SCRIPTURE, People of the

Ar: Ahl Al-Kitab.

see also SCRIPTURE. People of the Book (al-Anbiya' 21:7) = learned men of Taurat and Injil (Jalaluddin). "This is given as a reply to the speech of the Quraysh -- 'what! Is this any other than a mortal like ourselves?' God directs them to ask the people of the Book regarding the character of the ancient prophets." (Al-Baidhawi). Another title for them are the "People of Rememberance" (an-Nahl 16:43).

- description of the People of the Book:

  - given the knowledge, bani Isra'il 17:107; ar-Ra`d 13:43

  - some are believers, Âl 'Imran 3:110,114; al-An`am 6:98

  - some will have rewards, Âl 'Imran 3:199

  - will be twice rewarded, al-Qasas 28:54-55

- Muhammad's relation with them,

  - Muhammad commanded to refer to them when in doubt, Yunus 10:94-95

    It should be noted that one do not refer to another of inferior quality. Thus, it is clear that the Bible, according to the Qur'an is at of the same stature, if not superior to the Qur'an.

- al-Baqarah 2:105,111,120,144; Âl 'Imran 3:23,64,98,110,186,199; an-Nisa' 4:44,123,153,171; al-Ma'idah 5:5,15,19,59,65,68,77; al-`Ankabut 29:46; al-Ahzab 33:26; al-Bayyinah 98; al-Hadid 57:29

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