Dear Brother Mubashir,

Salamun Alaykum.

Anyone who (1) believes in God, and (2) believes in the Heareafter, and (3) leads a righteous life gets guranteed salvation:

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. 

The Quran gives us clear understanding of all the three items of the verse 2:62 above.

For example, what does it mean by "believe in God?"  What is the problem

in the majority of us "who believe in God"?

[12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship.

The majority of Hindus believe in God but idolize Rama.  The majority of Christians believe in God but idolize Jesus. The majority of Muslims believe in God but idolize Mohammad.

So, the Quran invites all of us to come to a logical conclusion that we shall believe in God without commiting idol worship. 
 

[3:64] Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside GOD." If they turn away, say, "Bear witness that we are submitters."

The Chapter 98 below explains 2:62 above, it is not a contradiction.

[98:1] Those who disbelieved among the people of the scripture, as well as the idol worshipers, insist on their ways, despite the proof given to them. 
[98:2] A messenger from GOD is reciting to them sacred instructions.
[98:3] In them there are valuable teachings.

[98:4] In fact, those who received the scripture did not dispute until the proof was given to them.

[98:5] All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone, observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion.

[98:6] Those who disbelieved among the people of the scripture, and the idol worshipers, have incurred the fire of Gehenna forever. They are the worst creatures.

[98:7] Those who believed and led a righteous life are the best creatures.

Thank you and may God guide me,

Muhammed Irtaza

From: Student of the Quran < >
Subject: [Progressive-Muslim] Re: 2:62 verses 98 / response to Mubashir
Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 1:36 AM 

 [33:62] God's Sunnah is unchangeable 

[39:23] The Quran is the best Hadith

http://www.islamawakened.com/Quran/ 

--- On Tue, 6/21/11, Mubashir Inayet <> wrote:

Dear Br Irtaza, Salaam

In one of your posts you quoted 2:62 and 5:69 which seem to imply acceptance and tolerance of the faith of the People of the Book as they practiced it.

2:62 Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve

However, when we read, the following it seems The People of the Book have no chance until they accept faith as was being presented to them by Muhammad (S) in the Qur'an:

Surah bayyinah, 98.

Those who reject (Truth), among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, were not going to depart (from their ways) until there should come to them Clear Evidence― (1) A messenger from Allah, rehearsing scriptures kept pure and holy: (2) Wherein are laws (or decrees) right and straight. (3) Nor did the people of the Book make schisms, until after there came to them Clear Evidence. (4) And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular Prayer; and to practice regular Charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight. (5) Those who reject (Truth), among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, will be in Hell-fire, to dwell therein (for aye). They are the worst of creatures. (6) Those that have faith and do righteous deeds― they are the best of creatures. (7) Their reward is with Allah: Gardens of Eternity beneath which rivers flow; they will dwell therein for ever; Allah well pleased with them, and they with Him: all this for such as fear their Lord and Cherisher. (8)

Kindly comment.

Thanks.

Mubashir