and among the Christians there is a measure of mercy and affection that is not found among the Jews. Enmity grows out of hatred: the Jews even loathed their own prophets—so how much greater must their hatred be toward the believers?

As for the Christians, the religion they follow contains no injunction of hostility or hatred even toward the enemies of Allah who fought against Allah and His Messenger and strove to spread corruption on earth. If this is their stance toward such enemies, how could they possibly bear enmity and hatred toward balanced believers—the followers of Abraham’s way, who affirm every scripture and every messenger?

This is not a commendation of the Christians for faith in Allah, nor a promise that they will be spared punishment or granted reward; it merely states that they are closer in affection. The Exalted says:

“That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant” (al-Māʾidah 5:82).

Because of such people, and because they shun arrogance, a measure of affection arises among them that renders them better than the idolaters and nearer in goodwill than either the Jews or the idolaters.

He, the Exalted, then said:

“When they hear what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears because of the truth they have recognized” (al-Māʾidah 5:83).

These are the ones He praised for their faith and to whom He promised the reward of the Hereafter. Although the pronoun refers back to those previously mentioned, what is meant is their category as a whole, not every individual among them—just as the Exalted says: