Who are "ahlul kitab"?
The term "ahlul kitab," or "People of the Book," refers to those who follow the scriptures revealed by Allah, particularly the Jews and Christians. The Qur'an acknowledges the existence of true believers among them. In Surah Aal-i-Imraan, it states: And lo! of the People of the Scripture there are some who believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto you and that which was revealed unto them, humbling themselves before Allah. They purchase not a trifling gain at the price of the revelations of Allah. Verily their reward is with their Lord. Lo! Allah is swift to take account.
3:199.
This verse highlights that among the People of the Book, there are those who genuinely believe in Allah and the revelations sent to both them and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They are characterized by their humility and integrity, not distorting the truth for worldly gain. Thus, while the Qur'an critiques some among them for their divisions and disbelief, it also acknowledges that there are faithful individuals who uphold the core tenets of faith.
Sources
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3:199
3:199 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَإِنَّ مِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لَمَن يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ خَٰشِعِينَ لِلَّهِ لَا يَشْتَرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ ثَمَنًۭا قَلِيلًا ۗ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ
And lo! of the People of the Scripture there are some who believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto you and that which was revealed unto them, humbling themselves before Allah. They purchase not a trifling gain at the price of the revelations of Allah. Verily their reward is with their Lord. Lo! Allah is swift to take account.
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