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Regarding His saying:

“Those who were given the Scripture did not become divided until after the clear proof had come to them.”

A group of commentators said: This refers to their division concerning Muhammad after they had been united in believing in him. Some of these commentators understood their division to mean that some believed while others disbelieved.

Al-Baghawī said: Then He mentioned those among the People of the Book who did not believe, saying:

“Those who were given the Scripture did not become divided until after the clear proof had come to them.”

That is, the clear statement in their scriptures that he was a prophet sent by Allah. The commentators said: The People of the Book remained united in affirming Muhammad’s truthfulness until Allah sent him. Once he was sent, they became divided concerning him and disagreed: some believed in him, while others disbelieved in him.

A group of commentators gave a similar explanation of His saying:

“We certainly settled the Children of Israel in a good dwelling place and provided them with good things. They did not differ until knowledge had come to them.”

Abū al-Faraj said: Ibn ‘Abbās said: They did not differ concerning Muhammad; they continued to affirm his truthfulness until knowledge came to them—meaning the Quran.

It is also reported from him that “until knowledge came to them” means Muhammad. According to this interpretation, “knowledge” here stands for what is known. This is explained by the fact that when he came to them