The first category consists of the polytheists, who will follow the gods they used to worship.

The second category consists of those remaining from the People of the Scripture. Their religion was originally founded on worshipping Allah alone, but they introduced polytheism and worshipped Ezra and the Messiah. Thus, in His Book, Allah places them in a category distinct from the polytheists, as in His statement, Exalted is He:

“Those who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists were not to desist until clear evidence came to them.” (1) [al-Bayyinah 1]

Nevertheless, He describes the polytheism they introduced, as in His statement, Exalted is He:

“The Jews say, ‘Ezra is the son of Allah,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’ That is what they say with their mouths, imitating the words of those who disbelieved before them. May Allah destroy them! How are they deluded! (30) They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords besides Allah, as well as the Messiah, son of Mary, although they were commanded only to worship one God. There is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him.” (31) [al-Tawbah, verses 30–31]

The third category consists of the hypocrites, who used to worship Allah for show and reputation.

The fourth category consists of the believers, who used to worship Allah alone, without any partner.

It also mentions that, after the polytheists have gone with their gods to the Fire, along with the disbelievers among the People of the Scripture, and none remain but those who worshipped Allah, righteous and wicked alike,