are likewise addressed by this call; Allah, exalted is He, says:

“O People of the Scripture! Our Messenger has now come to you, clarifying much of what you used to hide of the Scripture and overlooking much besides. There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book through which Allah guides those who seek His pleasure to the paths of peace, brings them out of darkness into light by His permission, and directs them to a straight path.” (Q 5:15-16)

Threat and warning

A severe threat and stern warning then follow for any among them who refuse to believe in what Allah has revealed to Muhammad ﷺ:

“O you who were given the Scripture! Believe in what We have sent down, confirming what you already possess, before We efface faces and turn them backward, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers; and Allah’s command is always carried out.” (Q 4:47)

Surah al-Bayyinah likewise sets forth the deviation of the People of the Scripture and the idolaters who rejected Muhammad’s message. They claimed that they would not leave their error and disbelief until a clear proof came to them—namely, the commissioning of a new prophet who would guide them and rescue them from their misguidance. Yet when guidance did come—embodied in the revealed Book, the Noble Quran, and in the sent Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ—they denied them both and persisted in their unbelief. The Quran therefore brands them: “They are the worst of all creatures” (Q 98:6). In contrast, those who believe and affirm the truth are described: “They are the best of all creatures; their reward with their Lord is Gardens of Eden beneath which rivers flow, wherein they shall dwell forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him—that is for whoever stands in awe of his Lord.” (Q 98:7-8).