Muhammad
The Hijra
In the aftermath of Abu Talib's death, Muhammad's position in Mecca
became more precarious. Ever since his journey to al-Ta'if, Muhammad's
desire to find new protection and support had become manifest, and Sira
traditions also report that Muhammad had begun preaching to the various
Arab tribes who came to Mecca for the annual pilgrimage. Alt^1 hough
Muhammad's message was rejected by almost all of the tribes, the first to
show an interest in Islam was a young man from Medina, who had c^2 ome
with a delegation to seek the aid of the Quraysh against another Medinan
tribe known as the Khazraj.^3
Generally, the suras of this last Meccan period are refinements of those of
the previous period. Not only are some new narratives add^4 ed and some old
ones expanded, but also a more dominant Jewish influence is noticeable, as
Muhammad apparently began to identify himself more with them. Indeed,
at first glance, Muhammad's understanding of Monotheism seemed to have
much in common with Jewish theology, and because of this, he may have
actively sought contact with them.
Qur'an 32Qur'an 32Qur'an 32Qur'an 32 begins with mysterious letters, and v. 1 affirms that the "Book"
has been sent by the Lord of the worlds. The v. 2 confronts the accusation
that Muhammad composed the Qur'an without being divinely inspired, the
vv. 3f present God as Creator, who made the heaven and earth in six days,
and v. 4 is similar to Ps. 90:4. In the vv. 10f the Judgment of unbelievers
and believers is described, v. 23 states that Moses was given the Book, and
the disjointed imperative in this verse, in which Muhammad is commanded
not to doubt, is thought to have been an interpolation. The v. 25^5 speaks of
the Judgment of those who are in disagreement regarding God's signs, v. 26
refers to the examples of past generations and v. 27 alludes to God's
provision in Creation. The vv. 28f seem to present the Meccans' question
about when the Judgment should come, and Muhammad is commanded to
reply that it will essentially be too late for them on the "Day of Decision";
Muhammad is then told to turn away from unbelievers.