When those speculative theologians established a religion for themselves through the speculative theology they had innovated—such as inferring the temporal origination of bodies from accidents—they supposed that this constituted the fundamentals of religion. Even if what they said were true, it would be only a part of religion; what, then, if it is false?

In my refutation of the Christians, I have described their opposition to all the prophets, as well as their opposition to sound reason, in ways that make their disbelief plain. Hence its title: “The Correct Response to Those Who Altered the Religion of the Messiah.” The argument against them concerns two matters: first, their alteration of the Messiah’s religion; and second, their rejection of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

The argument against the Jews concerns their rejection of those who came after Moses, down to the Messiah, and then their rejection of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Allah mentions this in Surah al-Baqarah, saying:

“We certainly gave Moses the Scripture and sent messengers after him in succession. We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever a messenger came to you with what your souls did not desire, you grew arrogant, rejecting some and killing others?”

“They say, ‘Our hearts are covered.’ Rather, Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so little do they believe.”

Then He says:

“When a Book came to them from Allah, confirming what they already had—although previously they had prayed for 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.”

And so on, until He mentioned that they turned away