Post Four

In addition to the historical mistakes one finds embellishments, not to mention stories altered altogether. I've discussed the presence of Esther's archenemy in Pharaoh's court with Moses. Mohammed really liked to use previous godly men being mistreated or misunderstood to point out he was merely in a long line of prophets who weren't listened to.
There is some truth to these examples. It must have been difficult trying to warn stubborn and rebellious people who refused to listen. But beating people up with false stories to induce guilt is not justified.
Many times he lists accusations that indubitably were leveled against him. (many are specifically proven in other places, with what others accused him of.) Unfortunately amongst these "historical" examples, he lists those that are inappropriate for the story being related. See if you can find the one.

Sura 11:27 The Chief of the Unbelievers among his People said: "We see (in) thee nothing but a man like ourselves. Nor do we see any follow thee but the meanest among us in judgment immature: nor do we see in you (all) any merit above us: in act we think ye are liars!" Noah

S.11:31 I tell you not that with me are the Treasures of Allah nor do I know what is hidden, nor claim I to be an angel.... Noah
S.11:32 They said: "O Noah! Thou hast disputed with us, and much hast thou prolonged the dispute with us: now bring it on if He wills...."

S.11:35 Or do they say, "He forged it?..." ---talking about Noah.

Several of these are likely, but my winner is about forging. Noah didn't write anything.

He points out the examples of the Thamud, to whom Salih was sent. The Ad, who had Hud as a prophet. To the Madyan (Midian), Shu'aib went, presumably at a different time than when Moses was there. Moses' father-in-law was Jethro the priest of Midian. And Lut (Lot) was sent to his own group. Of course, these were all rejected. (Btw, I have no idea who the Thamud or Ad, or some of the other groups mentioned are. I had never heard of these before reading the Koran.)
Hud told his people they were inventing other gods. They responded he hadn't brought clear signs, so they wouldn't desert their gods merely on his word-with no proof. Salih told his not to bother a she-camel. But the Thamid, as well as the Madyans were destroyed by Allah, using "a mighty blast." The result was punishment as follows. "And they lay prostrate in their homes the next morning" is recorded for both groups, 11:67 and 11:94 respectively.

These names and stories are repeated several times throughout the Koran, so they are not isolated verses. The purpose is intentionally to warn others of the consequences of not believing. For example:
Salih is listed in 7:73-79;11:61-68, 26:141-159, 27:26-53
The Ad are in 7:65-72, 11:50-60, 25:38, 26:123-140, 29:38, 41:15-16, 46:21-26, 51:41-42, 54:18-21, 69:4-8, and 89:6-14.
The Thamud are included in 7:73-79, 11:61-68, 25:38, 26:141-159, 27:45-53, 29:38, 41:17, 51:43-45, 54:23-31, 69:4-8, 85:17-20, 89:9-14, 91:11-15.

I point this out for another reason- the repetition can become monotonous. Many times there is no fresh input into the story. If he took the amount of verses together, as the Bible does, more comprehensive stories could be told.
It is a little similar to comparing stories in I and II Samuel with those in I and II Kings. But usually there some significant details are new. Even in the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the reader gets new insight. So when Mohammed dares to speak of the splendor of his writing, challenging someone to produce a better sura, I want to roll my eyes. But remember this is someone's holy book
For better reading on the Patriarchs, try the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible, known as the books of Moses or the Torah.) For better prayers try the Psalms. For better stories, parables, and exhortations take the gospels (Injil.) For instruction in practical godly living- the epistles, or letters, which follow the book of Acts in the New Testament. For wisdom, read Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. For prophecy-Revelation, Daniel, Isaiah and so on.
When someone is unfamiliar with a masterpiece, a cheap imitation may seem glorious. Many of the things spoken of, are not incorrect. God is most merciful, oft forgiving. He did create the universe. There is no other God than the Creator.

Did you notice the mighty blasts? Mohammed was big on the thought of people being blown up. Even if these were supposed to be natural or supernatural, the idea of this punishment being suitable for (and earned by) the Unbelievers is definitely planted right there in the Koran.

Lest you think I am being unduly harsh, in S.11:124, the Koran quotes the Unbelievers as asking if anyone was encouraged or refreshed upon hearing a new Sura. Kind of a "how was that for you" jest. Or "did you get anything out of that?" Ok, I admit it-they were rude. They boldly heckled the speakers as they tried to warn the crowds. I am so proud. I get inspired every time I read of their adventures.

Sura 14: 13 confirms my opinion about the proportion of Unbelievers. They believed the land was theirs because they outnumbered those who followed the prophet. Again this is couched in terms of "historical reference."
And the Unbelievers said to their apostles, "Be sure we shall drive you out of our land, or ye shall return to our religion, ..." He, of course, had reviewed them about Moses, Noah, Ad and Thamud, and generic "other apostles." And he reminded them Allah is free of all wants. 14:8 (That is the standard line about why God can't have a Son. He doesn't need sex. Though they do not deny the Virgin Birth: God only had to say it and it was done.)

I apologize to those of you who notice I seem to keep changing subjects. Or that while I cover one, I end up switching to another. It's the Koran. No matter what topic (Abraham, Moses, Noah, recent battles, wives and inheritance laws, creation, you will find the requisite complaints about 1) not adding partners to Allah. 2) Not having anyone capable of interceding for you, or 3) people refusing to believe, and a few others such as God not having any children, or Jesus only being human. These are summarized by the consequences-such as a variety of descriptions of torture in hell.