and those who possess knowledge of the Scripture.’” Through the former, his truthfulness is known by rational reflection on his signs and proofs; through the latter, it is known through transmitted reports from the prophets before him.

Likewise, He says:

“Say, ‘Whose testimony is greatest?’ Say, ‘Allah is a witness between me and you.’”

The words “Say, ‘Allah’” admit two grammatical analyses. According to one, “Allah” answers the questioner, while “a witness” is the predicate of an implied subject—that is, “He is a witness.” According to the other, “Allah” is the subject and “a witness” its predicate, making a separate answer to the question unnecessary. The first analysis corresponds to the recitation of those who pause after “Say, ‘Allah’”; the second corresponds to the recitation of those who do not pause there. Both are correct, but the second is better and more complete.

Everyone knows that Allah’s testimony is greatest. Thus, when He says:

“Say, ‘Whose testimony is greatest?’”

it is understood that Allah’s testimony is greater than that of anything else. He therefore instructs him:

“Say, ‘Allah is a witness between me and you.’”

Saying “Allah is a witness between me and you” makes it unnecessary to state that Allah’s testimony is greatest. For the fact that Allah’s testimony is greatest is already known; it is not established merely by his saying “greatest in testimony”