And they said, "Are our gods better or he?" meaning Jesus, "So we are pleased to be with him."

And when the longing for their answer intensified, and the answer had already preceded regarding the prophets, it was presented here that their intention by that was merely to argue, dispute, evade, and fight. So Allah, glorified and exalted is He, said: "They did not strike him," meaning the disbelievers did not strike: the son of al-Zab'ari is a reality, and others from your people are metaphorically. The example of their gods is in relation to Jesus, blessings and peace be upon him. "Except for an argument," meaning with the intention to kill you regarding your call, as a contradiction, while they know that what they imposed upon you is not obligatory, and they never believed in its obligation at all, because the speech was only about their idols. And because the specifics in their words are common, and because He followed with what clarifies the specifics and removes the ambiguity regarding the estimation of his submission. So they never followed what they were imposed with as if it were obligatory. "Rather, they are a people," meaning the people of strength in the resurrection regarding what they attempt. "Argumentative," meaning they are strong in argument and capable of contention. Imam Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah narrated from Abu Umamah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, said: "A people do not go astray after guidance they have received except that they are given to argumentation." Then he recited the verse.