3:98-101
Say: “O People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, when Allah is Himself witness to all ye do?”
Say: “O ye People of the Book! Why obstruct ye those who believe, from the path of Allah, Seeking to make it crooked, while ye were yourselves witnesses (to Allah’s Covenant)? but Allah is not unmindful of all that ye do.”
O ye who believe! If ye listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would (indeed) render you apostates after ye have believed! And how would ye deny Faith while unto you are rehearsed the Signs of Allah, and among you Lives the Messenger? Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a way that is straight.
These verses return to addressing the People of the Book after earlier discussions concerning their beliefs and doubts, as well as references to Baytullāh and the rites of ḥajj. Exegetical reports link the revelation to a specific historical incident involving Shammās ibn Qays, who is described as attempting to create discord between the Anṣār tribes of Aws and Khazraj. Observing their unity, he allegedly encouraged the recitation of pre-Islamic poetry that celebrated tribal rivalries, which reignited old tensions and nearly led to renewed conflict. When the Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) learned of the situation, he intervened, reminding them of their unity in Islam and warning them against reverting to ignorance and division. The companions reportedly repented, recognizing the incident as a lapse influenced by negative impulses, and reconciled with one another.
Classical sources such as Rūḥ al-Maʿānī, drawing on narrations attributed to Ibn Isḥāq and Zayd ibn Aslam, present these verses as a response to that event. The passage begins with a rhetorical admonition directed toward those who had instigated the discord, highlighting the inconsistency of attempting to mislead others while themselves rejecting guidance. It then turns to the Muslim community, urging vigilance and steadfastness by holding firmly to the Qurʾān and the Messenger as enduring sources of unity and guidance.
References:
Shafi, Muhammad (2008). Maariful Quran. (Vol .2 surah 3 verses 98-101).