authority? Then which of the two parties has more right to security, if you know? (81) Those who believe and do not mix their faith with wrongdoing—it is they who will have security, and they are rightly guided.” [al-An‘ām: 81–82]

Allah Most High said:

“That was Our argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise in rank whom We will.” [al-An‘ām: 83]

Zayd ibn Aslam and others said: “Through knowledge.” Thus, knowing how to argue well is among the things by which Allah Most High raises people in rank. Likewise, Allah Most High said, instructing that the People of the Book be addressed as follows:

“Say: ‘O People of the Book, do you resent us for anything except that we believe in Allah, in what has been revealed to us, and in what was revealed before, and that most of you are defiantly disobedient?’ (59) Say: ‘Shall I inform you of what is worse than that in recompense with Allah? Those whom Allah has cursed and with whom He is angry, some of whom He turned into apes and pigs, and who worshipped false gods—they are worse in position and further astray from the right path.’ (60)” [al-Mā’idah 59–60]