Nor should that statement be understood to mean that we will not dispute with you or call you to the truth by means of sound proofs. For the Exalted has said:
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition, and argue with them in the manner that is best.” ⦗An-Nahl 125⦘
Thus He, exalted be He, commanded him to debate all those he summons—whether idol-worshippers or the People of the Scripture—in the way that is best.
He has also said:
“Do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in the way that is best, unless it be those of them who commit injustice.” ⦗Al-ʿAnkabut 46⦘
A wrongdoer is a transgressor who deserves punishment; it is therefore permissible to meet him with the penalty he merits, and one is not obliged, in his case, to restrict oneself to what is best. By contrast, anyone who has not wronged may be addressed only with what is best.
The term “People of the Scripture” includes both Jews and Christians, as is clear from parallel passages in the Quran, such as His saying, “The food of those who were given the Scripture…” ⦗Al-Ma’idah 5⦘, and His saying: