Verses" Incident
Page 111 is central to the account of the "Satanic Verses" (often referred to in Islamic tradition as the
incident). According to the narrative recorded by al-Tabari: Desire for Reconciliation
: Muhammad was deeply grieved by the shunning of his tribe, the , and longed for a revelation that might reconcile them. The False Revelation
: 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
: The polytheists of Mecca were delighted by this apparent approval of their gods and joined the Muslims in prostration. The "Confession" on Page 111 The specific text on
captures the aftermath of this event, where the angel Gabriel corrected the revelation: The Correction
: Gabriel informed Muhammad that he had not brought those two specific phrases. The Admission
: The text records Muhammad’s realization and distress, stating:
"I have fabricated things against God and have imputed to Him words which He has not spoken" The Resolution
: God then revealed a new verse (often identified as 22:52) to comfort the Prophet, explaining that every messenger before him had faced similar interference from Satan. Historical Significance
This passage is a prime example of al-Tabari’s methodology. Unlike later compilers who might have omitted "embarrassing" or controversial narrations to protect a specific theological narrative, al-Tabari aimed to preserve all available reports—even those that were later heavily scrutinized or rejected by scholars. Today, while many traditional scholars reject the authenticity of this incident, it remains a subject of intense academic study regarding early Islamic history in al-Tabari’s work or more about his historical methodology
Volume 6 of The History of al-Tabari (page 111 in the SUNY Press edition) documents the "Satanic Verses" incident, where Muhammad reportedly expressed distress over mistakenly uttering verses praising pagan idols, according to early traditions. While recording this account, al-Tabari includes reports that are generally viewed as unauthentic by many scholars, who note he often compiled varying historical traditions without verifying all as true. Explore the source text further at SUNY Press Kalamullah.Com This is a specific request, as Al-Tabari’s Tarikh
Al-Tabari's History of the Prophets and Kings , Volume VI, page 111, contains a noted account of the "Satanic Verses," in which Prophet Muhammad allegedly mistakenly recited verses praising pagan deities after Satanic intervention. While the text notes Muhammad later corrected this, attributing it to a fabrication, many scholars hold that this report contradicts the doctrine of prophetic infallibility. For more details, visit Islam Compass INTERCESSION AND SATANIC VERSES - The Quran Guide
Volume 6 of The History of al-Tabari (Ta'rikh al-Rusul wa'l-Muluk), specifically around page 111 of the SUNY translation, focuses on the aftermath of the Battle of Badr, including the treatment of prisoners and the distribution of spoils. This section is critical for understanding the legal precedents and political decisions shaping the early Medinan community. For a comprehensive study, consult the SUNY Press translation of "The History of al-Tabari Volume 6: Muhammad at Medina."
In the English translation of The History of al-Tabari, Volume 6: Muhammad at Mecca (translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M.V. McDonald),
contains a famous and controversial report regarding the "Satanic Verses" incident. Kalamullah.Com Summary of the Report
The report describes a period when the Prophet Muhammad was deeply concerned for his people and wished for a revelation that would bring the Quraysh closer to him. According to this narration: The Incident : While reciting Surah an-Najm
(The Star) near the Ka'bah, Satan is said to have "thrown" words onto Muhammad's tongue as he reached verses 19 and 20 (which mention the pagan goddesses al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat). The Interjected Words : The report claims he recited:
"These are the high-flying cranes (al-gharāniq al-'ulā), whose intercession is to be hoped for."
: Hearing this, the polytheists of the Quraysh were delighted, believing Muhammad had finally acknowledged their gods, and they prostrated alongside the Muslims. The Correction
: Later, the angel Gabriel visited Muhammad, rebuked him for reciting what God had not revealed, and the verses were corrected to their current form in the Quran (53:21-23), which rejects the goddesses. Context and Authenticity Purpose of the Record : Al-Tabari was a compiler who recorded various reports ( ) with their chains of narration (
) to preserve the historical record, rather than to certify every detail as absolute theological truth. Scholarly View
: Most orthodox Muslim scholars reject the authenticity of this specific report, citing flaws in the chains of narration and arguing it contradicts the doctrine of (prophetic impeccability/protection from error). Source Reference
: This account is found in the section titled "The First Open Preaching" or "The Story of the Cranes" within the Kalamullah PDF of Volume 6. Kalamullah.Com theological arguments
scholars use to debunk this report or see how it compares to other historical sources
If page 111 discusses the Hadith of the Night Journey (Isra): The Offer of Worldly Status: The Quraysh leaders
Most editions place the events leading up to the Battle of the Zab (750 CE)—the decisive clash between the Abbasid forces under Abu al‑‘Abbas al‑Saffāḥ and the Umayyad army of Marwān II—on or near this page. The passage usually contains:
A report from the Abbasid camp:
The Umayyad reaction:
A key anecdote – the “Letter of the Prophet”:
Al-Tabari’s works (e.g., Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk or Jami al-Bayan) are available in multiple editions, which can vary in pagination. Common modern editions include:
Action: Confirm the exact edition and page structure you’re using. If your copy is in Arabic, note the headings, narrations, or key events mentioned on page 111 (e.g., "Year of the Elephant," "Battle of Uhud," or a specific Companion’s biography). This will help locate the text in academic discussions.
Context of the Volume: Volume 6 of Al-Tabari’s history covers the critical period from the Hijra (emigration to Medina) through the early major battles of Islam, concluding just before the conquest of Mecca. Specifically, it details the years 2–4 AH (623–625 CE). This volume focuses heavily on the Battle of Badr (2 AH), the Battle of Uhud (3 AH), and the political and social consolidation of the Muslim community in Medina.
What is found on Page 111? Page 111 falls within the section describing the aftermath of the Battle of Badr (624 CE). More precisely, it deals with the fate of the Meccan prisoners of war.
After the decisive Muslim victory at Badr, the Muslims captured approximately 70 Meccan polytheists. Page 111 records the ongoing deliberations among the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions regarding how to treat these prisoners. Key elements on this page include:
Significance of this page: Page 111 is historically important because it illustrates the emergence of Islamic legal principles concerning prisoners of war (fiqh al-asra). It shows the shift from tribal norms (indiscriminate killing or enslavement) to a rule-based system that allowed for ransom, grace, or conditional release based on social benefit (literacy teaching). Scholars of Islamic jurisprudence and early Muslim social policy frequently cite this section of Al-Tabari.
Note on Different Editions:
Verdict: In the standard SUNY English translation, Volume 6, page 111 provides a nuanced look at the ethical dilemmas faced by the early Muslim community immediately after their first major military victory, focusing on prisoner treatment, the role of literacy as currency, and the exceptional execution of a staunch enemy poet.
If you have a different edition in mind (e.g., Arabic-only, French translation, or a different English publisher), please specify, and I can refine the write-up.
Approaching Historical Analysis through Al-Tabari’s Work
The reference to "Al-Tabari Volume 6, Page 111" invites scholars and readers into a vast expanse of historical narrative compiled by one of Islam's most respected historians, Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari. Al-Tabari's comprehensive history, spanning from the dawn of creation to the year 915 CE, is a critical source for understanding Islamic history, theology, and worldview.