multiple meanings. The ambiguity in their wording and meaning causes them to encompass both truth and falsehood. Because of the truth they contain, the falsehood they contain is accepted through this ambiguity and confusion. They then use that falsehood to oppose the texts of the prophets, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them.

This is the source of the misguidance of those who went astray among the nations before us, and it is the source of religious innovations. If an innovation were pure falsehood, it would be plainly apparent and would not be accepted. If it were pure truth, free of any admixture, it would accord with the Sunnah, for the Sunnah does not contradict pure truth containing no falsehood. Rather, an innovation contains both truth and falsehood. We have discussed this at length elsewhere.

For this reason, Allah Most High said, addressing the People of the Book through Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“O Children of Israel, remember My favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil My covenant; I will fulfil your covenant. And fear Me alone. * Believe in what I have revealed, confirming what is with you, and do not be the first to disbelieve in it. Do not exchange My signs for a small price, and be mindful of Me alone. * Do not mix truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know.” [al-Baqarah: 40-42]

He thus forbade them to mix truth with falsehood and to conceal it. Mixing truth with falsehood means blending the two until one is confused with the other, as Allah Most High said:

“Had We made him an angel, We would have made him a man, and We would have left them in the same confusion they cause.” [al-An‘ām: 9]

From this comes deception: disguising something’s true nature, which is fraud. For copper used to deceive is clothed in silver that mingles with it and covers it. Likewise, when someone mixes truth with falsehood, he has presented falsehood