Compare and contrast
On the question of forgiveness, first:
Matthew 18:21-22 (New International Version)
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22. Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Then:
Qur'an 9:80 (Pickthal Translation)
Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad), or ask not forgiveness for them; though thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times Allah will not forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger, and Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
I call that a paradigmatic difference.
I wonder if Muhammad used the older parable as inspiration for this verse.
(hat tip: Robert Spencer)

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