View source for User:PW. Jansen/Sandbox/People of the Book in the Qur'an

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<big><big>People of the Book</big></big><br>
This article focuses on the changing relation Muhammad had with the ''People of the Book''. In the early parts of the Qur'an (Meccan) Muhammad tried to portray himself as a prophet in the Jewish / Christian tradition. When that does not suit him anymore he starts to vilify them. And some of the "eternal pages" had to be re-written. Verses that say the Qur'an is eternal and without contradiction:
{{Quote| {{Quran|4|82}}| Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other Than Allah, they would surely have found therein Much discrepancy. }}
{{Quote| {{Quran|6|115}}| The word of thy Lord doth find its fulfilment in truth and in justice: None can change His words: for He is the one who heareth and knoweth all.  }}
{{Quote| {{Quran|98|2}}| An messenger from Allah, rehearsing scriptures kept pure and holy: }}
Verses that state Allah improved the Qur'an:
{{Quote| {{Quran|2|106}}| None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?  }}
{{Quote| {{Quran|16|101}}| When We substitute one revelation for another,- and Allah knows best what He reveals (in stages),- they say, "Thou art but a forger": but most of them understand not. }}
{{Quote|{{cite Quran|17|86|end=87|style=ref}}| If it were Our Will, We could take away that which We have sent thee by inspiration:then wouldst thou find none to plead thy affair in that matter as against Us,-<br>
Except for Mercy from thy Lord: for his bounty is to thee (indeed) great.  }}
A clear contradiction occurs in chapter 5 where in verse 69 they have nothing to fear, and in verses 51-59 they are vilified. The most positive attitude towards the ''People of the Book'' is 10:94 where Muhammad tries to make it look like Jews and Christians recognize him as a prophet. Also 13:36 points in this direction.