When speaking of the 7th-century situation in Medina, which was at war with pagan Mecca and other pagan tribes in Arabic peninsula, the Quran notes that the polytheists and some Arabian Jewish tribes were opposed to Islam, but then goes on to say:

“ . . . and you will find the nearest in love to the believers [Muslims] those who say: ‘We are Christians.’ That is because amongst them are priests and monks, and they are not arrogant.” (Quran: 5:82)