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As for a Magian woman, we have already explained that the discussion concerning her rests on two principles.

The first is that animals slaughtered by the Magians are not lawful to eat, nor may their women be married. There are several lines of evidence for this.

One is that they are not among the People of the Book, and the food and women of those who are not among the People of the Book are not lawful.

There is an anomalous dissenting view concerning the first premise. The evidence for this premise is His statement, glorified is He:

“And this is a blessed Book which We have revealed, so follow it and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.”

“Lest you say, ‘The Scripture was revealed only to two groups before us, and we were indeed unaware of their study.’”

It is thus clear that He revealed the Quran so that they would not say this—to prevent and forestall such a claim. Had Scripture been revealed to more than two groups, this statement would have been false, and there would have been no need to prevent them from saying it.

(Furthermore, He said:

“Indeed, those who believe, the Jews, the Sabians, the Christians, the Magians, and the polytheists—Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection.”

He mentioned the six religious communities and stated that He would judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. But when He mentioned the religious communities whose members include those who will attain felicity in the Hereafter, He said: “Indeed, those who believe, the Jews, and the Christians