Say (O Muhammad SAW): "O people of the Scripture (Jews and
Christians)! Exceed not the limits in your religion (by believing in something)
other than the truth, and do not follow the vain desires of people who went
astray before, and who misled many, and strayed
(themselves) from the Right Path." (77) Those among the Children of Israel[] who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawûd
(David) and 'Īsā (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they
disobeyed (Allâh and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds.
(78) They used not to
forbid one another from Al-Munkar (wrong, evil-doing, sins, polytheism,
disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. (79) You see many of them
taking the disbelievers as their Auliyâ' (protectors and helpers). Evil indeed
is that which their ownselves have sent forward before them, for that (reason)
Allâh's Wrath fell upon them and in torment they will abide. (80) And had they believed
in Allâh, and in the Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and in what has been revealed to
him, never would they have taken them (the disbelievers) as Auliyâ' (protectors
and helpers), but many of them are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to
Allâh). (81) Verily, you will find the strongest among men in enmity to the
believers (Muslims) the Jews and those who are Al-Mushrikûn (see V.2:105), and you will find
the nearest in love to the believers (Muslims) those who say: "We are
Christians." That is because amongst them are priests and monks, and they
are not proud. (82)