the Muslim community. Nor is a freeborn man given precedence over a freedman, or a scholar or ruler over an unlettered person or a subordinate. This is agreed upon among Muslims.

This contrasts with the practice of the people of pre-Islamic ignorance and the Jewish rulers. Near the city of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, there were two Jewish tribes: Qurayzah and al-Nadīr. Al-Nadīr were accorded precedence over Qurayzah in matters of bloodshed. They sought the judgment of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, concerning this and the prescribed punishment for unlawful sexual intercourse, which they had changed from stoning to blackening the face. They said, “If he judges between you on that basis, you will have an argument in your favour; otherwise, you have already abandoned the ruling of the Torah.” So Allah Most High revealed:

“O Messenger, do not let those who hasten into disbelief grieve you, among those who say with their mouths, ‘We believe,’ while their hearts do not believe.”

Down to His words:

“If they come to you, judge between them or turn away from them. If you turn away from them, they cannot harm you at all. But if you judge, judge between them with justice. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”

And down to His words:

“So do not fear people, but fear Me, and do not sell My verses for a small price. Whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed—it is they who are the disbelievers.”

“And We prescribed for them therein: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and equal retaliation for wounds.”

Thus He, glorified and exalted, made clear that He had made their lives equal, giving no life precedence over another, as they used to do. The passage continues down to His words:

“And We have sent down to you the Book in truth