All of this makes it evident that the Muslims were forbidden to use that expression solely because the Jews used to employ it. Although the word was reprehensible in the mouths of the Jews and would not have been so when uttered by Muslims, the resemblance to the unbelievers—and the door it opened for them to achieve their designs—was itself a sufficient cause for the prohibition.

The Exalted One says:

“Indeed, those who split up their religion and became sects—you, O Prophet, have nothing to do with them. Their affair rests with Allah; then He will inform them of what they used to do.” (Al-Anʿām 6:159)

It is well known that the disbelievers fractured their religion and formed sects, as He, Most High, also says:

“And do not be like those who divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them.” (Āl ʿImrān 3:105)

And He says:

“The People of the Book did not become divided until after the clear evidence had come to them.” (Al-Bayyinah 98:4)

And He says:

“From those who say, ‘We are Christians,’ We took their covenant, but they forgot a portion of what they were reminded of; so We stirred up among them enmity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Māʾidah 5:14)