sought victory over those who disbelieved—when there came to them what they recognized, they disbelieved in it. So Allah’s curse is upon the disbelievers.”

If, however, their division concerning him is taken to mean that they all disbelieved in him but differed in what they said about him, that is not the case. The Quran has made clear in several places that they became divided and disagreed before Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was sent. Thus, their disagreement and division concerning Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, form part of their wider division and disagreement. And Allah knows best.