Salvation in Islaam vs. Salvation in Christianity!

By: Shahid Bin Waheed شاهد بن وحيد

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الحمدلله رب العالمين والصلوة والسلام على اشرف الانبياء وسيدالمرسلين نبينا محمد صل ا لله عليه وعلى آله واصحابه وازواجه اجمعين - امابعد

All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, Sustainer of the Universe, and blessing and salutation to be the most distinguish of the Messengers and foremost among the Prophets, our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allaah be on him and on his wives, children and Companions.

Recently I notice about 3,80,000 web pages on the topic of “Salvation in Islaam” out of which almost all of them were anti-Islaam (majority from Christian clergy and/or missionary websites). The objective of bashing Islaam with falsification is (1) to make money by selling the absurd books, tapes and videos by evangelical clergy while at the same time deceiving Christians with their cock-and-bull story for their own cock-a-hoop (that is authored by almost half million people with identical sources and/or references in many cases word for word). This is a unique example of plagiarism by that many Christians! Christian missionaries and clergy have the same rhetoric using English translation of Glorious Qur’aan (which is not Qur’aan and cannot be accepted for in depth discussions) i.e.,

“Salvation in Islaam is based on faith and good works/deeds whereas salvation in Christianity is based on faith alone.”

Christianity was founded on disinformation; therefore, both (lies and distortion) cannot be separated from Christianity and Christians. The absurd claim made about Islaam is not even close to the truth, since salvation in Islaam is based on faith alone! Regarding the false claim about Christianity the truth is other way around.

Salvation is based on faith and works in Christianity!

Christians do not seem to realize that faith and works are independent and both are equally important. Christians’ chose to disregard this, despite the Bible talks about works. [See: abounding in good works (1 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 2:10; Col. 1:10), being constantly aware of the fact that they will be judged by their deeds (Mt. 16:27; Rom. 2:6; 1 Cor. 5:10; 1 Pet. 1:17] It must be interesting to point out that Christians claim that they are saved by faith only (Chrisitnas like to quote John 3:16 and/or Ephesians 2:8-9) is incorrect. These verses talks about faith is an important part of the salvation process, but neither passage says Christians are saved by faith alone. Now as the last resort if Christians may decide to throw Romans 10:10 in support of their claim then, this question begs for an answer that, would it be right to use this verse to teach "confession only?"

Readers must note that this myth of faith alone began in 1517, when Martin Luther exposed the mistakes of the Catholic Church and it started the Protestant epic. The basic doctrine of this Christian reformer was the salvation by faith. At this point it is interesting to note that for 15 centuries, Christians don't have any report about this doctrine in any teachings of Christian theologians, especially at those that are commonly called "the Church fathers".

The fact that the first Christians, who knew about the letter to the Romans, didn't render in the same way the Paul's doctrine and we don't have any report of debates in the writings of the first Christians, it seems that they had cleared Paul's idea. But after 15 centuries, suddenly it arose the dispute on how Christians’ have to understand the Paul's words.

The questions that beg for answers are:

Why Jesus did not promulgate this doctrine?

Why Peter and other disciples who were before Paul did not teach this doctrine?

Why Paul taught this doctrine only to the Romans? If he was speaking about the key of the salvation, the most important knowledge, He dedicated only few Chapters in all his writings, why?

Bible teaches: “Every word may be established in the mouth or 2 or 3 witnesses" see Matthew 18:16 II Corinthians 13:1 Hebrew 10:28.” Jesus is reported to have said this to the Hebrew. One should keep this in mind that every word uttered by Jesus, with the clear subject and with the sharp context; obviously it will have more value then somebody else’s words having no authority.

We read in II Peter 003:014 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 003:015 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 003:016 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

This is a clear warning by Peter, on the topic of “coming of the lord” in which, Peter is saying to the believers to be diligent, without spot and blameless, unfortunately Peter didn't elaborate that what are the problems with the Paul's letters, but it is interesting to take note that if you misunderstand those writings you could lose your salvation.

Having said the above it is important to point out that no building can be constructed without a foundation and/or can be erected without pillars and walls.

In order to remove this misconception, it is inevitable to examine the teachings of the Glorious Qur’aan on this subject. In several verses the Glorious Qur’aan has emphasized to the means through which the mankind can achieve success and salvation. In many Ayaat (verses), salvation has been based on both faith and good deeds. However, faith always comes first. However, these Ayaat (verses) cannot be used explicitly to define the Islaamic aqeedah since there are many other Ayaat (verses){Example: 4:13; 9:111; 13:35; 15:45; 19:63; 26:90; 38:50; 39:73; 44:52; 47:15; 48:5, 17; 50:21; 51:15; 52:17, 54; 54:54; 55:46; 76:12 and 79:41 and many more Ayaat beside these} in the Glorious Qur’aan that mentions salvation is based on faith alone. Thus, one must go to the authoritative sources of Islaam for clarification. Imaam-e-Azam {Great Imaam} Abu Hanifa امامِ آعظم ابو حنيفه رحمته الله عليه has stated the faith and works are two separate things, on a different footing from each other. Many other renowned Muhadditheen and Jurists also supports this. We read in the book al-Ma’arif by Muhaddith Ibn Qutaibah has listed the names of many of these, including Ibrahim Taimi, Amr bin Murrah, Talaq al-Habib, Hammad bin Sulaiman, ‘Abd al-‘Aziz bin Abi Dawud, Kharijah bin Mus’ib, ‘Amr bin Qais al-Asar, Abu Mu’awiyat al-Darir, Yahya bin Zakariya’ and Mus’ir bin Kudam, all of them are Imaams of Hadeeth and riwayaat, hundreds of Traditions narrated by whom have been cited in Sahih Bukhari. Imaam-e-Azam {Great Imaam} Abu Hanifa امامِ آعظم ابو حنيفه رحمته الله عليه wrote to Uthman Batti {a famous Traditionalist} (responding his letter/query) that I quote:

“I assert that all people of Qiblah (Muslims) are mu’mins and that none of them becomes an infidel by omission of works. He who has faith {Imaan} and also performs his duties is without a doubt a mu’min and destined for Paradise. He who is devoid of both faith and works is an infidel and destined for Hell. He who has faith but omit to act is certainly a Muslim, but a sinful one. It is up to Allaah to punish or forgive him.”

Note to readers: The last part of Imaam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa’s ruling is about acting on faith and not about works! That will lead up to the GRACE of Allaah, which is mentioned about 42 (Ayaat/verses) times in the Glorious Qur’aan beside many authentic Ahadeeth. Also Allaah (SWT) has mentioned his MERCY in about 82 Ayaat (verses) times.

Let me cite two Ahadeeth Qudsi احاديث قدسى showing broadness of Allaah’s mercy of His slaves:

(1) Narrated by Abu Huraira رضى الله عنه that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم who said: Allaah عزوجل said: My mercy has preceded (excelled) my wrath. Sahih Muslim حديث صحيح}

(2) Narrated by Abu Huraira رضى الله عنه that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم who said: Allaah عزوجل said: Whenever My slave intends to do a bad deed, (I say to the deeds recording angels): Do not record it against him until he (actually) commits it. If he has done so, write it down exactly as one in his record book. But if he refrains from it for My sake, write down this as a virtue in his favor. And when he intends to do a good deed, but does not actually do it, write it as a virtue for him. And if he puts it into practice, write its reward equal to, from ten to seven hundred times (in his account). { حديث صحيح Sahih Hadeeth reported by Bukhari, Muslim and Tirmidhi}

Christian missionary attacks against Islaam are to deceive people by concealing the truth, while advancing their false belief by misrepresenting the truth that in Christianity salvation is based on faith alone. In Islaam Allaah forgive all sins except Shirk (polytheism) that Christianity at large is guilty of. In Islaam “shirk” is the ultimate crime. In Islaam a person can achieve salvation by faith alone and can have all the sins forgiven without the need of Jesus (a middle-man). According to Islaam and/or Glorious Qur’aan “shirk” outweighs all other crimes put together. Some people may question this notion. But when viewed in a proper context, the fact that there is no crime worse then shirks will become evident to every sincere person.

Other crimes are indeed terrible, but their comparison with shirk shows that they do not hold much significance in relation to this travesty. When a man murders, rapes or steals, the injustice that is done is directed primarily at other humans. But when a man commits shirk, the injustice is directed towards the Creator of the heavens and the earth; that is Allaah. When a person is murdered, all sorts of reasons and explanations are given. But one thing that the murderer cannot claim is that the murdered was someone who provided him with food, shelter, clothing and all the other things, which keep humans aloft in this life.

But when a person commits shirk, they attempt to, willingly or unwillingly, direct an injustice towards the one who has provided them with all these necessary things - and often a whole lot more. This being who provides us with all our needs and wants is of course Allaah, the Lord of this universe. So is it right for us to commit this offence against the one who has provided us with all that we could possibly need? This is the ultimate form of ingratitude which humans’ display, and will eventually cause many people eternal pain. The severity of this crime has been established, but until now you may have been wondering 'what exactly is shirk?'

The Reality of Shirk

Linguistically, shirk means a partnership or to share or associate. However, according to Islaam, it is to give to other than Allaah, that which belongs solely to Allaah. This means that parts of Allaah's creation are given powers and attributes, which belong to Allaah alone, thus, ultimately sending worship to other then Allaah alone. These parts of the creation therefore become partners with Allaah, for example the Christians’ trinity concept.

The purpose of our creation is outlined in the Qur’aan when Allaah says:

"I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me" (Surah Ad-Dhariyat 51:56)

Our very existence on this earth is to worship Allaah alone. By committing shirk; a person ends up denying this very purpose of our creation. To Allaah, this is the gravest of sins and thus unforgivable.

Allaah says:

"Surely Allaah will not forgive the association of partners (shirk) with Him, but He forgives (sins) less then that to whomever He wishes" (Surah An-Nisa 4:48)

This means that everything can be forgiven except shirk. However we should not misunderstand this into thinking that those who commit shirk are totally doomed. Allaah calls Himself by al-Gaffoor (The Most Forgiving), and truly He is the Most Forgiving. If a person commits shirk and then wishes to make repentance, Allaah accepts his repentance and wipes the slate clean. But if the person does not make repentance during his lifetime, then Allaah will not forgive this person on the Day of Judgment. Hellfire will be made eternal and he/she will never come out. It must also be remembered that Allaah through his justice, has not discriminated in the punishment of this crime. If a Muslim commits shirk during his lifetime, and does not make repentance, he too will face the eternal fury of the Hellfire. It is this thought which helps Muslims from becoming too complacent and arrogant like some of the previous nations (example: Children of Israel).

However, it must be kept in mind that after the advent of Islaam, all religions and their scriptures have been abrogated (by Islaam and Glorious Qur’aan) by default.

Glorious Qur’aan says (3:85)!

وَمَنْ يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا فَلَنْ يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

Transliteration

WA- MAN YABTAGHI GHAYR AL- ISLAAM DEN (AN) FA- LAN YUQBAL MIN -HU WA- HUWA FE AL- 'AAKHIRAH MIN AL- KHAASIREN

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.

In conclusion, the facts presented above from the New Testament are evidence that Christians’ claim is not true. Also their faith is in contrast to Old Testament’s teachings with its entirety. It is also obvious that Christian missionary use deception to win converts while misrepresenting the truth about their own man-made religion, beside Islaam