A verse in the Qur'an about a possible good outcome for people from all religions

[Truthseeker]

Very important to remember both:
The first stops us from using the twin words "good vs bad"
The second exhorts us to to work harder ourselves and work less hard judging others

Yes, fundamentally you are right. You are better than me at that at this point.

 

[Truthseeker]

I still think you are decontextualising to get what you think it is saying.

I would say the best way to understand what Muhammad is trying to get across is to read the entire Surah from start to finish rather than reading only one or two verses.

I consider verse 62 to be the religious equivalent of a dog whistle. To those who hear it in isolation from the other verses it leaves them with the impression that Muhammad is tolerant, but to those who understand what He meant by it it appears He meant that only those who sincerely believe in the Torah and the Gospel etc and the last day, with the measure of that sincerity being their acceptance of Muhammad as Messenger of Allah.

Consider the same Surah 2:88-89, this section is a polemic against the Jews for their rejection of Muhammad;

'They say "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah's word we need no more)." Nay Allah's curse is on them for their blasphemy; little is it they believe.

And when there comes to them a Book from Allah confirming what is with them although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without faith when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognized they refused to believe in it; but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.'

In case you are still thinking there is room for those Jews who don't join Islam to have some reward mixed in with their curse verse 90 re-affirms, 'thus have they drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of those who reject Faith.'

Indeed I would have to say that if your interpretation of verse 62 is correct then Muhammad was guilty of speaking out of both sides of His mouth. For the bulk of Surah 2 appears to be a polemic against those who reject Islam.

In my opinion.

Jews and Christians have it less good than Muslims, don't know how much. I don't think the Qur'an contradicts itself, and my interpretation of verse 62 agrees with the Baha'i Writings, so I hold with that. Of course you as someone who does not believe in the Qur'an or Baha'i, will disagree. That is your right, I don't condemn you for that. I prefer not argue about verses 88 -90 of Surah 2. I try to keep away from arguing and debating in general. Sometimes I fail in that.

 

[stevecanuck]

Nay, but whosoever surrendereth his purpose to Alláh while doing good, his reward is with his Lord; and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
Muḥammad ibn ‘Abdu’lláh, "The Meaning of the Glorious Qur’án", 2:112

But they who set their face with resignation Godward, and do what is right, — their reward is with their Lord; no fear shall come on them, neither shall they be grieved.
Muhammad, "The Qur'an", 2.108

112. Nay, — whoever submits His whole self to God And is a doer of good, He will get his reward With his Lord; On such shall be no fear, Nor shall they grieve.
Muhammad , "The Holy Qur-an", 2.112

What do you all think about this verse from the Qur'an? Does it apply to people of all religions who surrenders his purpose or will to God, and does good deeds? What does it mean when it says of them will be no fear, and they will not grieve? Are all people of all religions equal in their reward from God?

The Arabic word 'Islam' means 'surrender/submission'. It existed before the religion and was therefore used in whatever context required its use, such as surrendering in battle. Now of course it still means surrender, but with an implied 'to the will of Allah by accepting Mohamed as His final prophet and the Qur'an as his final word to Mankind'.

In other words, verses that refer to "surrender to Allah" mean being a Muslim, and "doing right" means being an obedient Muslim by obeying the Qur'an. Verse 3:85 explains it in no uncertain terms, "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers".

 

[viole]

2.108

112. Nay, — whoever submits His whole self to God And is a doer of good, He will get his reward With his Lord; On such shall be no fear, Nor shall they grieve.
Muhammad , "The Holy Qur-an", 2.112

His whole self to God? What about Hers? Shall we settle for Its?

ciao

- viole

 

[Truthseeker]

The Arabic word 'Islam' means 'surrender/submission'. It existed before the religion and was therefore used in whatever context required its use, such as surrendering in battle. Now of course it still means surrender, but with an implied 'to the will of Allah by accepting Mohamed as His final prophet and the Qur'an as his final word to Mankind'.

In other words, verses that refer to "surrender to Allah" mean being a Muslim, and "doing right" means being an obedient Muslim by obeying the Qur'an. Verse 3:85 explains it in no uncertain terms, "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers".

I think you're saying it means following the religion started by the Qur'an revealed to Muhammad?

No, here in the Qur'an it says those of "old time" were Muslims, too.

And strive for Alláh with the endeavour which is His right. He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He hath named you Muslims of old time and in this (Scripture), that the messenger may be a witness against you, and that ye may be witnesses against mankind. So establish worship, pay the poor-due, and hold fast to Alláh. He is your Protecting friend. A blessed Patron and a blessed Helper!
Muḥammad ibn ‘Abdu’lláh, "The Meaning of the Glorious Qur’án", 22:78

Whether Muhammad is the last Prophet is a different issue. As a Baha'i, I don't see it that way. But we strive to submit to God, too, hopefully.

 

[Truthseeker]

His whole self to God? What about Hers? Shall we settle for Its?

ciao

- viole

Yes, here "he" is generic in my opinion.