The most striking example of Qurʾānic praise of Christians occurs in sūrat al-māʾidah (5):82–83. These verses figure prominently in virtually all attempts to base Muslim-Christian rapprochement upon specific Qurʾānic texts. The passage itself constitutes an exegetical challenge of considerable proportions. Within the verses one finds a configuration of seven categories: the Jews, the idolaters (mushrikūn), ‘those who believe’, the Christians, priests and monks (qissīsūn wa-rubbdān), those who hear what was sent down upon Muḥammad and weep, and, finally, those who bear witness (shāhidūn). Obviously, issues of identification will occupy a considerable portion of the exegetical effort expended on this pericope, as will the desire to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl). One possible translation of sūrat al-māʾidah (5):82–83 is as follows:

THOSE PERSONS WHO ELICIT PRAISE

Al-Ṭabarī begins his discussion of 5:82 with a rapid survey of the principal groups mentioned. He then proceeds to evaluate the various views proposed about the occasion for this revelation.