The branding of them with humiliation wherever they may be found, their returning burdened with Allah’s wrath, and all that is mentioned alongside this—such as their unjust killing of the prophets, their disobedience, and their habitual aggression—were characteristics already borne by the Jews before the mission of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The Exalted One says in Surat al-Baqarah:

“Remember when you said, ‘O Moses, we will never be satisfied with just one kind of food, so pray to your Lord for us to bring forth for us what the earth produces—its herbs, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions.’ He said, ‘Would you exchange what is better for what is inferior? Go down to any town and you will have what you have asked for.’ Then humiliation and poverty were stamped upon them, and they incurred wrath from Allah. That was because they used to deny Allah’s signs and kill the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and habitually transgressed.” (al-Baqarah 61)

After that He said:

“Indeed, those who believed, those who were Jews, the Christians, and the Sabians—whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and acts righteously—will have their reward with their Lord; no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.” (al-Baqarah 62)

This verse therefore applies to anyone among those four communities who adhered to his religion before it was abrogated, without alteration. Likewise, the verse in Āl ʿImrān, when the People of