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ʾa-lam tara ʾilā lladhīna ʾūtū naṣīban mina l-kitābi yuʾminūna bi-l-jibti wa-ṭ-ṭāghūti wa-yaqūlūna li-lladhīna kafarū hāʾulāʾi ʾahdā mina lladhīna ʾāmanū sabīlan
Have you not regarded those who were given a share of the Book, believing in idols and fake deities and saying of the pagans: ‘These are better guided on the way than the faithful’?
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah An-Nisa', Verse 51
Jews preferring the idolaters to Muslims -Abraham's seed blessed -Recompense for disbelief and faith -Obedience to Allah, the Apostle Muhammad and those vested with the authority.
51. "Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in Jibt (idol) and Taghut (false deities) and they say about the infidels: 'These are better guided on the way than those who have believed (in Islam)'."
After that the fight of 'Uhud ended, a group of the Jews went to Mecca in order that they ally with the pagans there against the Muslims. Having the aim to please and assure the pagans the Jews prostrated before the pagans' idols. They said that their idolatry was better than the faith of Muslims in Islam and Muhammad (S).
The Arabic term 'Jibt', which is applied for the idol of magician, has occurred only once in the Qur'an; while the term Taghut, which is derived from the sense of 'disobedience', has occurred eight times therein. Perhaps, the objective meaning of these two terms mentioned in the verse is the very two idols before which the Jews prostrated. Or, may be, the purpose of 'Jibt' is the idol, but the purpose of 'Taghut' is the idol worshippers and the advocators of idolatry.
Explanations
1. The enemies of Islam, in order to work against Muslims, sometimes ignore their own conviction. (The Jews prostrated before idols for the pleasure of the pagans against the Muslims.)
2. The mood of obstinacy and enmity changes the way of judgement, and causes the truth to be concealed.