the Jews who lived in the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, concerning whether to affirm him and acknowledge that he was a prophet, “until knowledge came to them”: that is, the Quran and the clarification that he is the true Messenger of Allah and that his religion is true.

It was also said: until that which they knew came to them—namely, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him—for they had known of him before his appearance. Thus, “knowledge” is used in the sense of “that which is known,” just as a created thing is called a “creation.” Allah Most High says: “This is the creation of Allah.” (Luqman 31:11) Likewise, one may say, “This dirham is the prince’s minting,” meaning, what he has minted.

“Indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ”: that is, concerning religion.

“So if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so never be among the doubters. And never be among those who deny the signs of Allah, lest you become one of the losers.” (94–95)

His saying, Most High: “So if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to you”—that is, the Quran—“then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you”; they will inform you that it is written in the Torah they possess.

It was said: this is addressed to the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, while what is intended is someone else, in accordance with Arabic usage. They may address one man while intending another. This is like His saying, Most High: “O Prophet, fear Allah” 172/a (al-Ahzab 33:1). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is addressed, but the believers are intended, as shown by His saying: “Indeed, Allah is ever well acquainted with what you do,” and He did not say, “what you do” in the singular. He also says: “O Prophet, when you divorce women…” (al-Talaq 65:1).

It was also said: in the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, people fell into three groups: those who affirmed, those who denied, and those who doubted. Thus, this address is directed to the people of doubt. Its meaning is: If you, O human being, are in doubt about the guidance We have sent down to you through the tongue of Our Messenger Muhammad, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you.

Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, and al-Dahhak said: this means those among the People of the Scripture who believed, such as Abdullah ibn Salam and his companions. They will testify to the truthfulness of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and inform you of his prophethood.

Al-Farra said: Allah knew that His Messenger was not in doubt, but He phrased it according to Arabic usage. One of them may say to his servant, “If you are my servant, then obey me,” or say to his child, “Do such-and-such, if you are my son,” without this being said as an expression of doubt.

“The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so never be among the doubters”: that is, among those who doubt.

“And never be among those who deny the signs of Allah, lest you become one of the losers.” All of this is addressed to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, while someone else is intended.