A Work of Fiction

A WORK OF FICTION cause such contemporary uproar.” (TIME, February 13, 1989, p.42) The “incident” referred to in this passage is related to Chapter An-Najm of the Quran. The relevant verses are as follows: “Have you considered al-Lat and al-’Uzza, and the third one, Manat? ‘What! For you the males and for Him the females?’ That, indeed, is an unfair division.” (53:19-22) During ancient times in Arabia, three idols—Lat, Uzza, and Manat—held significant reverence among the people. These idols were attributed with various qualities and regarded as symbols of greatness. Yaqut al-Hamwi, in Mu’jam Al-Buldan, mentions that the Quraysh used to recite the following words while circumambulating the Kabah: “By Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, and Manat, the third one. Indeed, they are the exalted ones, and their intercession is to be hoped for.” (Mu’jam al-Buldan by Yaqut al-Hamawi, Vol. 4, p. 116) When the verses mentioned above from Chapter An-Najm were revealed to the Prophet in Makkah, he recited them as usual in a gathering that included both polytheists and Muslims. As the Prophet uttered, “Have you considered alLat and al-’Uzza, and the third one, Manat?” (53:19-20), some polytheists added their own words. Upon hearing the names of their idols, they immediately recited in unison, following their preexisting practice, expressing