Section: A Refutation of the Christians’ Claim that the Quran Declares Them Free of Shirk (associating partners with Allah)

They go on to say, “Likewise, this very Book states:
‘You will certainly find that the most hostile people toward the believers are the Jews and those who ascribe partners to Allah; and you will surely find that those who say, “We are Christians,” are nearest to them in affection. That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.’ ⦗al-Maʾidah 5:82⦘.”

They argue that the verse’s mention of “priests and monks” prevents anyone from claiming that the praise applies to some other group, that it points to their own deeds and good intentions, and that it removes from them the charge of shirk through His words: “The Jews and those who ascribe partners are the most hostile toward the believers, whereas those who say, ‘We are Christians,’ are the nearest in affection.”

The answer is that the passage continues:
‘And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears because of the truth they have recognized. They say, “Our Lord, we believe, so record us among the witnesses. Why should we not believe in Allah and in the truth that has come to us, hoping that our Lord will admit us among the righteous people?” So Allah rewarded them for what they said with gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. Such is the recompense of those who excel.’ ⦗al-Maʾidah 5:83-85⦘