through the beliefs and practices of his community; or, if he wishes, through the miracles with which he was sent. Whichever of these approaches establishes the prophethood of Moses and Jesus establishes the prophethood of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, still more clearly and fully.

(The second premise is that he declared his mission to be universal, addressed to all the inhabitants of the earth, polytheists and People of the Book alike, and that he was not sent to some people to the exclusion of others. This is known self-evidently, through mass-transmitted reports, and through conclusive proofs.

As for the Jews and Christians, their religion was originally true, as Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, those who believe, the Jews, the Christians, and the Sabians—whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does righteousness—will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

However, both religions have been altered and abrogated. The Jews altered and distorted their religion; then the remainder of their religious law was abrogated through the Messiah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

The very books in the possession of the Jews and Christians—including the prophecies of the prophets, numbering more than twenty, and other writings—show that they have made alterations, that their religious law is to be abrogated, and that the mission of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is authentic. These books contain announcements and proofs of the prophethood of the final Messenger about which scholars have written entire works. They also contain contradictions and discrepancies that demonstrate that alteration has occurred, as well as reports concerning what follows them that show that they have been abrogated. Thus, they possess evidence establishing these points. We have debated more than one