In like manner will we put it into the hearts of the sinners (of Mecca) to do
the same;
They will not believe on him. Sura Al-Hijr (xv) 10-13.
The other argument was the continued and reiterated assertions of his divine
call and of the truth of the revelations he gave forth. This period is also
notable for the strong protest Muhammad makes against all who opposed his
claims.
The following verses show the way in which the treatment of previous prophets
is used to prove his own claim to be a Prophet:
The people of Noah, and 'Ad and Pharaoh, the impaler, treated their prophets
as impostors. Sura Sad (xxxviii) 11.
In Sura Al-Anbiya' (xxi), which, though verse eight is said to belong to
Madina, was delivered in the middle Meccan period, the Meccans are warned of the
great danger in which their city lies, by a reference to God's treatment of
other places :
How many a guilty city have we broken down, and raised up after it other
peoples. 11.
Their gods are also challenged :
Have they taken gods from the earth who can quicken the dead? 21.
Have they taken other gods beside Him? Say, bring forth your proofs (that they
are gods). This is the warning of those who are with me and the warning of those
who were before me. 24
Then follow references to God's care of preceding Patriarchs and Prophets of
old, even down to Zacharias. God's favour to the Virgin Mary is referred to in a
verse which teaches the immaculate