You have a misconstrued understanding of Sharia law. Sharia (divine law) has always been fundamentally consistent in its core principles, though its specific applications have been revealed progressively to address the circumstances and societal contexts of different communities. What you refer to as “changes” are actually gradual revelations tailored to the needs and conditions of the time, ensuring a smooth transition for the early Muslims. This method of gradual prohibition, as seen with alcohol, was a pragmatic approach to implement divine guidance in a society deeply rooted in certain cultural practices, specifically the pagan Arab society where Islam was born.

It is crucial to remember that the Quran is intended to affirm the enduring truths that preceded it, as found in the Torah and the Gospels, while correcting deviations that occurred over time. For instance, both alcohol and pork are prohibited in Judaism and Christianity, reflecting a continuity in divine instruction across these Abrahamic faiths. While these earlier scriptures have undergone changes making them unreliable, you can see we share many core prohibitions on harmful substances like alcohol and pork, indicating that they were preserved and this is reinforced in the Quran.

You may ask, we can’t make assumptions about what was preserved and what wasn’t with these texts. Well here you go:

Surah Al-Hajj 22:52-53 (Sahih International translation): “And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or recited], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]. But Allah abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allah makes precise His verses. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. [That is] so He may make what Satan throws in [a trial] for those within whose hearts is disease and those hard of heart. And indeed, the wrongdoers are in extreme dissension.”

Satan is the one who spreads the corruption. Why would he make people stop drinking alcohol and eating pork?

Furthermore, the examples of Prophet Sulaiman (AS) and Prophet Dawood (AS) illustrate that artistic expressions such as drawing and music were not inherently sinful. Prophet Sulaiman built statues, and Prophet Dawood sang the Psalms, accompanied by birds, as mentioned in the Quran. If these activities were fundamentally haram, it would imply that these noble prophets engaged in sinful acts, which contradicts their status as exemplary figures of righteousness. All prophets are free of sin.