What is the meaning of those whom the message of Islam has reached?

What is the meaning of those whom the message of Islam has reached?

by Zain Ul Aabideen -
Number of replies: 1

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmatuali wa barakatu,

Most people around the world know that Islam is a religion, but they may not know about what Muslims actually believe. Does this make them amongst those whom the message hasn't reached?

Also people may have grown up in secular environments. Does Allah give openings to everyone to make them think about religion?

Jazakhallah Khayr 

In reply to Zain Ul Aabideen

Re: What is the meaning of those whom the message of Islam has reached?

by Mawlana Irshaad Sedick -
Wa ‘alaykum as-salam wa rahmatuLlah.

Thank you for your excellent question.

I have heard various approaches to this question from renowned traditional scholars. Some are more strict and explain that any opportunity to learn about authentic Islam is sufficient as a means through which Islam reaches people.

Others, including Shaykh Nuh Ha Mim Keller (I am also inclined to this view), opine that while people are generally exposed to Islam, far fewer people have encountered an authentic representation of Islam. They are, therefore, not among those whom the message of Islam reached (according to this view), and Allah knows best.

In conclusion, while we may try and ascertain whether Islam reaches people (in general) or not, in reality, Allah (Most High) alone knows the reality of each individual, and He will judge between us all on the Day of Judgement, and Allah knows best.

بارك الله فيكم
Irshaad Sedick