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How did the disbelievers of Mecca prostrate, despite their polytheism and disbelief, upon hearing the Qur’an from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and what was their stance after this prostration?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The disbelievers of Quraysh prostrated with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when he recited Surat An-Najm, because it was the first prostration to be revealed. His recitation captivated their hearts. Their leaders were not present. Satan cast upon their ears praise of their deities, which they thought was from the words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and this was what they had wished for. When they realized and knew that the Prophet was firm in his stance against their disbelief, they reverted to their former state. It is stated in Tafsir al-Qurtubi that Satan inserted the words: "Those are the exalted غرانيق (cranes/idols), and their intercession is hoped for," after the Almighty's saying: "Have you then considered al-Lat and al-Uzza and Manat, the third, the other?" The polytheists thought these words were from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and prostrated with him joyfully. This did not affect the Muslims, as they were certain of the Prophet's stance in condemning idols.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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