Muhammad: Break with the JewsQur'an 7:156-158Qur'an 7:156-158Qur'an 7:156-158Qur'an 7:156-158 may have been composed during this period. In v. 156
Muhammad claims to have been an "unlearned" (or gentile) p^228 rophet, who
was foretold of in the Torah and Gospel as (among other things) allowing
the good and forbidding the bad, and taking off burdens and bonds. This
description seems to describe Muhammad's position with respect to the
Jewish dietary regulations and the Law in general. The alleged prophecy of
Muhammad in v. 156 says further that they would prosper who would
believe Muhammad, strengthen him, help him and follow the light sent
down to him. In v. 157 Muhammad claims to be a messenger of Allah for
all mankind, and v. 158 instructs to believe God and His words. The word
for "help" (`azzara) in v. 156 appears to have come from Hebrew.^229
In the 23rd month after the Hijra, Muhammad and 200 men went out to
engage the Banu Sulaym and Ghatafan, who were said to have assembled
themselves together at al-Kudr. After not being able to find them there,
Muhammad captured a shepherd and later a herd of 500 camels.^230
Muhammad then took one-fifth of the booty and the rest was divided
among the Muslims who participated. The captured shepherd was later
freed after he became a Muslim.^231
During the 25th month after the Hijra, Muhammad had the Jewish poet
Ka`b b. al-Ashraf murdered for composing verses against Muhammad and
inciting others against him.^232
Also in the 25th month after the Hijra, Muhammad and 450 Muslims
undertook an expedition to Dhu Amarr, where he had heard that the Banu
Tha`laba and Muharib had assembled, intending to attack them. The
Muslims took a man prisoner, who served as an informant and later became
a Muslim. During a stop for a rest, a man is said to have become a Muslim
after attempting to murder Muhammad. There was no fighting on this
expedition.^233
In the 27th month after the Hijra, Muhammad and 300 Muslims went to
al-Furu`, where they had heard that some of the Banu Sulaym were
preparing for an attack against them. It is said that by the time the Muslims
had arrived, the Banu Sulaym had already dispersed. There was no fighting
on this expedition.^234