(61–63) “Then whoever disputes with you concerning him after knowledge has come to you, say, ‘Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves; then let us earnestly pray and invoke Allah’s curse upon the liars.’”

That is: “Whoever” disputes with you and “argues with you” concerning Jesus—peace be upon him—claiming that he is above the station of servitude and indeed elevating him beyond his proper rank, “after knowledge has come to you” that he is Allah’s servant and Messenger, and after you have laid before your disputant the proofs showing that he is a servant upon whom Allah bestowed His favor—such conduct demonstrates the obstinacy of anyone who refuses to follow you regarding this certain knowledge. There is therefore no benefit left for either you or him to gain by debating with him, for the truth has become clear. His disputation is that of an obstinate man who opposes Allah and His Messenger. His aim is to follow his own desires, not what Allah has revealed. Such a person is beyond remedy.

Allah therefore instructed His Prophet to proceed to a mutual invocation of Allah’s curse. They would call upon Allah and earnestly beseech Him to place His curse and punishment upon whichever of the two parties was lying—upon him and those dearest to him, including his children, sons, and women. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—called them to do so, but they turned away, refused, and recoiled. They knew that if they joined him in invoking Allah’s curse, they would return to their families and children only to find neither family nor wealth, and punishment would swiftly overtake them. They therefore remained content with their religion even though they were certain of its falsity. This is the utmost corruption and obstinacy. For this reason, Allah Most High said: