— namely the Christians — who maintain that “the Book” in question is the Gospel. This point will be discussed in detail later, God the Exalted willing.

The conjunction here is used because the attributes differ, just as in His words:

“Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High – the One who created and proportioned, who decreed and guided, who brought forth the pasture and then turned it into blackened stubble.” [Al-Aʿlā 87:1-5]

He, glorified be He, is the One who created and proportioned, who decreed and guided, who brought forth the pasture, and then made it withered stubble.

Likewise, His saying:

“Successful indeed are the believers – those who humble themselves in their prayer, who turn away from idle talk, who give the prescribed alms, and who guard their private parts…” [Al-Muʾminūn 23:1-5] – to the end of the verses.

And His words:

“Those who believe in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down before you.” [Al-Baqarah 2:4].