There are still indications that something like that was going on, that the early Muslims looked to the Jews for approval and authority, "to settle doubts and disputes":
Yunus 10:94 But if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed to you, ask those [the Jews] who read the Scriptures before you [the Muslims]. Certainly the truth has come to you from your Lord, therefore you should not be of the disputers.
