the Scripture did not become divided until after the clear evidence had come to them.” Had this been the intended meaning here, it would have been mere repetition.

The first interpretation is better known among the exegetes. Some, such as al-Baghawī and others, mention another interpretation. It is known from Mujāhid and al-Rabī‘ ibn Anas, as in the well-known commentary transmitted by Ibn Abī Najīh from Mujāhid. Concerning “breaking away,” he said: “Hypocrites; they would not believe until the truth became clear to them.” Al-Rabī‘ ibn Anas said: “They persisted in doubt and uncertainty until the clear evidence and the messengers came to them.”

This interpretation entails praising and commending them after the coming of the clear evidence. Those who held it therefore had to say: “This concerns those of the two groups who believed, explaining Allah’s favor upon them.” They understood His words:

“And those who were given the Scripture did not become divided”

as referring to those among them who did not believe in Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. This too is weak.

For the People of the Scripture became divided and disagreed before Muhammad was sent to them, as Allah states in several places. The Most High says:

“We certainly gave the Children of Israel the Scripture, judgment, and prophethood, provided them with good things, and favored them above all peoples.”

“And We gave them clear proofs concerning the matter, and they did not differ until