the Quran—because the Quran is upheld by a community that memorises it, understands its meanings, and repels anyone who tries to distort its wording or its sense.

By contrast, those earlier scriptures have no one to defend their text or their meaning; hence the extent of their alteration is far greater than anything they have attempted with the Quran.

Another indication that this address is not restricted to the Christians is that the chapter in question is Meccan. Meccan surahs deal with people who do not possess scripture; they are not confined to the People of the Book but are either addressed to all nations or, at times, specifically to the idol-worshippers.

The Medinan surahs, by comparison, sometimes speak to the People of the Book, sometimes address the believers alone, and sometimes include everyone. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

“It weighs heavily upon the polytheists, that to which you call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns in repentance.” ⦗Ash-Shura 13⦘

He also says:

“They did not become divided until after knowledge had come to them, out of spite amongst themselves. Were it not for a prior word from your Lord deferred to an appointed term, the matter would have been settled between them. And those who inherited the Scripture after them are indeed in disquieting doubt about it.” ⦗Ash-Shura 14⦘