of the Book and those among them who have believed. The first category concerns what they (1) have transmitted from their own scriptures, and their scholars admit that it is indeed there. Accordingly, the proof in the first mode is established against them from their very books, and it is corroborated by the testimony of witnesses whom they cannot suspect—witnesses who are either among their leading figures or among those who renounced their rank, wealth, and prestige in their community, choosing faith over unbelief and guidance over misguidance. Such witnesses claim that the scholars of the People of the Book know this and acknowledge it, but they withhold it from their uninformed followers.

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The reports and glad tidings of his prophethood, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in the earlier scriptures became known through several avenues:

(1) What we have already cited—a mere drop from an abundant ocean.

(2) His own statement, peace and blessings be upon him, to them that he is mentioned in their books, that they were promised his coming, and that the prophets had foretold him, and his adducing this as evidence against them. Were such a matter altogether nonexistent, it would only have encouraged them to deny him, driven his followers away, and left him supporting his claim with something that testified to its falsehood.

(3) Both of these communities acknowledge (2) that the ancient scriptures heralded a prophet of great stature who would appear at the end of time, whose description is such-and-such; on this point Muslims, Jews, and Christians are agreed.

As for the Muslims, when he came to them they believed in him, affirmed him, and recognized that he was the truth