they became divided only after knowledge had reached them out of mutual jealousy. had it not been for a decree already passed by your lord till a specified period the matter would surely have been decided between them. those who inherited the book after them are indeed in grave doubt amounting to suspicion about it.
وما تفرقوا إلا من بعد ما جاءهم العلم بغيا بينهم ولولا كلمة سبقت من ربك إلى أجل مسمى لقضي بينهم وإن الذين أورثوا الكتاب من بعدهم لفي شك منه مريب