Who changed? Did Muhammad change or did Allah change? The - TopicsExpress

Who changed? Did Muhammad change or did Allah change? The Quran is generally divided between the Meccan Suras (revelations received at Mecca) and the Medinan Suras (received in Medina). In the earlier Suras, Allah is more benevolent and gracious towards Muslims and non-muslims. Allah is the Creator of heaven and earth who rebukes men for their sinful ways and warns of the judgment to come. Men are to be more concerned with others, especially the poor, and not live in wealth and riches. The Meccan Suras also are more descriptive of paradise and hell with the promise of beautiful voluptuous virgins to those pleasing Allah. In the third Meccan Suras and in Medina, things change. Allah becomes more legalistic and militant. Allah places more emphasis on campaigns, confiscation of properties, customs and behavior. Leadership becomes more dictatorial and sometimes ruthless. The Medinan Suras condemn usury (Sura 2,278), prohibited areas of relationships (4,23), prohibitions of wine and gambling (5,93-94), and gives instructions for the property of orphans (4,6-10) and the laws of inheritance (4.11-12). In Medina, Muhammad regards himself as God’s supreme apostle and final messenger and exempts himself from the previous ruling of marriage to not more than four wives. Allah evidently changed from being gracious and benevolent into a God demanding justice: Fight for Allah against those who fight against you. But do not trespass. Allah does not love the trespassers (Sura 2,190). If someone attacks you, then retaliate with the same measure with which he attacked you, when he attacked you. Fear Allah! (Sura 2,194). All non-Muslim are ridicules as unbelievers (kafirs). They are cursed by Allah, the angels and people (Sura 2:89-90,161; 7,38; 33,64,68). So, who changed? Did Muhammad change Allah or did Allah change Muhammad?