The Universality of Islaam
Since the consequences of false religion are so grave, the
true religion of Allah must be universally understandable and attainable, not
confined to any people, place or time. There can not be conditions like baptism,
belief in a man, as a saviour etc., for a believer to enter paradise. Within the
central principle of Islam and in its definition, (the surrender of one's will
to God) lies the roots of Islam's universality. Whenever man comes to the
realization that Allah is one and distinct from His creation, and submits
himself to Allah, he becomes a Muslim in body and spirit and is eligible for
paradise. Thus, anyone at anytime in the most remote region of the world can
become a Muslim, a follower of God's religion, Islam, by merely rejecting the
worship of creation and by turning to Allah (God) alone-It should be noted
however, that the recognition of and submission to Allah requires that one
chooses between right and wrong and such a choice implies accountability. Man
will be held responsible for his choices, and, as such, he should try his utmost
to do good and avoid evil. The ultimate good being the worship of Allah alone
and the ultimate evil being the worship of His creation along with or instead of
Allah. This fact is expressed in the final revelation as follows:
"Verily those who believe, those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures), the Christians and the Sabians any who believe In Allah and the last day, and work righteousness shall have their reward with their Lord; They will not be overcome by fear nor grief"
(Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:62).