Peter von Siver’s discussed in a recent lecture (posted here not long ago) the identity of the “associators” (
mušrikûn) in the Quran. Though he nevertheless also identifies the “associators” as Christians, he does not, contrary to scholars such as Lüling and Gallez, consider these Christians to be Trinitarians, but
tritheists, which is an important qualification. This is an interesting proposal that does seem to fit well with other controversial passages dealing with the same topic, e.g. Q 4:117 (“Three [
thalātha]) and Q 5:73 (“Allāh is the third of three” [
thālithu thalāthatin]). You can see the lecture here:
https://bit.ly/2Uk0xSr (the relevant part starts from 37:38 onwards). Please share your thoughts.