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
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