This is likewise the case with the People of the Book in relation to the Muslims: no evil is found among the Muslims but that more of it is found among the People of the Book, and no good is found among the People of the Book but that it is found to a greater degree among the Muslims.

For this reason, He—glorified is He—speaks of debating the disbelievers among the polytheists and the People of the Book with justice. If they mention a fault among the Muslims, He does not exonerate the Muslims from it, but makes clear that the faults of the disbelievers are greater.

Thus He [Most High] (1) says:

“They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, ‘Fighting therein is a grave matter.’”

Then He says:

“But barring others from the path of Allah, disbelieving in Him, barring access to the Sacred Mosque, and expelling its people from it are graver in the sight of Allah; and persecution is graver than killing.”

[Surah al-Baqarah: 217]

This verse was revealed because a detachment of Muslims was reported to have killed Ibn al-Hadramī on the last day of Rajab, whereupon the polytheists reproached them for it. Allah therefore revealed this verse. (2)

The Most High also says:

“Say, ‘O People of the Book! Do you resent us for anything other than that we believe in Allah, in what has been sent down to us, and in what was sent down before—and that most of you are defiantly disobedient?’ Say, ‘Shall I inform you of those whose recompense with Allah is worse than that? Those whom Allah has cursed, with whom He is angry, of whom He made apes and swine, and who worshipped the tāghūt (false deity)—such people are in a worse position and have strayed further from the straight path.’”

[Surah al-Mā’idah: 59, 60] (3)

That is: those whom Allah cursed and among whom He made those who were transformed, as well as the worshippers of