Tafsir of Al-Ma'idah 5:81

Surah Al-Ma'idah (The Table Spread): Verse 81

And if they had believed in Allah, the Prophet, and what was revealed to him, they would not have taken them as allies, but many of them are defiantly disobedient (Fāsiqūn).

Tafsir:

The meaning here is: If they (the People of the Book, referring to the Jews in context) truly believed in Allah and the Prophet (referring here to Moses, peace be upon him, as the context is about their actions regarding him), then their actions (of not following his path fully or seeking worldly gain) would not have occurred.

Since they acted as they did, it becomes clear that their objective was not to uphold the religion of Moses (peace be upon him), but rather to attain leadership and status. They strive to achieve this through any means available to them. This is why Allah the Almighty described them with disobedience, saying: "but many of them are defiantly disobedient (Fāsiqūn)."

Another interpretation (mentioned by Al-Qaffāl):

It could mean: If these polytheists who are being taken as allies truly believed in Allah and in Muhammad (peace be upon him), then these Jews would not have taken them as allies. This interpretation is sound in its linguistic structure, and there is nothing to refute it.

Verse 82:

You will surely find the most intense of people in enmity toward those who have believed to be the Jews and those who associate others with Allah. And you will surely find the nearest of them in affection to those who have believed to be those who say, "We are Christians." That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they do not act arrogantly.

Exegesis of the Verse:

"You will surely find the most intense of people in enmity toward those who have believed to be the Jews and those who associate others with Allah (Mushrikūn). And you will surely find the nearest of them in affection to those who have believed to be those who say, 'We are Christians.'"