Atheist Allegation: Did the Prophet ﷺ Praise Idols in Surah An-Najm?
Background
Christian missionaries and atheists frequently raise objections based on the so-called “Story of al-Gharānīq”. This narrative, attributed to Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī and similar historical sources, claims that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, during the recitation of Surah An-Najm, allegedly uttered some words in praise of idols under the influence of Satan. It is said that the polytheists of Makkah rejoiced and prostrated as a result. This claim is then used to suggest that Satan manipulated the Prophet ﷺ’s speech.
❖ The Allegation
According to the narrative, the Prophet ﷺ was supposedly disheartened by the persistent opposition of the Quraysh and their indifference to Islam. One day, while reciting Surah An-Najm in the Ka’bah and upon reaching verses 19–20, Satan allegedly made the Prophet ﷺ say:
“تِلْكَ الغرانيق العلى وإن شفاعتهن لترتجی“
“These are the exalted cranes (idols), and their intercession is surely hoped for.”
(Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, pp. 108–109)
➊ The Nature of Historical Sources
Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, often cited for this story, is a historical work—not a Hadith compilation. Imam al-Ṭabarī himself stated in the introduction to his book:
“What I have mentioned is based solely on the reports of my narrators, not my own verdict.”
(Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, Vol. 1, p. 17)
This declaration affirms that Imam Ṭabarī did not authenticate everything he included; rather, he merely compiled reports as transmitted.
➋ Context of the Qur’anic Verses
Verses 19–23 of Surah An-Najm clearly condemn the idols:
“Have you seen al-Lāt, al-‘Uzzā, and Manāt, the third—the other one? Do you prefer sons for yourselves and attribute daughters to Allah? That is indeed an unfair division!”
Given this context, the claim that the Prophet ﷺ praised these idols is logically and theologically inconsistent. Had such praise occurred, why would the very next verses contain such condemnation?
➌ Authentic Hadith Sources
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī narrates the actual incident in a different light:
“The Prophet ﷺ recited Surah An-Najm, and upon its conclusion, he prostrated. All Muslims and even the polytheists fell into prostration.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1071)
This shows that the effectiveness and eloquence of the Qur’anic verses moved the listeners to prostrate—not due to any so-called satanic verse.
➍ Chronological Discrepancy
The story is claimed to have occurred in the fifth year of Prophethood, shortly after the Migration to Abyssinia, while Surah al-Ḥajj verse 52—which is often linked as a supposed confirmation of the event—was revealed after the Hijrah. This shows a clear chronological inconsistency in the narrative.
➎ Opinions of Renowned Scholars
Ibn Kathīr:
“All narrations of this story are weak, and I have not found any with a connected and reliable chain.”
(Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr, Vol. 3, p. 229)
Qāḍī ‘Iyāḍ:
“This narration is neither found in authentic ḥadīth collections nor supported by a strong chain of transmission.”
(al-Shifā, Vol. 2, p. 125)
Imām Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī:
“There is no truth to this story; all its chains of narration are disconnected.”
(Tafsīr al-Rāzī, Vol. 11)
Conclusion
In light of the above evidences, it is evident that the Story of al-Gharānīq is a fabricated narrative, exploited by Christian missionaries and atheists to cast doubts upon Islam. This story lacks both internal and external authenticity, and respected scholars and exegetes have classified it as weak, unreliable, and based on disconnected reports.
