SATANIC VERSES’ NARRATIVE: SOME ELUCIDATIONS

Abstract

This paper strove to explore only the basic, literal and initial elaborations regarding the narrative of Satanic Verses i.e. Qiṣṣat al-Gharānīq (الغرانيق قصة) which is also called “story of the cranes”. For this purpose, the comparative method of research is used here. In this controversial episode, it is narrated that the Holy Prophet ﷺ (SAAS) uttered some words in praise of the Arab deities mistakenly during the recitation of Sūrah al-Najm. Which were casted upon his tongue allegedly by Satan. As a result, the Holy Prophet (SAAS) is accused to be deceived by Satan. Now, what do Qiṣṣat al-Gharānīq and its English version ‘Satanic Verses’ literally and historically mean? The lexical explanation and background of the alleged satanic words, idols, and the story’s link with the verses of the Holy Qur’ān and Arabic literature all are impeached. The Goddesses of the non-believers al-Lāt, al-ʿUzza and Manāt were personified as “Gharānīq” which is the plural form of ghirnīq or ghurnūq, mean a “high flying bird” or “crane”. In 1858AD, famous orientalist William Muir (d. 1905 AD) coined the term “Satanic Verses” for this story first time. It was initiated in some of early Arabic Sīrah-Maghāzī and Tafsīr literature. Mostly, this story had been related to Sūrah al-Ḥajj 22: 52 and Sūrah al-Najm 53:19-20. So, by experiencing the literal and etymological backgrounds and the historical fluctuation, this article resulted in a mere comprehensive introduction of this story.