and every Christian as well—something plainly contradicted by reality. Now, when Allah says, “There is none of the People of the Book but will surely believe in him before his death” (al-Nisāʾ 4:159), the wording itself shows that the belief in question is to occur before he—Jesus—dies. It therefore becomes clear that the verse’s universal language pertains only to those who will be alive at the time of his descent; not a single one of them will fail to believe in him. The verse is not speaking of those who have already died among them.

This is like the statement, “No town will remain without the Dajjal entering it except Mecca and Medina,” meaning the towns that will exist at that time. The reason the People of the Book will believe in Jesus then is obvious: it will be manifest to everyone that he is a divinely supported messenger—neither an impostor nor the Lord of all creation.

Thus Allah, exalted is He, mentioned their faith in him when he descends to earth. After informing us of his being raised to Himself—“I will take you and raise you to Myself” (Āl ʿImrān 3:55)—and knowing that he will come down to earth before the Day of Resurrection and then die there, He told us that they will believe in him before his death.

Allah also says:

“He is no more than a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel. If We willed, We could indeed make angels from among you succeeding one another on earth. Indeed, he is a sign of the Hour, so do not doubt it, and follow Me; this is a straight path. Let not Satan divert you, for he is to you a manifest enemy. When Jesus came with clear proofs he said, ‘I have brought you wisdom and to clarify for you some of that about which you differ. So fear Allah and obey me. Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him; this is a straight path.’” (al-Zukhruf 43:59-64)