(69–74) “A group among the People of the Scripture wish that they could lead you astray, but they lead none astray except themselves, though they do not perceive it. O People of the Scripture, why do you disbelieve in Allah’s signs while you yourselves bear witness?”

The Most High warns His believing servants against the plotting of this wicked group among the People of the Scripture and informs them that they wish to lead them astray. As the Most High says, “Many among the People of the Scripture wish that they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed.” It is well known that whoever desires something strives with all his might to attain it. This group therefore strives and exerts every effort to turn the believers back and cast doubts into their hearts by every means within their power. Yet, by Allah’s grace, an evil plot engulfs none but its perpetrators. Hence the Most High says, “But they lead none astray except themselves.” Their efforts to lead the believers astray only increase their own misguidance and bring them further punishment. The Most High says, “As for those who disbelieve and hinder others from the path of Allah, We shall add punishment to their punishment because of the corruption they used to spread.” Yet “they do not perceive” that they are striving to harm themselves and that they cannot harm you in the least.