[18]. That is, the Jews and the Christians, who separated themselves from the true teachings of their Prophets. They believed in some parts of their Scriptures while rejecting others, and even altered portions of the revelation to suit their desires.
As a result, they divided into numerous sects and factions, each claiming to follow divine truth while straying from its essence.
This verse, therefore, condemns the act of fragmenting divine guidance — accepting only what pleases one’s inclinations and neglecting or distorting the rest. It serves as a warning to all communities not to split the message of God into convenient pieces, but to uphold it in full integrity and unity.