facing the Kaʿbah, bowing, and two prostrations in every rakʿah (cycle of prayer), along with other elements that the Christians do not perform. How, then, could He praise them for “establishing the prayer” when they do not establish the very prayer He has commanded?

Furthermore, were a Jew to contend that by His words

“That Book” ⦗2:2⦘

He meant the Torah, and that “the God-fearing” referred to the Jews, such a claim—though incorrect—would still be closer to the truth than the statement of someone who says that “the Book” is the Gospel, for the Torah has a stronger claim to that title than the Gospel. It is the primary scripture, and Allah, exalted be He, pairs it with the Qur’an in several places, such as His words:

“Is one who stands upon a clear proof from his Lord, and is followed by a witness from Him, while before it was the Book of Moses, a guide and a mercy….” ⦗11:17⦘

and His saying:

“Say, ‘Have you considered: if it is from Allah and you reject it, while a witness from the Children of Israel has testified to something similar and believed, yet you grow arrogant—surely Allah does not guide wrongdoing people.’” ⦗46:10⦘

When the jinn heard the Qur’an they declared:

“O our people, we have heard a Book revealed after Moses, confirming what came before it; it guides to the truth and to a straight path.” ⦗46:30⦘

Likewise, when the Negus heard the Qur’an he said, “This and what Moses brought spring from the same niche,” and Waraqah ibn Nawfal likewise said, “This…"