And they did not become divided until after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And if not for a word that preceded from your Lord [postponing the penalty] until a specified time, it would have been concluded between them. And indeed, those who were granted inheritance of the Scripture after them are, concerning it, in disquieting doubt.
Tafseer
{ وما تفرَّقوا } أي أهل الأديان في الدين بأن وحد بعض وكفر بعض { إلا من بعد ما جاءهم العلم } بالتوحيد { بغياً } من الكافرين { بينهم ولولا كلمة سبقت من ربك } بتأخير الجزاء { إلى أجل مسمى } يوم القيامة { لقضي بينهم } بتعذيب الكافرين في الدنيا { وإن الذين أورثوا الكتاب من بعدهم } وهم اليهود والنصارى { لفي شك منه } من محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم { مريب } موقع في الريبة .
{And they did not become divided} that is, the people of religions in religion, by some believing in monotheism and others disbelieving {except after knowledge had come to them} of monotheism {out of envy} on the part of the disbelievers {among themselves. And had it not been for a word that preceded from your Lord} delaying the recompense {to a specified term} on the Day of Resurrection {the judgment would have been passed between them} by the punishment of the disbelievers in this world {and indeed, those who inherited the Scripture after them} that is, the Jews and the Christians {are in doubt about it} of Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace {disturbing} [unclear].
