(82–86) “You will surely find that the most hostile of all people toward the believers are the Jews and those who associate partners with Allah. And you will surely find that the nearest of them in affection toward the believers are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.”

Allah Most High explains which of the two groups is closer to the Muslims in friendship and affection, and which is farther from them: “You will surely find that the most hostile of all people toward the believers are the Jews and those who associate partners with Allah.” These two groups are, without qualification, the most hostile of all people toward Islam and the Muslims, and the most persistent in seeking to harm them. This is because of their intense hatred for them, born of aggression, envy, obstinacy, and disbelief.

“And you will surely find that the nearest of them in affection toward the believers are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’” Allah Most High mentions several reasons for this:

One is that “among them are priests and monks”—that is, scholars who practice asceticism and worshippers devoted to worship in ⦗242⦘ monasteries. Knowledge, together with asceticism and worship, softens and makes the heart tender, removing its harshness and hardness. Thus, one does not find among them the harshness of the Jews or the severity of the polytheists.

Another is that “they are not arrogant.” That is, they are neither too proud nor too defiant to submit to the truth. This brings them closer to the Muslims and to loving them, for a humble person is nearer to goodness than an arrogant one.